Week 3

Monday, Jan. 12th

Both Tim and I were able to be with Lisa during her 7th of 8 chemo treatments.  Mercifully her nurse was able to change things up a bit, and she tolerated treatment better this round.  She's incredible!  Though the morning was obviously not a 'fun' one, it somehow felt right that we were all there together, each holding the other in the midst of the storm.  We also got to meet Dr. Kapoor, one uniquely, hilarious character.  He and Tim did well together :)

School had closed at the threat of snow which never did come, so Lisa's kids were at my house for the day.

After watching an episode of Cupcake Wars, Madison deciding to split up into teams and have their own competition.

I'm not sure a winner was declared.  They were short on taste-testers due to the fast.  Fun had by all!

Tuesday, Jan. 13th

Sign of life, Lisa.

Wednesday, Jan. 14th
Finally, we got to meet Precious Olivia.  Such a pretty, good-natured baby.  We had a lovely visit with Amy and Ryan in their beautiful home.

Amy's closet was immaculate, including her insane shoe collection perfectly displayed.  I told her my closet had not looked worse since high school!  It's out.of.control.  I texted her this picture to prove it.  I'm not proud.  I just need two hours and about 4 garbage bags! (...and a $1,500 custom closet system would be suh-weet!)

Thursday, Jan. 15th
HaPpY bIrThDaY, C4 and Lisa!!!

Gramma and Bobbi came up to cover the girls' dance and lunch so we could take C4 out.  Twinsies in support for Lisa:

Colombo and Karen stopped by with C4's gift.  He wasn't home, so Daddy stood in for a picture with his parents.

Friday, Jan. 16
Spiritual Emphasis began with a Friday night service, focused on the youth.

Saturday, Jan. 17th

Jules' through a surprise (but he knew) party for Bob.  The big Five-Oh!  Such a lovely evening with their dear friends and family.

The program included several people saying very nice things about Bob, speaking about his upright character, fun stories from his childhood, and just how much worth his life has.

With a little art help from me and a little iTunes help from Colombo, Jules pulled off an amazing roast / toast for Bob.  We laughed, we cried.  Very creative and touching.  She chose about a dozen songs and used clips from them to work into her story.

Bob is a very special part of our lives.  A good friend, an encourager, and always a listening ear.  We are so thankful for his life!

Karen took the kids ***overnight!!!!*** Saturday, so when we woke up Sunday morning, we were invited back to LeBlanc's for brunch with David and Beth and Simon and Manuela who had stayed overnight from Boston / Lowell.  Over the years, we've gotten to know both couples quite well.  The eight of us enjoyed a morning of food, laughs, and rousing political and religious banter.  Lots of brain cells in that room!  

From there, Colombo and I went to the noon service together (that lets out at like 1:30....so late!) and then went together to order much needed living room furniture.  You'll have to wait to see it ;)

Spring Showcase '14

Spring Showcase!  I think I never finished this post (posting approximately seven months later!) because of the overwhelming amount of pictures.  Between two dress rehearsals and two shows, I took over 600.  In addition, another dad took several hundred and shared them on Facebook.

At this point, there's not a whole lot to say about it.  The recital was aMaZiNg!  Kandie Melendez is choreographic genius.  She keeps it fresh, fun, and family-friendly.  The same cannot be said for all studios.  I'm ever amazed by her talent and creativity and just so thankful for the opportunity we have to work with her.  It's been a blessing!

Madison was in about a dozen numbers.  Trevor was in his jazz routine and the finale.  I'm gonna post a spattering of my favorites in no particular order.  Sadly, I have not-a-one picture of Trevor on stage. He had a quick change from his costume to his finale, so I had to wait for him backstage during his dance.  Maybe the other dad photographer was in the bathroom, because he didn't post any of his class either :(  Sorry, Trevor.  At least we have it on video!!

Sisters

Working out the kick line.

Trevor was hi.lar.i.ous this night.  Totally held court with the ladies in his class.  He told them jokes, made them giggle, goofed around, and generally had their undivided, doey-eyed attention for the better part of dress rehearsal.  He was in rare form.

Photobomb!

Yup, Trevor was The Man!  A hit with the girls for the first half of rehearsal.  Right up until his forehead met a leg on the piano.  That sort of took the wind out of his sails. :(   Another milli-whatevers of force and our night would have drastically shifted gears to a trip to the ER.

Dress rehearsals are long and a tad chaotic.  Understandably. 

The opening number was Great Gatsby theme.

"The Sun is Rising" (lyrical solo)

"Ghost" (contemporary)  I loved this costume!

"Working on a Coal Mine" (tap)

Corey's tap.

"Pirates" (ballet)

"Applause" (jazz) Maddy's favorite costume.

"Hooray for Hollywood" (tap)

"Radioactive" (jazz)

"Breath of Life" (lyrical)

"I Will Not Be Moved" (jazz)

Finale.  Some of the dads were a part of the beginning of finale.

Madison received her 10 Year trophy.

Patient 5 year old fans who sat through all 3 hours!

One cute moment during the second dress rehearsal was when a pretty lyrical duet began, the music stopped, and some of the kids ran out to surprise Miss Kandie with a spontaneous hip-hop song.  

Thank you to everyone who endured the lengthy day and supported the kids.  We always appreciate our fan turnout.