Phantom of the Opera

Last Thursday night, my father-in-law, Garth surprised all the girls in the family with tickets to Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian. What a magical night it was. The excitement started for me as soon as we entered the theater and found our seats in the 5th row. As soon as the curtain rose, I was floating on air. The music, the costumes, the sets, the amazingly talented cast. I could go on forever. I know the music of Phantom of the Opera well and found myself wanting to burst out in song several times. It was emotional, funny, dramatic, a little scary at times and I loved every single moment. As if that wasn't enough euphoria, my brother-in-law, Andrew has a friend who is an actor in the show and he was gracious enough to give us a backstage tour. It was absolutely amazing to see how everything is done backstage and all the tricks and techinical things that make the show possible. We also got to meet several of the actors from the show, including Christine Daae and the Phantom. It was extraordinary. I think every one of us were in a state of shock and I know I never wanted it to end. It was truly a night to be remembered. My sister Trudi and her husband Tyler were able to join us at the last minute. It was so wonderful to share this experience with my mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces and my sister and her hubby. After the show, my sister-in-law Amanda treated us all to dessert at The Grand Lux Cafe at the Venetian. Each of us ordered a different dessert and shared. They all looked way too good to eat, but we managed. I'm so grateful to my father-in-law who was so thoughtful to give the girls of the family a sensational night out on the town.

(L-R) Me, Susana, Diana, Andrew, Amanda, Rachelle. (In front) Josie & Katie.

Tyler, Trudi & I Susana, Katie, Amanda, Marc Cedric Smith, Andrew, Josie, Rachelle, Diana & Me

Rachelle (Applecrisp), Susana (Carrotcake), Katie (Chocolate Cake), Diana (Raspberry Cheesecake), Josie (Oreo Cheesecake), Me (Strawberry Shortcake), Amanda (Vanilla & Chocolate Creme Brulee.)

SuMmErTiMe

Gavin & Tyrone chose these costumes as a reward for good behavior. The boys dress up everyday in these costumes and spend hours playing together.

Niamh had a playdate with her cousin Kami. I guess it's never too early for playdates.

Nana came to visit. Gavin, Tyrone & Niamh had so much fun with Nana and woke her up at 6am and told her it was time to get up and play with them. They especially loved when Nana let them cut with scissors and use the glue and hole punch.

Tyrone loves running around in the buff. He loves trying on all of my shoes, but he especially loves Daddy's work boots. What a cute little bum bum!

This is what the boys do everytime my back is turned. This day, they justified getting soaked, because their cars were dirty and they were washing them. What can you do?

Niamh at 8 months

Niamh is almost 9 months, so I wanted to post some pics while she is still 8 months. Niamh is so curious about everything. Her new favorite food is our dog, Duke's dry food/kibbles. She is so adventurous. She tries to follow her big brothers everywhere they go. We caught her climbing up the stairs one night in search of them. She is a "daddy's girl" at the moment and when he gets home from work every morning, she crawls as fast as lightening till she reaches him. Once her daddy lifts her up in his arms, no one else exists. She idolizes him and he loves it. She continues to be a joy and a blessing to us.

Happy Birthday!!

To the woman I love: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MANDY!

Today we celebrated Mandy's 29th birthday! I just wanted to take a few lines in our blog to let everyone know how much me and the kids love her and appreciate her. After 29 years of life, Mandy is a talented, funny, beautiful woman. She is driven in every task she puts her mind to and is a personal inspiration to us all. She is the strong, supporting wife that I need. She is the loving and caring mother or mammy to our children. She is a woman of Faith and an example to everyone who knows her. On this day...JULY 9th... Mandy you deserve a MILLION birthday cheers. And with all my heart I say... I LOVE YOU!

Lucas

Independance Day

We went to Alamo for the 4th of July. There is always a parade in the morning, fun games for the kids and booths with yummy food, games and stuff to buy. It is always fun to go there every year and to see people that you haven't seen for years and to see everyone celebrating this wonderful day together as family and friends. We spent the 4th of July last year in Ireland. We didn't think we would miss it that much, but when the day came; it was miserable. There was not a flag in sight, and the usual festivities were not happening. It was harder for Lucas than for me, because it is an adopted holiday for me.
We spent the evening with Lucas' family at his brother Jason's house. The guys swam,and we ate "Garth's Famous Fajitas," (to die for.) Once it got dark we set off fireworks, they were amazing and the kids loved it......all except for Gavin & Niamh. Niamh was terrified and clung to me, and Gavin covered his ears and was scared. We spent most of the fireworks inside, but we watched a program on PBS celebrating the 4th of July and watched fireworks on T.V. It was a long, fun-filled day and I am grateful to live in a free country that was made free by men & women who sacrificed much, even their lives so that we could be free from oppression and tyranny.

Niamh, me & Lucas
Lucas, Tyler & Sam
Trudi, Beverley, Me & Kim
Nana & Niamh
Tyrone, Gavin & Ryan
Colt, Gavin & Tyrone

Savanna, Ryan, Gavin, Waylan, Colt, Tyrone & Josie