Wicked

For Mother's Day, my Dad took my mom and I to see Wicked in downtown Jacksonville. We, along with a group of my dad's fabulous coworkers, hit a quaint little eatery called Biscotti's in the Avondale area of Jax, which reminds me of the Avenues in SLC. After a wonderful dinner, we all left for the play, held in the Times Union Center of the Performing Arts. I was so excited to see this play...although I have to admit that if you would have asked me to go a few years ago, verses seeing something else, I probably would have taken the "something else."

I've seen many plays before, on and off Broadway, but usually find that my favorites fall in the drama category, with the likes of Les Mis (my absolute favorite!) and Phantom of the Opera (a very close 2nd). And from the little I had heard about Wicked's actual story line, it didn't do much for me. But after so many friends and family had actually seen the play and come back with absolutely glowing reviews, I started to think that maybe this one had something unique to it. And let me tell you, it does!If you haven't seen the play yet, find out where it is playing, and GO! You won't be disappointed! The music is wonderful and the comedy hilarious. And you all know me, I'm a hard one to please when it comes to comedy. But the best part of all is the darling friendship that occurs throughout the play. Loved it.

Thanks, Dad, for taking your two dates on such a fabulous night out on the town. And thanks, Jeff, for watching ALL 3 kids for the night. It was a night out that I desperately needed!

The pool is open!

One of the main reasons we bought our house was to have access to the amazing amenity center the neighborhood has to offer. Since we moved here in October, we've made good use of the playground, but all the while, we dreamed of the day that we would officially be residents and have access to the pool. Well today was the day we've been waiting for!And it's amazing what a year will do. Last summer, Garrett was so timid and insecure about being in the water. But the minute we got to the pool, all I had to do was remind him that he would be OK in water as deep as 4 feet. And off he went. Next thing I knew, he was SWIMMING! And...he even accepted my offer to take swimming lessons this year! Wow! That is music to my ears since last year we were politely asked to drop out of the lessons I had signed him up for (love you, Jocelyn!). But I had to agree with the advice. He just clearly wasn't ready then. But he is now. And I'm so proud of him.And, I don't need to tell you that what my "monkey sees...my monkey does." Monkey "doing"...aka, Isaac. The kid didn't even take the time to think about whether or not he could even swim. He just saw that Garrett was in the "deep end" and so like everything else Isaac does, he just jumped in and went for it. And yes, I did have to save him at one point, which quickly brought him back to reality. But once they were both comfortable about their H2O boundaries, for one whole evening these boys were in heaven.I see many summer days being spent at this locale...And even Lola loved it!

Lola's Blessing Day

It's always a day that I look forward to after having each of my babies...their Blessing Day. Surrounded by strong Priesthood holders, including my dad and brother Craig, Lola was blessed by her father on this, her special day. I'm so grateful that Jeff holds the Priesthood and has the authority to give Lola, and each of our children, a Father's blessing. The blessing was beautiful and so fitting for such a sweet, little girl. And not only was it a tribute to our Lola, but through the words of the blessing, we were all reminded of the amazing and wonderful woman in whom this little girl is named after...my grandmother, Lola Rigby. I've said this many times before, but if Lola turns out to be half the woman that my grandma was, I will be forever blessed and grateful.

Unfortunately, with the excitement of the day, we completely forgot to take any family pictures!!! That is so unlike me or my mom to not remember to completely document the moment! But I wasn't going to let this day come and go without some photo memories, so I came home and conducted my own, makeshift photo shoot of Lola in her blessing dress. And what a beautiful dress it is! I actually found it over 3 years ago at TJ Maxx in Orlando, of all places! I wasn't even pregnant with Isaac yet, but when I saw the dress, I just knew that one day I would have a little girl that would wear it. I'm so glad I acted on my instincts and bought the dress. And thanks to my mom, who took in the neck and arms a little bit so it would fit better, it turned out as beautiful and unique as I dreamed it would.Love you, my sweet and happy girl!

Coming right along...

Even though Lola's nursery isn't quite done yet, I couldn't wait to share some photos of what we've done thus far. I've had so much help along the way and am so grateful for it! There is no way it would have turned out this beautiful if it was just me doing it on my own. So thanks to all those that have shared their ideas and creative flair. Each time I enter her room, I see something else that people I love have generously gifted to Lola's room!

A special thank you to my mom for making the most beautiful curtains ever! I've said this before, but curtains are what make a room! And they surely didn't disappoint in this one! With the help of Nattie and Cassie picking out the material, my mom stayed up so late many nights in order to get these done first. And I absolutely love them. I love that they are one of the first things you see when you walk in the room.And thanks to Nattie for helping me redo the dresser. Again...I love it!And a most heartfelt thank you to my mother-in-law, Joan, for giving Lola the most beautiful cross-stitch creation. She makes one of these for every grandchild, and knowing how much time and energy that goes into a project like this, touches me every time I walk in the room. Thank you, Grandma Joan! More pictures are sure to follow. There are still a few things I'm working on!