December 2016

Laura as Molly in SCERA's The Happy Elf
Laura had a true lead role in SCERA's Christmas show "The Happy Elf".  It was so fun to see her onstage so much.  She absolutely shone and it was my favorite role of hers to date.  The play was fun and happy and Harry Connick's music was super enjoyable!  I could've gone every night.  Thank you to so many who came out and supported her.  

Here is one of her reviews:  "Another standout performer was Laura Randall as Molly, the Bluesville child that Eubie tries to make nice. Despite her young age, Randall’s voice was one of the strongest in the cast, and her rendition of “Two Scoops of Christmas” was a major highlight of the first act."

Something fun was the Harry Connick personally sent balloons to the cast and Laura got to bring some home.  They lasted nearly 2 months - those were some magical balloons.   

Christmas Dance Concert
Eliza and Rosie were adorable in the jazzed up version of nutcracker done at their dance studio.  Rosie was a wonderful soldier and Eliza was an adorable sleepy girl.  I love to watch these girls dance!

 Elementary Christmas Sing
The girls were adorable at their Elementary Christmas Sing. 

 Rosie's 4th Grade Utah Play
Rosie delivered her line perfectly, knew every dance and every song.  She was a perfect Paleontologist and was fantastic in the Spanish Explorers dance.  And we all sang, "Utah" for weeks afterwards!

 Laura Choir Concerts
Laura did many many performances with One Voice Children's Choir over the Christmas season.  But, one of the big highlights was that they released a CD and Laura got to be the soloist in "Carol of the Bells".  She also sang a solo on TV.  But, as usual, her favorite performances were at the rest homes. 

Laura also sang with her school choir and got to sing a duet with her friend Lillian.  I chaperoned their trip to SLC as she had to run straight to a performance of The Happy Elf as soon as they finished. 

 Christmas Eve
This year we redid the Mexico theme for Christmas Eve.  We had yummy tortilla soup and laughed our guts out at the little toys we got in the Pinata.  We sang Happy Birthday to Jesus over tres leches cake and acted out the nativity.  My folks spoiled the girls and we gave them stockings.

 Christmas Morning
Santa came on Christmas morning and brought Laura headphones, Eliza an MC2 kit, and Rosie lots of socks.  The parents brought something to wear, something to read, something they wanted, and something they needed.  But, mostly, Christmas was saved for the vacation we had planned the next day.  Jason's mom also came over for breakfast and we gave her her stocking. 

 

November 2016

November was busy with school, plays, choir, and dance preparations.

AFJHS Little Mermaid

Laura was able to be in her first school musical. She was a Mersister in Little Mermaid.  I helped make the mersister costumes and she was adorable.  

Laura also got to be on the news and do some more singing with One Voice.

Finally, we had Thanksgiving with the Fitzgerald side of the family this year and it was lovely!

October 2016

October was a fun and busy month!

Hayden and Sarah's Wedding
We ran down to St. George for Hayden and Sarah's wedding!  It was beautiful and happy and we were so grateful to be part of their special day.  We share a love of Disney with them - especially Nightmare Before Christmas - and adored their themed wedding and the cake topper we got them for their gift.



Zion National Park
While down in St George we had to stop by Zion National Park.  Though we'd been there before, we hadn't done Jr Ranger there. So, we got our badges and a highlight was getting to go on a Ranger Led Hike.


Bryce Canyon
We also ran down to Bryce Canyon for a quick trip.  It was cold, but oh so beautiful!  We loved the shuttle system there.  The hikes were great for our imagination.  The long bus tour was our favorite.  The girls got another Junior Ranger badge to add to their collection here.  And, we want to come back when there's snow.
 

Disneyland
We also took a trip to Disneyland over Fall break.  This is when Laura made use of her birthday experiences.  She chose to do Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with her sisters.  It was totally magical and a precious memory!  We also went to dinner at Blue Bayou which was beyond cool!  And, let's be honest, Disney at Halloween time is our favorite and we relished every moment together!



Halloween
This year for Halloween, Laura got a bit cooler and so went avant garde and made her own steampunk Jack Skellington.  Rosie was a steampunk girl and Eliza was a flapper.  Laura took them trick or treating that night and I and my folks saw the little girls in their Halloween parade at school.  One of the most fun parts was trick or treating at Daddy's work - DOMO.