Kindergarten "Graduation"

I have never been a fan of the kindergarten graduation. I think it's a little much.  I mean, they have 12 more years of school for goodness sake.  Not to mention that it sets a precedence right then and there - it's the beginning of entitlements.  It kills me to see parents with bouquets of flowers and huge gifts for their little KINDERGARTNER. 

I guess my dad's practical side of me comes out in these instances. 

With all that said, I did get a little caught up in the event.  I mean, seriously, this is my last kindergartner and she IS the cutest one there.  I mean look at that smile.

 The poor girl is so small that you can't even see her.  She got stuck behind kids that were a good head taller.

 Here she is waiting to get her "certificate".  I could tell she was getting worried because they were calling them by class and since our last name is a V she was one of the last.  I think she thought she would never get called.  Again , the cutest one there.

 

 I think she's feeling a little proud.

 If only I could keep her this little.

 She seriously LOVES her daddy.  And she loved that he had the day off to be able to come.  That doesn't happen very often.

 McKenna and Hannah - they really are friends despite the fact that Hannah has her in a head lock and it looks like she's punching her in the throat.  They are so fun to watch and listen to.

 McKenna and her teacher, Mrs. DeLacerna

She is an amazing teacher.  Having two kindergarten classes of 30 kids each and being able to keep them all straight and know their names, keep them in line and on task all day, and not lose it by the end of the day, she's a regular miracle worker.

Such a fun year for McKenna.  She learned so much and I'm glad it's over because that half day car pool was killing me by the end of the year.



Mother's Day - May 2013

Mother's day is not my favorite day but these girls sure make it entertaining.

 I went ahead and posted all of these pics since everyone decided to have their best picture in a different one from everyone else.

 Then it just turned into a mini photo session for us.

Mommy and Alexa

 Olivia and Mommy

 Mommy and Maya

Mommy and McKenna

 And dinner by the dad!

 

Until next year. . .

Prom Night!

No, Tim and I didn't "go to the prom".  We worked to the prom.  We were given the great opportunity to help with the LDS Prom here in Tucson.  Are you thinking to yourself, "what is an LDS prom?"  It's a prom that our church puts on that is a fun and uplifting environment for the kids 16 - 18 years old.  After this experience, I think the regular prom doesn't even compare to the LDS Prom.

It's not just for members of our church, anyone 16-18 years old who is willing to live by the standards set for that night could attend.  (Hint:  That's what makes it such a great event and a good clean fun environment.  Maybe the schools should try it sometime.)

We were asked to help with the food.  Of course, Tim loved the idea and of course, I stressed about the whole thing for the entire planning process.  We had two great ladies that also were on the committee with us along with someone to dress up the tables to make them look fancy and our very own fruit specialist who came in and did these awesome wishing wells out of watermelons.  So cool.  I can't believe the effort that was put into the whole night.  Jenn Crotts, the lady in charge of the entire prom did a fabulous job and worked tirelessly for months.  She was so involved to every detail which, I think is exactly why it was such a success.  They had karaoke with a big blow up screen, flip books for the kids to make, great photo ops, flowers for the guys to give their dates, etc. 

Alexa can't wait until she can go NEXT YEAR!  Uh, what?  Next year?  I don't even like thinking about that. 

 

Tim and I at the prom. 

This was a crazy night.  Maya had two performances for Suessical that day and luckily my parents came down and took her and all the girls.  What a help that was.  We also didn't get home until 2 in the morning so it was nice having them here.

Pulled pork sliders

 fruit and veggies

(notice the wishing well watermelon on the table - it had dry ice in it.)

 Deconstructed sandwiches

(I didn't think these would be a big hit, but I sure was wrong.)

 The man who did the watermelon wishing wells also does metal work.  He did this sign.  I absolutely love it.  What talent some people have.

 I don't know if you can tell but this centerpiece has a fish in it. 

More centerpieces

Some more talented people made these trees for on the dance floor.  This is how they camouflaged the two poles that were in the room.

 The incredible treats.  They tasted as good as they look.

 The Candy Bar!

 More of the candy bar.

Jenn and I were in charge of this.  It was a big hit.  The kids LOVED the cotton candy

and the cake pops.

 Centerpiece in the evening lighting.

 I loved this path.  It had trees on both sides that hung over with lights all over the trunks and jars with lights in them hanging from the trees.  They looked like fireflies which I LOVED!

 Another angle of the food with the wishing wells.

Here is a link of more pictures if you are interested in seeing more.

 

http://ldsprom.pass.us/ldsprom/

Such a fun night for everyone.  The chaperone's enjoyed it just as much as the kids.  I don't think there were any problems the entire night.

Suessical the Musical

#372 reason I love my girl's school:  The opportunity to be in a musical directed by a teacher with such vision. 

This year Olivia decided she wanted to be in the audience and Maya DEFINTILY wanted to be on stage (front and center to be exact.)

Maya wanted to play the part of the baby kangaroo.  She auditioned and got her wish.  Here she is with the Sour Kangaroo (the mama).  You are probably thinking she doesn't look much like a kangaroo.  The director's vision was to have the characters dress in 1920's style clothing and have the fabrics match their characters.  The large sash is representing the kangaroo pouch.  Let me say, much easier to make dresses than a whole kangaroo costume. 

The Who's in the play wore all yellow.  If you see a yellow dress, those are the ones I worked on (with LOTS of help.) 

 

 

 Can you find the Cat in the Hat?

 The Wickersham Brother's!

 The star of the show (to me.)

 All the jungle people.  If you look closely you can see the leopard print fabric, turtle fabric, lion fabric, etc.  I LOVED all those costumes.  But my favorites were the bird costumes.  And would you believe, I didn't get ONE picture of them.  UGH!

 Oh, the two girls in between the Kangaroo's were birds.  Poor quality of picture though.

 MAYA!

 Mrs. Schwartz, the director, after the show with the Cat in the Hat.

 One proud papa.

 This girl is so fun.

Can you tell she loved every minute of this? 

 Maya and Mrs. Schwartz

The following are videos that I took from my seat.  They are for Grumps and Abuela who were unable to attend.  We wish they could have come but we completely understand.  Hope you will enjoy these little snippets.  Some of the audio isn't the greatest.  The equipment they used wasn't the best and some sweet high school students were so kind to run the equipment.  After watching them during rehearsals, I have a greater appreciation for what a BIG job that is. 

Oh The Things You Can Think

 

 

Forgot to mention that 2 weeks before the performance, the boy who playd Horton was diagnosed with cancer and couldn't be in the play.  So sad but a great opportunity for this cast to come together and support him.  They donated a lot of the money to him.  The boy who took over the part had to learn Horton's part in less than 2 weeks.  A big job and I think he did a great job.

 

This video Maya isn't in but it has Mazy (one of the birds).  Her dress was all home made.  Some people have skills, don't they?  Great job for all those ladies who spent all those hours sewing.

AMAZING!