Monday, November 24, 2014

A Star Is Born!

Claire has been taking a musical theater class this semester. At the end of the class, there is a performance for the students to show all that they've learned. Last weekend, she was so excited to be in five shows of Beauty and the Beast at Jonesborough Repertory Theater. Her roles included a very important wolf (we called it the VIW), a spoon, and a person in town/shepherd. Most of the big roles were given to the high school students (which we expected of course), but she loved every second of being on that stage and took her roles very seriously. In fact, she's already registered to do it again next semester.

Hair and Makeup


Claire and the Prince/Beast

Claire and Belle

One of her important wolf scenes

A beautiful dancing spoon if I ever saw one!
She had LOTS of fans!






Parker, Claire & Gaston



We are so proud of our little star!

(I might be turning into a stage mom!)


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Nashville

Over fall break, we went to Nashville for a few days. One day, we just explored Franklin. It is such a quaint town with lots of really fun shops and restaurants. We ate at Puckett's Grocery, and it was delicious!
We also went to The Factory at Franklin. It's a really neat place because it used to be a real factory. One the outside it still looks pretty much the same ~ like an old factory. On the inside, it has been totally renovated with shops, restaurants, and space that can be rented out for events.
We really enjoyed visiting with Andy, Miriam, and sweet, little Bear.
We also toured where Andy works on Music Row and ate at Bella Napoli for lunch.
Yum!
We took some time to look all over Nashville including the Capitol Building.
Opryland Hotel is so beautiful. The kids had never been there before, and they loved it.



Monday, November 10, 2014

Family Weekend In Pigeon Forge

Our family went to Pigeon Forge recently to celebrate my mom's birthday and my mom and dad's 60th anniversary. We enjoyed some beautiful mountains on the way into Pigeon Forge.
We had lots of fun hanging out in the two condos we were sharing.
There may have even been a dance-off!
There was some song writing and singing going on.

Rides, rides, and more rides!



We celebrated Silas's first birthday!
We all went out to dinner at The Apple Barn restaurant.




Parker and Claire were able to fit in a little go-kart racing too before the weekend ended.
Families that love each other are a blessing for sure. We are very thankful for the weekend to spend together.

Friday, November 7, 2014

Claire's 9th Birthday








Claire had a wonderful 9th birthday! She woke up to presents and a fun birthday breakfast.
She ate on our family birthday plate.
I can't believe how grown up she is!




Here she is with our birthday plate through the years.
She has worn the same birthday bow for every single birthday. I hope she still wears it when she's 100!
Two friends came over to celebrate and spend the night.








We also celebrated with family at Fazoli's ~ her choice. The girl loves her breadsticks!

Claire is so special, and we are so thankful for her. I am so blessed to be her mama.