Wing It!

In all the running around we do with the older boys, I have felt lately that Isaac gets the short end of the stick. When the other boys were little we would go to museums, parks, etc., all the time. Isaac just sort of tags along with whatever everyone else is doing. So we took an afternoon, just him and me, and went to the "Wing It! Things That Fly" exhibit at the Arizona Museum for Youth. We had a riot! Our two favorite activities: the airplane flight simulator, and the "green room." In the green room you could dress up with bird wings, bat wings, or different super-hero capes. Then you would lie on a table and watch yourself fly through the air on a moving screen. We laughed ourselves silly. I love this boy.

Scout-O-Rama

The Grand Canyon Council Scout-O-Rama is always so incredible! Jeremy took Jacob and Isaac this year, along with Jacob's friend, Richy, while I attended a Stake Relief Society Conference. I'm a little envious of the fun they had. Just look at all the great activities. Love it.

Music Man, Jr.

We were all so excited when Noah was given the role of Mayor Shinn in TJH's production of Music Man, Jr. We are so proud of him for making huge sacrifices to stick with it through the months of rehearsals. But it was all worth it when showtime came around. One of my favorite memories will always be getting to do Noah's makeup. We just shook with laughter as we did it. But Noah got lots of compliments. Isn't he cute?

Mayor Shinn with his wife, Eulalie, and daughter, Gracie.

The mayor and the school board listening to Harold Hill's proposals.

He almost has Mayor Shinn warming up to the idea,

but the Mayor has other plans. "Get that man's credentials!"

Then Charlie Cowell comes to town and confirms the Mayor's suspicions.

Even Marian Paroo can't dissuade the Mayor. Finally, the Mayor says, "Where's the band?" and is amazed as the town's boys are able to play the Minuet in G.

The end. They did such an outstanding job!

Mrs. Shinn takes a bow.

And Mayor Shinn takes a well-deserved bow. We keep hearing comments about how he stole the show. What a ham!

Thank you to wonderful directors: Mrs. McFarland, Mr. Meade, and Emily Ellingson. You've given Noah "something special."

What a great cast! Noah has made and strengthened so many good friendships through the many hours of rehearsals. Such a neat group of kids.

New York, New York!

The Mesa High Orchestra, Choir, and Band took a trip to New York City in April. Spencer had worked so hard to earn the money so he could go. It was a little nerve-wracking dropping him off at the airport but the excitement was infectious and the chaperones were well-trained. We knew we left him in good hands!

On their first morning in NY, the group took a ferry ride to see the Statue of Liberty. Just beautiful!

It was so fun to go through all of Spencer's photos when he got home and see his photographer's eye. Isn't this gorgeous?

He loved taking pictures of all the public art and fascinating architecture.

The kids were able to participate in customized Master Classes and also performed in front of the Lincoln Center and at the Church of St. Paul while they were there.

They loved dining at the retro 50's Stardust Diner.

Their home base was the Holiday Inn on 6th Ave.

This is a stunning view from the Top of the Rock, the observation deck on top of Rockefeller Center. The group also went to "La Traviata" at the New York Metropolitan Opera.

This was the restaurant where they ate breakfast every morning.

Spencer adored everything in Times Square. They all got to see the Broadway production of "Mary Poppins."

Awww. So cute. Spencer and Kylie.

Again, Spencer's eye for interesting detail:

The Mormons in the group got excited when they drove by this building!

The group visited St. Patrick's Cathedral,

and took a backstage tour of the Radio City Music Hall. The boys especially enjoyed meeting some of the Rockettes!

Spencer took so many beautiful photos inside the Radio City Music Hall. These are just a few:

He loved seeing beneath the hydraulic stage.

Welcome Home, Spencer! We missed you but love that you had this neat experience. Go Mesa!