Weekend Update

The only thing better than a three-day weekend is a weekend that is kicked off with a field trip on Friday. Lauren and Grace had a field trip last Friday to a neighboring high school for a production of Annie. They were excited about the field trip, and they were ecstatic about Annie (a favorite), but they have been firm about preferring to watch others perform. In fact, before the show there was an announcement about a two week summer camp at the end of July, and before I could say anything they both looked and me and simultaneously said, "NO."

Backing up, I have been floating the idea of theater for a while. Their school has a wonderful drama program, and they were eligible to join this year, although neither Lauren nor Grace were interested. Their high school cousins are very active in their school's program, but the duo have remained indifferent. So my interest (for them) was definitely piqued when the hosting school announced a summer camp because I was hoping it would be significantly more cost effective than the Children's Theatre programs (at $300/week/child), but they shot that idea down.  

Never underestimate the power of Annie. Having a really nice theater in which to perform certainly helped them feel like they were at an off-Broadway production. The final little selling point was when I pointed out an adorable little cast member and told them she was the daughter of a friend of mine (we used to work together). 

"Isn't she doing a fantastic job?" I asked. "Oh, how exciting that must be!"  

Lauren became a little curious.  

"Is she a real actress?"

Bingo. That must be what it feels like to catch a fish. I almost have them convinced, but as every parent knows, it has to be their idea. The production was wonderful, and they enjoyed it immensely.  

 After school, Grammie came over for a visit and spent the night, and Saturday morning she helped us run an important errand. A few weeks ago, Lauren came home with a flyer for a beauty pageant. Now, I'm not really a pageant person (huge understatement; I don't think I have ever watched a televised pageant), and Skip's family are notoriously anti-pageant (long story). However, Lauren asked very sincerely if she could participate, and my stated position on pageants for them has always been that I would never initiate pageant activity but that I would not reflexively say "no," if they asked.  Therefore, when she was very interested, we agreed. Gracie, on the other hand, was the opposite of interested, but promised to cheer for Lauren. So... our first shopping trip to look for a dress was Saturday morning, and we found a dress at our first stop. Actually, it was the second dress she tried on, and we decided it was a keeper. Lauren was completely captivated by all the satin, taffeta, sequins and beading, and she was definitely in her happy place. After we finished up at the shop, we were discussing lunch options when Lauren said, "I think I'd like to go to Ruth's Chris." We had to bring her back down to earth, and our choice of O'Charley's did exactly that. 

(Not the official dress)

Some friends of ours had invited us over for a bonfire by their pond Saturday night. Their son had a friend over, and they were paddling around on the pond when we arrived, looking very Huck Finn/Tom Sawyer. We sat around the fire talking and watching all the kids play, and doing so made for a very relaxing evening.  

After church Sunday, the trio and Skip got out the bicycles, and the trio rode all afternoon. Personally, we are definitely ready for spring break and for a lot more leisure time.  

Have a fantastic week.