Missoula Children's Theater

For the last six days my 3 boys have been committed to learning and performing the story
  Jack and the Beanstalk. 

These two were Farmers.

It took 41/2 hours a day Monday - Friday and 7 hours on Saturday.   They performed 2 shows on Saturday in front of 50-75 people each show.   I couldn't be more pleased with how the week went.  The boys made friends, great memories and earned a real sense of accomplishment.  I got to spend 4 hours a day planning for the next school year, hanging out with a good friend and running errands kid free.  Yes, it was a great week indeed!

This little guy was a Wonder Bean.

My Wonder Bean is the Blue one, top left.

That much work doesn't come without some cost.  

The Professor came down with a head cold and couldn't get to sleep until 1:30am the night before the shows.  The Scientist (6 year old) melted down before the first show.  He refused to put on the blue cheek makeup.  He didn't have it on for the show but I didn't even notice.  I found out afterwards that he thought it made the kids look "creepy" and he didn't want in on.   The directors decided to call him "allergic" to makeup and everyone was fine with that.  He melted down so badly though that he treated an adult with disrespect.  We made sure he apologized and restored that relationship. The Architect loved the whole week.  His enthusiasm really surprised us the most.  He performed so well during the first show and was all smiles when we took him to dinner during the break between shows.  But.... he must have been storing up nerves and anxiousness because his dinner came right back up 30 minutes later and about an hour before the next show.  He continued to feel queasy but was determined to go on.  We found out he got sick one more time right before going on but, his strong will and determination to do the show came through. He performed just fine and with a smile.   

Kids can really surprise ya!

 

My Life With Boys . . .

My life with boys does not include this...

A size 0-3 month outfit I found at a wee little consignment store.  This and a couple other items are being packaged up and sent off to a friend who just had her 3rd little girl and 6th child.  I'm probably spoiling the surprise but, this outfit is just too cute.  I had to post a picture right away.
If I had a little girl she would probably be dressed like this.  I adore jean skirts, plaid, stars, and  red, white and blue.  Shopping for a couple little girl outfits was a lot more fun than sifting through boys pants, size 6, to replace ones that have gaping holes in the knees. (Don't get me wrong, I'm plenty thankful for my three wonderful boys.)
Now, this sweet little outfit may only fit for a few weeks and it may not be practical for everyday wear but, I'm not thinking of that. 

No, my life with boys does not normally include shopping for tiny, little, girl outfits.   Thankfully, I have friends that give me reasons to.

Update - Here's a link to see the sweet little girl wearing this dress. DRESS

Summer Fashion...

Leather headband, pouch, bow and ax.  

It's summertime.

A Sweet Suite at Safeco...

I'm at least a week behind in posting.  But it's summer and there is plenty to do.  Plus, I'm trying not spend too much time with my computer.  Less time with the computer means less time blogging but more time with family and summer projects that must get done.

Last weekend we had a special treat.  We watched a Mariner game in a suite.  I bought 8 tickets a few months ago through my alumni association at my University, UAF.  We took the whole family plus Grandma Patty, Uncle Chuck and Auntie Jodie.
The whole suite experience is like riding first class in an airplane.   We had a complimentary parking pass and entered through the garage sky bridge on level 3.  We passed through 5 check points and at each one the boys where given baseball cards and treated like they were stars going to the big game.

I think the best part about the suites is that the food is catered and it never runs out.  The boys could go and get as much as they wanted all evening.  Bottled water and sodas are complimentary and big fancy cookies are served after the 7th inning.   The Mariner Moose also comes by each suite for a visit and picture opportunities.  I loved that we didn't have to chase him down or wait in a long line to get a picture.  There are many perks in a suite.

The game was another great one.  

 Mariner's won over the Rangers 7-0.

Britannia Mine in BC...

On the way up to Whistler there is a jem of a place called Britannia.  It's a museum now but back in it's hay day in 1929 it produced 17% of the world's copper and was the largest copper mine in the British Empire.  The mine shut down in 1974 due to increasing operation costs.  In 1975 it opened as a museum.

Activities include...

Entering the mountain through one of the tunnels. 

Panning for copper, gold and silver.

Found something.

Mostly Copper but possible a flake of gold.

 Despite the rain, we had fun.  Then we had to exit through the gift shop.  The fun ended there.

The Second Amendment...

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

2nd Skirt ~ Finally Finished...

It took me awhile but I finally finished the 2nd skirt.  You can read the first post here (SKIRT.) I'm not a seamstress and at the moment I probably sew better by hand than with a machine but this project requires a machine so off to Mom's I went.  Thanks Mom.   I'm still thinking about getting my own machine but I'm not thinking about it very hard.

This skirt was not without its challenges and it's not perfect but, I do like it more than the first one.  Now, if someone could just help me pick out some shoes I would very much appreciate it.  Mrs. S. or Mrs. O?  Have any suggestions for me?

Slip 'N Slide...

In 1961 Wham-O introduced the original Slip 'N Slide.  It wasn't until the early '80s, I was 10 or so, living in Alaska, when I first heard about this fun toy from TV commercials.  I remember trying to find one all summer.  I never did.  I never got to play on a Slip 'N Slide.  I think I tried to make one but without much success.  

 Now I can buy some type of the toy in any store I walk into.  Ever since the boys have been little we have had some type of summer water fun for the front yard.  It has certainly been a few years though and I was happy to grant a birthday wish for a Slip 'N Slide for our summer fun this year.

 With the temperatures barely reaching 68 degrees the boys braved the chilly water and broke in the slide.  Brrrrr!

The Architect Turns 9 ...

Last year the Architect had a less than stellar birthday.  He was at cub scout resident camp and woke up the morning of his 8th birthday to a full day of cub scout activities. What he really wanted to be doing was having a family birthday gathering with cake, ice cream and presents.

 Well, I made up for it this year.  I even overheard him say "This is my best birthday ever!"  It's so sweet to hear the boys say that even when they say it nearly every Birthday and Christmas.

A Red Rider BB gun, Slip-n-Slide, Nerf shooter, Mariner hat, and cards and gifts from family.  This boy, who so rarely places himself in the spotlight, was a very happy birthday boy being the center of attention.