tales from a far-land

Aiden completed the City of Phoenix spring soccer league about a month ago.  He really had a good time playing this past season.  He really loved his coach and fellow classmates.  They had fun, but they all learned a lot about the game as well.  Fun times! Warming-Up  Big kick!  Team meeting before the game  Soccer boy!  Aiden and his teammate, Maximo  Aiden, Yosh and Maximo  Team Photo  Receiving his trophy  Everyone with the trophy  Aiden and Coach

For the past eight Saturdays, Madilyn has been taking an hour and half Musical Theater class at  Valley Youth Theatre .  During these classes, Madi studied the elements of musical theatre including music, dance and acting.  She thoroughly enjoyed class and we often heard her practicing her songs around the house during the week in-between classes.  On Friday evening, VYT had a Showcase for the parents so we could watch our kids perform what they had been learning in the class.  Her class performed songs from "Sound of Music".   Madilyn did such a great job!  No stage fright whatsoever!  She walked right up on stage and performed the songs with the choreography and knowledge of the words.  We were all so impressed! We may have another Thespian in the family. Madi and her Certificate of Completion Performing "Edelweiss" Performing "Do, Re, Mi" Performing "So Long, Farewell"

This afternoon Madilyn performed in her first dance recital.  For the past year, Madi has been taking a forty-five minute class at Dance Theater West  on Saturday mornings.  And this afternoon, she was able to show-off what she has been learning.  It was so adorable!  We are extremely proud parents. She marched right up on the stage with the other girls; no tears, no fear.  In fact, during her performance, she was the kid reminding the rest of her classmates what to do.  My favorite part of the performance was when Madi ran straight to me (I was one of the parent helpers) after dancing to give me a big hug.  She was so excited and proud of her accomplishment.  She was beaming! Thank you to Miss Sally for welcoming Madilyn as your student.  I love that she gets to experience your passion of dance just like I did.  I guess, I am going to be a "dance" mom. I apologize for the poor video footage.  I *technically* wasn't supposed to be videoing the performance, but I reall

Last Sunday, the Farrell-Landers family enjoyed celebrating Mother's Day with my Mom, Oma and Dad.  We met for brunch at Moon Valley Country Club.  The meal was outstanding and we never leave hungry.  We are so lucky be able to enjoy these moments with my Mom and my surrogate grandmother, Oma.  Cannot wait to celebrate motherhood again next year! Here is a photo recap of the morning: Text message I received from the kids (via Grandma) wishing me "Happy Mother's Day!" Photos after brunch at Moon Valley Country Club She loves to pose for pictures now!  Mommy and Madi Me, Grandma and the kids   Oma, Grandma and the kids  Me and Mom Cutest Mother's Day gift -- artwork and bracelets made with love.

Last Saturday, we attended THE BIG EVENT.  This is a charity event hosted every year by Josh's Boys and Girls Club of Metro Phoenix board.  This year, the date happened to fall on our anniversary so it was an extra special night out for us.  We were very lucky to spend the evening surrounded by many of our good friends enjoying good music, lively auction entertainment, and dancing.  We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening.  SO.MUCH.FUN. Enjoying the limousine ride to the event Group Selfie Christy and Brandon Jenn and Jen Jennifer and Jim The Guys Photo Booth Pictures

Last Friday, Madilyn had the first of many graduations she will have in her lifetime.  She graduated from Anderson Preparatory Academy.  No more preschool for her.  She will be starting kindergarten in August. It was a very touching graduation full of caps and gowns, laughter and tears, an adorable slideshow and technical difficulties.  But most of all it honored a classroom of five year olds ready to embrace the next chapter in their lives.  I cannot believe that my little girl is growing up so quickly.  Everyone warns you how fast they grow-up.  I guess I never imagined the years would pass by this quickly. Madilyn Rae, we are so proud of you!  "Oh, The Places That You Will Go" and we are excited to be a part of all of your adventures. Pomp and Circumstance Singing "I'm On My Way" Singing "There Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

Celebrating Mother's Day with Madi and Aiden at Anderson Preparatory Academy. Celebrating Keaton's 5th birthday watching the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.