Disney's Beauty and the Beast. San Juan Hills HS Musical

Julia and I attended this musical at San Juan Hills High School tonight. What a great show! The school was built just a few short years ago and the theater is state of the art. Currently, there are only freshman and sophomores attending the school and it is amazing how talented they are and the engaging show they gave.

Our seats were front row in the middle. I purchased them over a month ago and I am glad I did. Our view was wonderful. There is a sunken orchestra and the kids who played the score were really good. The show started at 7 and and ended at 945. Again, the talent was amazing and it is hard for me to believe the girl who played Belle is only a freshman. Amazing actor and singer she is.

We will go back to see more plays and musicals. That is a fact.

Before the show




Julia and Belle after the show

Art Faire and a New Camera

I got a new camera. It is nothing super, duper fancy, but it is much better than my old one and I truly love it. Here are the first pictures I took of Miss Serena while waiting for Julia to be finished with school.


Tonight was Art Faire at JPL's school. Art Faire is a yearly event where 4 pieces of artwork are hidden throughout the playground and family and friends try to locate and admire their childrens work. It took some time to hunt, but we finally tracked down J's work. The girls then were able to enjoy some yummy icecream.

Below is a Jackson Pollock inspired painting made by JPL's class.



Recycled art made by the entire school

Camping

We just completed our second mini-camping trip in 3 weeks. I have to say this by far has been the best trip yet. Since the kids have passed the toddler stage and they actually stay in camp the adventure has become easier and more enjoyable. You still need to plan, though. Here are some lessons I have learned with kids:

• Bring friends along for the ride. Friends of all ages make it more fun for everyone involved.
  
• Bring many, many, many snacks. You will need them...trust me. A few ideas, string cheese, baby carrots, granola bars, crackers, apples, bananas, chips and guacamole.
• Bring many changes of clothes. I packed a big plastic bin with all our clothes.
  
• Bring bubbles, stickers, crayons, balls, playdoh. You will need it and it breaks up the day.
  
• Camp where there is plenty to do. Walk in the morning, play in the water in the afternoons, visit a local nature center, take a hike.
  
• Don't give any naps if possible. Wear the kids out so they pass out easily. Trust me, they will!
• Bring glow sticks and anything else that glows in the dark for fun.
• Don't stress and have fun!

I asked JPL what her favorite things were about this last trip:

"Playing with Emma" (her friend)
"Telling ghost stories"
"Playing in the ocean"
"Sleeping in the tent"

Our Town

The tea house on Los Rios Street


Historic Town Center Park

Farmers Market on Wednesdays


We have lived in this town for almost 9 years. It is only 8 miles from where I grew up, but is has such a different feel. My hometown is a Spanish village by the sea, beach town with surf, fog, sun and a wonderful eclectic feel. Our "new" town it, too, has an eclectic feel with a western, country, horses, Spanish, old cowboy vibe. The oldest residential street in California is downtown and just lovely to visit.

First Swim Meet

Last weekend , after camping, Julia had her first swim meet which was loads of fun. Julia swam the 25 meter freestyle and backstroke sprints. She had fun participating and we had fun cheering her on.