"RATS! The Story of the Pied Piper"

Sarah participated in the Summer Drama production of "Rats! The Story of the Pied Piper" which I directed.  The kids learned parts, scene blocking, songs and choreography in 2 weeks.  They did awesome!  Sarah played the role of a "rat."  She had to be cunning and try to steal many things throughout the play. Eventually, she was turned into a "zombie rat" and led out of town by the Pied Piper.  It was a great production and both of us had a lot of fun doing it.

 The Rats of Hamelin!

 "Ain't it great to be a rat!"

 I have this choreography down!

 What should we steal next?

 Zombie Rats!

Sarah and her cousin, Paige (who played the child, Susan).

 The Cast of "RATS!"

A very scared rat!  The line by the Piper before this pose was, "Great show, huh! Better than CATS!"

Mix and Match

Here are a few fun pics of the family!

 Happy Father's Day Dad!

 Enjoying a treat at Culver's.

 Me:  "Look look nice today Sarah."

Sarah: "Thanks.  Some shirts are just so true!"

Luke enjoying breakfast on the deck.

Final Choir concert of the season.  100+ voices on stage singing! (7th - 12th Grade - Rachel is in there somewhere!)

Piano Recital

Each of the girls participated in the Spring Vocal and Piano Recital held at the end of May.  They each played two songs on the piano.  Rachel also sang two songs.  They all did very well!

 Jordan getting her award for moving up to the next level.

 My lovely musicians!

 Sarah earned her gold cup at the piano festival this past Feb.

 Rachel performing her pieces.

What wonderful posture you have!

 Rachel pleasing the crowd with her vocal selections.

Sarah tickling the ivories!

Awards

 Spring time not only brings the busy season of seeding the crops, but it is also awards season!  Here are a few of what the girls earned:

 Rachel made the "A" Honor Roll all four quarters this school year!  Way to go Rach!!

 Rachel and Jordan participated in "Lace 'Em Up" basketball Camp.  They each won several different contests in their age division.  Very impressive considering the camp is typically quite large and not everyone gets an award.

 Jordan with her Reading Award and 2nd Grade awards on Awards Day in school.

 Jordan had a successful day at Track and Field!

 Sarah received her cookie prizes at the Girl Scout Court of Awards.

 Sarah earned a "Outstanding Attendance Award," "Reading Award" and "Math Award" at

 Awards Day.

She was also voted by her class to receive the "Citizenship Award."  This award is given to students who show kindness to others and are helpful in school.

Spring Program

The J.A. Hughes Elementary Spring Program was held in the beginning of May.  Jordan's class performed The Cheese Stands Alone which is loosely based on the children's song "The Farmer in the Dell."  The story revolves around Chessy who is shunned by the other characters.  His relatives come to town and help him realize how special he really is.  They stand up to the bullies and all is well in the end.  Jordan was "Sharp Cheddar Cheese"

Jordan posing by the set she helped create in art class.

 Singing and dancing!

 "I have no problem remembering my lines!"

Sarah's program consisted of her choir performance and then her play "A Better You...A Better Me."  The show promoted good self-esteem and how to handle difficult situations with respect toward the other person.  

Sarah posing in front of the set she helped create in art class.

My lovely performers!!

Few Extras

Spring has sprung (or is at least trying).  Here are a few pics from some activities we have been busy with.

 Rachel up to bat for her softball team.

 Todd, Jordan and Sarah ready for the Butterfly Ball. It is a dance for Fathers and Daughters.  The High School gym is used the day after prom for a 2 hour dance.  The girls were so excited to go and see the wonderful decorations.

 Piano recital.  The girls played their festival pieces in a recital the week before the competition.  They all received a 5 (superior rating) the following week at the festival.  Well done!

 Luke getting a trim!

 Enjoying legos he received for Christmas and his birthday.

Sarah and her Girl Scout troop.  They made 3 tie-blankets to donate to our local ambulance department.  They are for the workers who sometimes have to stay at the facility.  They have also made cards for Veterans and Nursing Home residents and bracelets for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.  Way to give back girls.

Easter 2014

The Lenten Season has been busy for us with school, work, poor weather and Wednesday night services.  We were glad Easter arrived with some days off, nice weather and wonderful family celebrating with us.  We colored eggs on Saturday, worshiped at church on Sunday and then hosted Easter Dinner in the afternoon.  The weather was wonderful!  We were able to have an Easter egg hunt and play outside all afternoon.  Alleluia, Christ has Risen.  He has Risen Indeed!

 Ready to color some eggs!

 Never too old to have a little fun!

 Leave me alone so I can finish my egg!

 Egg color mishap!  At least he didn't look like a smurf on Easter Sunday.  Mom was able to get me clean.

 Family fun!

 Sarah and her beautiful egg and smile.

 Ready for a scrub-down.

 The final product.

 Rachel looking so grown-up in her Easter outfit.

 Jordan is ready for church.

 Luke in his best outfit.

 Pretty Sarah ready to celebrate Easter.

 Beautiful Girls!

Happy Easter!