Dalia performed as Lavender in Matilda and absolutely killed it. She watched the movie over and over in preparation but has an amazing ability to make the character her own. She is a master of imitation and is also good at improvisation with an amazing voice that carries well. In fact, she came home from dress rehearsal and stated proudly, "I'm pretty sure that they turned my mike off." She truly commands the stage!
Jack started the ultimate frisbee club at school. Initially, he had a lot of trepidation and anger towards us as parents who were pushing him to do so. But after some reflection, he agreed that it could be a great opportunity for leadership and was satisfied that he would have the help of his Sidewinders friends! Right out of the gate, he was met with red tape and resistance. Jack was tasked with writing bylaws, finding a campus mentor as sponsor, requesting field assignments, and begging for a school announcement. The school wasn't making it easy to start or sustain a club. In addition, there were text reminders to members which started solely from a new kids' limited friend base. Right before the inaugural meet, I said a prayer that his efforts would amount to something he could be proud of. 15 minutes before the start of the meetup, Jack sent a panicked text with the words, "oh no, oh no, oh no... the field isn't available that they said would be!" Dad, who was working from home, quickly responded by pulling up the campus map to find a replacement and I somehow recalled the nearby drainage basins which were dry, green fields for most of the year. We saw one across the street from school and both he and I started there to see if it would work, all while Jack was communicating a change in location to 3 coaches and various friends attending. I got in my car quickly, navigating heavy afterschool traffic, to get eyes on the place and offer support. I sat there waiting with 3 ultimate frisbee coaches who were bright and kind and full of energy. They had new frisbees - one for each player and were ready to go. I saw Jack walk over with an overstimulated smile and a small shoulder shrug. He was discouraged but trying to hide it. We waited together for what seemed like hours. And then, a carload full of teenagers came spilling out of the car. They arrived in what looked like a clown car with a driver illegally transporting them. It was one of those rare moments that breaking the rules was angelic! And I was so thankful for these angels. I fought back tears as I saw coaches throwing out frisbees to each of them as they arrived. They all had smiles of support and Jack breathed easy. As I drove away, I sobbed with gratitude. And the intense efforts made would later be the source for a BYU essay.
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We had almost exhausted all day trips available to us in the midwest and I'm exited to have a new area to explore. Tucson's Biosphere captured my attention first - a grand geographical and biological study just 1 1/2 hrs from us! (Unfortunately, the tour didn't cover unique social dynamics) We also explored the cave nearby, tried prickly pear ice cream cones, and strolled the downtown shops. It was a very fun day trip as a family.
We are quickly discovering that AZ is THE place to be in the winter and are loving welcoming visitors! It warms my heart to friends from near and far - both in distance and time. Some are reunions from year ago - like Mandy Carpenter who was a childhood friend and whose parents cared for me in my stover street days. And others are friends I'm so happy to keep connected with despite the distance like my Omahomie, Andrea. The kids have friends visit and family come through. It is always wonderful to throw open our doors from November to March for company!
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Late nights are not complete without a quick run to the pantry for applesauce for Kindin & hot cocoa for Jack... snacks highly endorsed by both of their grandmothers.
This year, Dalia and Jack wanted to celebrate with their new friend groups on the lake. Dalia's was a little early in the season so tubing was the main attraction to keep everyone on top of the water and warm. Crumbl cookies and a fresh "Rock the boat" playlist featuring hits like Lush Life entertained everyone too.
Jack ended up with a unique mash of whomever was available to celebrate for his summer birthday - including just one girl. But the boys had a great time teasing her endlessly and I stepped in to dole out 'party fouls' to keep the rowdy boys in line - earning the enduring nickname "party mom" from Jack's friends.
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Dalia was invited to be a movie extra for a small production in Mesa. She loved glamming up and playing the part late into the evening hours. Assigned as a red carpet fan, she spent multiple takes cheering and elbowing others for a glimpse of two 7 foot movie stars. The footage later ended up on the cutting room floor but it was such a fun experience to be a part of!
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