Sunday, April 15, 2012

peter pan

I think we might just live in one of the best neighborhoods around. We enjoy wide streets, parks and walking trails, a summer family festival, AND the elementary school play. The elementary school has a theater program which is truly amazing.

Emma was in Young King Arthur last year as a narrator. Despite having a wonderful experience last year, we basically had to force her to participate in the production of Peter Pan this year. She was cast as Wendy. Slade decided to be in it also and was a pirate. With my neighbor and good friend as one of the directors, I was also recruited to choreograph one of the dances and take lots and lots of pictures. Not to mention making 4 Wendy costumes. There was a lot of time involved for me and the kids but it was definitely well worth it.

Our beautiful Wendy Darling



I wish there was a way to fully convey how wonderfully done the play is. You'd likely dismiss an elementary school play as being merely passable in quality and entertainment. Peter Pan was not that. It boasted a cast of 130 children in grades 4-6, a cleverly written script, two dances, a cool pirate ship set, great sound and video effects and even lights. Here is a video with some small clips:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150629314833517

I took a LOT of pictures. 1759 to be exact. Here is a smidgen:

banished from the nursery

"Can I give you a kiss?"

Let's fly!

Pirates. ARGH!

"While we're gone, I want you to tidy up the hideout, get dinner prepared and make sure to be all ready for bed by the time we get back."

 
4 darling Wendys in the 4 costumes I sewed





You can see a few more pictures HERE. If you really want to see even more, you can go HERE.

Emma says, "The best part was the flying scene. It felt magical. I am glad that my mom made me do the play because I had a great experience. I was sad when it was over. And by the way, Peter 2 is really cute."

Slade says, "I was a little nervous but I just wanted to try it. I will remember being up there with my friends. I had a great time."


Perhaps the best indicator of the play's awesomeness is that Slade, who generally hates doing anything in front of people, wants to be in the play again next year. Hurray for that!

Monday, April 9, 2012

evening at the park

Nathan chose to go to the park tonight for our Family Home Evening activity. The weather was lovely today so everyone was happy with that idea. I took pictures while...


Nathan and Slade skateboarded.


Dave, Emma and Sawyer played soccer.




Anne climbed at the playground and did some twirling in the grass.



Ben smiled and crawled.



Slade actually (almost unbelievably) decided to join in the soccer game.

Dave worked hard to earn Best Dad in the World status by playing soccer and then tag. My favorite quote of the evening came when Dave was chasing down Slade in the game of tag. Slade took off across the field with Dave following behind. Dave settled into a jogging pace and said to Slade, "How long do you think you can last? I ran 11 miles on Saturday so I can go for quite awhile."

My picture taking came to an end when Ben decided he was done crawling and wanted to walk instead. Unfortunately walking requites assistance (which he demands all day long!).


Darkness fell upon us so we returned home for another round of Easter candy. It was a great night which left me looking forward to more evenings in the park.