Saturday, June 17, 2017

17~ UCI Out For Summer

The minutes were long, but the year... well, incredibly, it's over, and from here, it feels like it went by very fast! Three quarters, 47 units, a whole lot of cafeteria dinners, and suddenly, his freshmen year is through.

Alex and I went up with him before his last final, then helped him remove the last of his things. For the record, he and his roommate, Grant, defied the dorm room cliches... things were tidy in there!

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Friday, June 16, 2017

16~ Sleeping Beauty Success!

The very first production of the brand new Musical Theater Club, Sleeping Beauty, was a magical success! Fairies, and goons, singing and dancing, lights, music, curtain, props... everything lead by the fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, under the guidance of two dedicated teachers, Ms G and Mrs A. And... darn it! I took video of the dragon, which was fantastic, honest! But I don't have a photograph of the climactic scene. I am kicking myself... lol!

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

15~ A Birthday Gift

Bambi, Alex, and Max... at UCI

We celebrated Alex's birthday over the weekend, so we could all be together. And when it was Alex's actual birthday, Bambi had special plans for him in Los Angeles... outings, explores, the Santa Monica Pier, an overnight adventure. But there was a gift in it for me, too. They sent this picture to me, from when they stopped in Irvine to hang out with Max, who was in the middle of finals. They had a cafeteria dinner with him, and then stopped by, again, the next day, to bring him home. The picture was a delightful treat in and of itself, but the thoughtful kindness surrounding the visit, the ride home, captured in this moment... my heart is full. These people are joys.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

14~ For Her Yearbook

Over the years I've shared events and occasions that Maria has eagerly anticipated. Things she observed in first grade about what fourth graders do, like sleepover on a ship, and the fifth grade egg drop. She was even thrilled anticipating sixth grade camp. All of these she planned for, talked about, and reveled in... but for six years she was dreading the Teachers vs. Students Softball Game. She doesn't care for the game, or the pressure she feels, because she doesn't want to let down her team. She's never enjoyed sitting in the afternoon sun, as a first, second, third, fourth, or fifth grader, to watch the game. So, with the day looming, and plenty more on her plate as the school year, clubs, projects, and events mounted on her calendar, she was feeling the dread, more than ever. She was even more frustrated when she forgot the actual day of the game and wore a dress... but! Never mind! It's good and done! She smacked that first pitch, and ran to first! Then made it to second, and so on, all the way home, one base at a time.

This was one more day when I was there, and thankful... thankful that she faced her dread, and found success. Thankful to have time and opportunity to be there, to see her games, plays, clubs, moments, to volunteer, to observe, to participate, to drop off a lunch, and pick up some slack. To be part of a wonderful school and community. She's lucky, so am I. And this shot went right into her yearbook!

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

13~ Dragon Progress

Not a shadow of doubt... this dragon prop is turning out fabulously!

With the four sections attached, we begin working out the handles and how best to coordinate the handling of our Maleficent beast!

Then transport it to the school and add more parts to help it fit and maneuver backstage.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.

Monday, June 12, 2017

12~ Is The Pool Heated?

People ask, and the answer is...


Nope! Not heated!

But the brave souls still have fun!

Maria, Amira, and James choreographing their synchronized swimming routine.

With Infinity More Monkeys, a picture a day.