Christmas in August

Just found out that Maddie was chosen to be in "A Cascade Christmas" - this will be her third year as an elf. (Thank goodness for Mom's genes, which have kept her safely within the "under 4 foot 10" limit!)

This production is always so much fun for all of us - James Santos is an incredible and inspirational director, and she has learned more about effort, pride, perseverance and fortitude from him than from just about anybody in her life. The dancers - adult and youth - are encouraging, kind and inclusive. In addition to being an unparalleled educational experience for the kids, it's also a spectacular and masterful production that rivals anything you'll see in a major city. Can't wait!

Still, it's a little odd to think about sleighbells and snowfall when it's 108 degrees outside.

My "ten-ager"

Ten years ago (give or take three days), Jim and I became parents. It's been an incredible, rewarding and unforgettable journey, and in honor of our sweet girl, I've chronicled the highlights of the first 10 years of her life in this video. (The quality isn't great because it's been smooshed to fit nicely on the web... but feel free to come over and see the original on the big screen!)