Last Week

For some reason last week was a long week and yet we really didn't do that much. Maybe it's because we were so go, go, go in the previous weeks that once we stopped it felt as though time stopped to.

We (Rachel, her kids and Sam and I) did get to the Fort Worth Water Gardens and part of the Historic Stockyards. We were going to do the Cattlepen Maze but when we got there neither Rachel or I had any cash and that's all they took. We went to an ATM across the street but it wasn't working. So we have postponed it for another day. We did get to see the Longhorns and I must say they are amazing animals. I've always wondered it they get headaches with those horns. Probably not, but it still makes me go...hmmmm. While there we had a great lunch at Riscky's BBQ. YUMMY! I'll go there again for sure. It was a hot (okay very hot) day but it was a lot of fun.

Rachel also gave me a CD full of pictures that she took of the final show of Music Man. Along with my few pictures and hers I'll share a few of them with you. Thank you Rachel for taking them!

Oh, another big thanks goes out to Rachel for promoting me and the photo contest on her blog! YEAH & THANK YOU!

Which reminds me...I've had an amazing jump in readership the past few days...now I just need all of you to vote for me. See the post at the top of the page.

Now for the pictures:

Music Man Photos:

Music Man Final Performance

Click on the photo to view more pictures.

Some of the pictures might be a bit blurry but I kept them in so it would give you more of an idea of the musical. Thanks again to Rachel for taking them for me.

Fort Worth Water Gardens and Stockyards:

Fort Worth Water Gardens and Longhorn Heard Click on photo to see more.

Opening Night

Opening night of "The Music Man" was wonderful! We had over 300 people in attendance (only a couple of seats were empty!) and they were a great responsive audience! I only have some photos of us in our costumes and also from the cast party last night. I'll try to get more pictures tonight and post them all at once. We're going to be leaving here in just a few more minutes for the first show today. We have a show at 3:00 and again at 7:00. Then we strike the set and it will all be but a wonderful memory.

Need A Laugh? Got Troubles?

Our run through of "The Music Man" last night went really well! We have dress rehearsal tonight and then it's off to the performances. Since I know that I have some Texas readers here is what was posted in our church bulletin:

"Looking for a fun, family event that is full of music and laughter? Then join us for Meredith Willson's "The Music Man" on Friday, July 25, at 7:00 p.m. or Saturday July 26, at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. in the A&E Gym. We've assembled some of the best talent in the area, representing seven different congregations and hundreds of hours of stage experience to bring this classic musical to life. This is the story of a small-town con man who promises to bring the excitement and thrill of a marching band to the sleepy town of River City, Iowa, all the while knowing he knows nothing about directing a band or music. "Professor" Harold Hill intends to leave the town high and dry as he pockets proceeds from the band instruments, instruction books and band uniforms, but gets his foot "caught in the door" of Miss Marian Paroo who offers unconditional love and acceptance. Performed with a full professional orchestra and exceptional costumes and sets, this family-friendly musical will be a delightful respite from the Texas head and the burdens of the day. Tickets will be on sale in the Atrium this weekend for $10 for adults and $5 for children age 13 and younger. Proceeds will go to help the Kairos Prison Ministry and flood victims in Iowa."

Today Sam and I got to go to one of the local High Schools to borrow some of their marching band uniforms. They will also be helping perform the last number! How cool!

I did take some pictures and videos last night but since I was standing off to the side they didn't come out the greatest. But hopefully it will wet your appetite! Harold and Marian

Harold with the Pick-A-Little Ladies

Quartet with the Pick-A-Little Ladies

Harold with Marian in the Library with the Teens

Scene from "Marian the Librarian"

Sam waiting in the wings for the next scene.

Some boys waiting in the wings playing cards.

Marian and the Pick-A-Little Ladies

Can't wait to see us all in our costumes tonight! I'll try to get some more pictures....of course.

Tech Week

I can't believe it's Wednesday already! This is Tech Week for the musical. We have been rehearsing every night since Sunday and will continue until the show which starts on Friday! It's a lot of fun to do not to mention it's so nice to see it all coming together! Last night's rehearsal went long and Sam and I didn't get home until 10:30! Andy couldn't make rehearsal last night due to work but he'll be there the rest of the week. Tonight is a run through of the entire musical and then Thursday night is dress rehearsal. Can't wait for opening night. Here are a few pictures of a rehearsal a few weeks back. I'll try to get some more pictures tonight and of course during the performance.

This is the very first scene where the salesmen are on the train discussing Harold Hill and how he "doesn't know the territory!"

"Marcellus" is on the left and "Harold Hill" is on the right. "Marcellus" is telling "Harold" about "Marian" during this scene.

Sam and one of his new friends waiting for one of their scenes. Okay...doesn't his friend look like a young Ron Howard???

Some of the "Pick-A-Little" ladies rehearsing a scene with Harold Hill.

Some of the "Pick-A-Little" ladies receiving some instruction from our director.

"Library" scene where they are doing "Marian The Librarian".

"Mayor" is on the left and "Harold Hill" is on the right. Rehearsing a scene together.

Here's two quick videos of the teens, Harold, Marian dancing during "Marian the Librarian". They had only rehearsed this dance for maybe an hour or so before hand.

Summer Fun!

This summer I have a lot planned for Sam and I to do. As some of you remember I did the same thing last summer with a bunch of friends of his. This summer I'm offering the same thing. Lots of stuff to do for whomever wants to tag along. Here are some of the trips that I have planned:
Duck Creek Blackberry Farm
Cowtown Cattlepen Maze
Fort Worth Zoo
Dallas Zoo
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Reflections Alpaca Ranch
Fall Creek Farms
Cinemark Summer Movies
AMC Summer Movies (thanks to Rachel for finding this one!)
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden (thanks to Rachel for reminding me of this one too.)

I'm a big fan of Family Fun Magazine and have found a lot of activities for Sam (and friends) to do on any given day. Here are some of them:

One-Line Drawings
Baseball Wristband
Family Magnets
Turning My Fence Into A Chalkboard (hopefully)
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Mosaic Mirror
Sand Art
Shrinky Dinks
Monster Pals Pillows
ConSTRAWction Zone
Bloomin' Buttons
Foam Flyers
Shirts With Sole
Buoyant Buddies
Bubble Mania
Solar S'mores
Cardboard Boomerang

There will also be many lazy days spent doing nothing or at least swimming in our pool. Which of course our friends will enjoy too.

Another one of our summer activities is that all three of us are cast members of our church's summer production of Music Man. I can't wait! We had our first run through last night and I can already tell that it will be very enjoyable. This is a community production and last night during introductions we found out that there are roughly 7 different churches represented. How amazing!

So....what do you have planned for the summer????