Snow Day

The last few years, our girls have been very happy to stay home. Neither enjoy large crowds or long car rides, and many places we used to go regularly we just haven't been going anymore.

So, when Violet said she wanted to go out and see the snow, I really wanted to make it happen! 

For weeks, it wasn't advisable to go up to the mountains, because there was just too much snow and the residents were struggling to get out themselves. Then, the roads were cleared but not the "parking areas" for us "snow bunnies."

But this past weekend, we hit the sweet spot, and drove out to Wrightwood into a Winter Wonderland.

Behind us, those slopes belong to Mountain High Ski Resort. We were across the canyon and main road, up near a (closed) campground it might be nice to return to in the summer.

We were able to take a nice snowy walk, and found plenty of snow to throw and make snow creatures. Violet hadn't wanted to sled, so we didn't get the sleds down from the upper shelves, but no need.  We had plenty of fun, smiles and laughs just as it was.

(See Violet's hand on Stace's head? His head was cold in this pic!)
 

Violet created a snow ostrich.

To end our afternoon, we had dinner at a restaurant in town and wandered through some of the shops. It was an altogether lovely day out! 

(And no, Cora didn't want to come.)

Saturday

Stace and Violet went on a little drive on Saturday, through the hills past Placerita and into the area behind Sylmar.

Pretty!

They found a random waterfall.
 

Meanwhile, Cora and I helped Melanie with a big Indian wedding that featured a ton of bright, beautiful flowers. Cora and my Dad worked together on hanging these strung flowers on the poles.

Gorgeous color! Mel is so talented.

Tidbits

Christina invited us to join her at a local brewery, where her friend's husband was playing in a band. 

It's always nice to get out and about and enjoy a brew with friends, now that the kids are old enough to leave home. (Truth be told, they love it when we go out and are bummed when we return!)

Need better cameras on our phones, but we had a lovely view the other evening on one of my typical walks - snow in the distance!

A better view of it - look how thick it was! Our mountains got 7 feet or so!

Fun seeing this little guy/gal in the canyon where I walk...

...and a mallard pair in a normally dry stream bed. 
 

Theatre Showcase

Cora's Theatre Department hosted family and friends Tuesday night to showcase the scenes the students performed at last week's competition. 

Parents didn't attend the actual competition, so we all enjoyed seeing what they'd worked on.

These are photos my dad took from the As You Like It scene. As the scene started, the introduction included the fact that Cora won Best Supporting Actor for her part.

See the video at the bottom.

 

Closing out the show was Ex Wives from Six the Musical. It was outstanding! Such talented girls. Again, see video at the bottom.

Bows! Applause! Go Cora, our award-winner!

Jarod is doing such a great job with these kids and this program!

Winner Winner Winner!!

These are the happy faces of Cora and her theatre classmates who had a great day at the Hart District Theater Festival on Friday. 

This was the first time for most of these kids to participate in this competition, which included all seven district high schools. It was a long day, and took place when we had that huge 7-inch rainstorm. 

Cora took part in two big acts - she was one of the ex-wives of Henry VIII in a musical number from Six. These girls took home the Best Supporting Actor award, and second place for overall musical number.

And, more importantly for us, Cora WON Best Supporting Actor for her role as Jaques in a scene from As You Like It. In this scene, she has the iconic "All the World's a Stage" monologue. She killed it! We are so, so proud of her. 

Art

More artwork from my talented girls.

Violet is a girl who always has a sketchbook with her, and often her travel watercolors as well. 
 

Logan asked Cora to paint this set of figures for him, and she was happy to oblige. Her attention to detail is superb - these are SO tiny.

I got something big done regarding my "art," my writing. I decided to finally take the time and work on the rest of the blog books, and they've now all arrived. I'm actually up to date on publishing blog books!