Raleigh Court's Got Talent

Sydney & Millie planned a neighborhood talent show for Friday, June 19th. It was a BIG success, despite the sweltering heat. There was a matinee performance at 1 p.m., which was more of a dress rehearsal for the 7 p.m. show. There were about 30 people present at the evening production, with 11 of the 15 Raleigh Court households being represented. What a great turnout! We are blessed by living in such a great neighborhood -- and who knew we had so many gifted people on one street!

Emcee Sydney greeted the audience by saying," Welcome to the 2nd Annual Raleigh Court Talent Show! From dancing to pure music artistry, we have much in store for you. The acts will be performed by your friends on the court."

I loved her introduction! Priceless!

Millie added that there would be dessert following the performance. The girls saved the yummiest talent for last -- brownies, pie, and other goodies added a tasty finish to a GREAT evening.

You won't see me in the slideshow -- I was snapping pics with my new Canon. My new camera is a Rebel XSi, and it's an early b-day present. It takes great photos, but I have a lot of learning to do. I did play my flute for my entry. Jericho & Cody (two canine residents of the court) one-upped me by howling & barking as I played. Wow. I didn't think my playing was THAT bad! HA!

"Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show..."

Spring 2009 Recital

You can never be too old to play dress-up. Right?!

The costumes have arrived, and the dress rehearsals have been underway this week in preparation for Saturday's dance recital. There are two performance times, so it'll be a full day.

My Silly Millie!
Millie's skirt can double as a ceremonial Indian headdress.

These talented tappers could show you how to pull off a cramproll & a shuffle ball change. They'll even throw in some pullbacks, a buffalo, & wings (NOT buffalo wings); however, this adorable pose will have to do for now.

Millie & her cellmates, I mean classmates, get to display some fancy footwork in their dance to Elvis' "Jailhouse Rock."

Megan & Millie

Ballet Levels 5-7 are teaming up to do several pieces

choreographed to George Gershwin's compositions.

Liesey & her friends are dancing to "Somebody Loves Me."

It's a fun & sorta flirty piece -- perfect for people

in the audience who do not like stodgy classical ballet. :-)

The advanced tappers are dancing to Barry Manilow's "Bandstand Boogie."

Sienna, Kira, Kyra, Kelcey, and Liesey Lou

Last, but not least, the tap class also gets to pay homage to 1970's fashion in their funky version of "Workin' Day & Night." I actually have clothing from that era that I kept just in case it might come in handy someday. You never know -- bell bottoms might come back into vogue, but I don't think I'd be able to squeeze into a size 7 again! HA!

Sacramento KING?

Although things didn't quite go according to plan, the king-sized welcome that Mr. Smith received at the airport was still royally funny. :-)

The Arkansas Traveler was returning from a few day's visit to Little Rock, so the kids decided we'd ALL go meet him at 10:45 last night. The Smithlings had learned about the free root beer float night at Sonic that ended at midnight, so we agreed to take Daddy there after we picked him up. Sounds innocent enough so far, right? Ah... but we forgot to add in the Greg-factor. M's Bible study buddy decided he'd join us -- mostly for the free float part of the equation. Things turned very silly & somewhat boisterous (rather quickly) with Greg along for the ride.  :-) What fun!

The boys decided they'd make a sign to hold up so Doug wouldn't have any trouble finding us -- just to be funny. When they couldn't get the printer to properly print the name on one sheet of paper in landscape mode, they opted for individual letters on a single sheet of paper. Is it possible for a sign to LOOK loud?

As the sign was printing out, Greg spied M's old crown, and his SILLY creative juices began to flow. He soon had an old costume & cape to complete the look. Off to the 'port "the King & I" went... oh, and the 3 Smithlings were in the mix. (As an added note, we enjoyed a WONDERFUL thunderstorm light show along the way. It never rains in CA in June, does it?!)

We had to stop for gasoline, so that delay caused us to be a little too late to implement the original plan of dropping the guys out on the curb so they could "lie in wait" for the frequent flier to exit the terminal. When Mr. Smith called to tell us he was on the ground, he was already getting near the curbside pick-up point, which was at the very far end of the terminal. We were just nearing the baggage claim area when he called. This called for a change in the plan because Doug was already outside the building. Greg hopped out of the car at the mid-way section of the drop-off/pick-up zone, and began running toward a very unsuspecting (and weary) traveler. Greg was yelling, "I'm looking for Doug Smith!" as he was holding the huge sign up. There were many people from Doug's flight waiting for rides, so they all were laughing at the scene. When Greg finally reached Doug, he turned to all the other people & exclaimed, "I found Doug Smith! I found him! I found him! He's right here! I found Doug Smith!" Our car finally made its way through the traffic to reached the king and the travelin' man. There is still a look of shock & awe on Mr. Smith's face, even if it was a few seconds after his initial reaction. I don't think anybody has ever had a welcome quite like this one...

Our next stop: Sonic @ 11:30 p.m.

The floats were free indeed. Although free ice cream is good, the best part of stopping at the drive-in restaurant was that we were treated to another incredible lightning display as we waited on the carhop to deliver our order. God's free stuff is better than anything Sonic can dish up.