Friday, July 24, 2009

The Music Man

Last night we took the RGs to their first live musical production (if you don't count the Sea World shows). They are huge fans of The Music Man and our local theatrical company just happens to be performing it this summer.

We arrived early for good blanket placement on the hill and spent the waiting time eating and playing with friends.

I wasn't sure how the show would go over. Love or hate? Sometimes, when you like a movie so much, any other version is a sad and rude comparison. So, I held my breath just a bit as the opening number began.
Roo's eyes lit up like Christmas, then she jumped to her feet. And she bounced along with the actors and sang along with as much of the song as she's learned so far. Hilarious! Everyone around us was cracking up... at Roo!

A few numbers into the show, she turned to us and said, "Oh, thank you Mama! Thank you, Daddy!"
Oh, baby, you are so very welcome.
Em was mesmerized during the entire 3 hours. She froze in place for each musical number and then would leap to her feet at the end and clap wildly, yelling, "YEA!!!!!"

During the Shipoopi, Em grabbed Roo's hand and they attempted a little free-style dance. Tricky when you're perched on the side of a hill. But, super cute.

The funniest thing all night occurred close to the end. There's a scene in the final town hall meeting when the mayor yells at his wife, Eulalie MacKechnie Shinn, to sit down instead of standing and siding with the rest of the town. The girls love this line. The delivery and the physical comedy that follow absolutely slays them. So, J and I had a clue that there might be some RG audience participation as the line drew near. Sure enough. The actor delivered the line, the actress did her part, and then, there was just a half second of quiet. In that moment, Roo belted out, "EUWAWIE! SIT. DOWN." Everyone, even those on stage, heard her and started laughing.

After the performance, J took Roo down the hill to meet the cast. We packed up and headed home around midnight. And if the girls ask, I think we'd totally take them back tomorrow night for an encore. It was that much fun.

lollipops and cotton candy
the Shipoopi!


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Baby Hippo

Dear Sweet Ones,

Wanted to share this pic of this baby hippo we saw at Ngorongoro Conservation area last week. It is the littlest one we have ever seen. I am guessing the hippo in the back is the Mama.....she looks like she has a smile on her face. It is unusual for hippos to be lying in the sun. They are easily burned by the sun and try to stay in the water during the day light hours.

Pappaw and I are doing fine. It is winter here while you are having summer there. The winter here isn't cold like it is in Texas. I love summers in Texas and can just imagine all of you playing in the water.

I love all of you so much and pray for each of you by name every day. We can't wait to see you in a few months.

Love,
Mammaw and Pappaw

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Toddler Slang, part 3

What you're likely to hear and what it actually means...

"I want knees and toes"
translation: Cover up my legs with a blanket.

"Raisin eggs"
translation: Yogurt-covered raisins.

"swimming cool"
translation: The swimming pool.

"party in my tummy"
translation: A reference to a Yo Gabba Gabba song about eating things you don't particularly want (like veggies).

"womenade bubbles"
translation: Lemonade with just a little bit of lemon-lime soda added.

"a yewow makie tent"
translation: A Nannie blanket laid over the top of Em's crib tent.

"my weash for my Pongo puppy"
translation: Maggie dog's leash attached to a Dalmatian stuffed animal (enabling it to be dragged around the house).

"Maggie and Mo for bed"
translation: A stuffed animal border collie and puppy that have now been christened with the same name as our pets.

"Sesame Street Friends"
translation: 4 stuffed Sesame Street dolls and 4 plush Sesame St. finger puppets that Roo must have squared away in order to sleep.

"want to share!"
translation: I really want you to give it to me and go away.

"the cave"
translation: Playing under the covers in Mama's bed.

"scriptures music"
translation: Seeds Family Worship music CD that the RGs listen to at night.




Saturday, July 18, 2009

Braidy Bunch


Aunt Kaki worked some hair magic the other day with Em.
Her very first braids.
Beautiful.





Wednesday, July 15, 2009

triple threat

They dance. They sing. And they know how to take a fall.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

they think they can dance

Em and Roo burned up a good half hour last night 'dancing'. It mostly involved holding hands and running in a circle. The Music Man was playing. Em did a little marching skip and pumped her hand up and down like the band leader. Roo just held on for the ride.




At one point, I thought Roo was being dragged along for the ride.
When she fell, I was sure the game was over.
Not even close.
She couldn't get to her feet fast enough and was asking Em to hold her hand again.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

A Little Night Music

Just see if you can guess what the RGs new favorite musical is these days.



The camera is aimed at Roo's bed, but you'll certainly hear Em singing along from across the room. And possibly my muffled laughter in the background.