Sexy and I Know It

The boys take some time at my recent visit home for a little R&R. In the case of a massive spoon invasion, Dillon has taken it upon himself to take the first watch. And is still learning the necessity of personal boundaries. What a hero.

Faedan, on the other hand, is just happy to take time to preserve the "wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle!"

Miss my little munchkins!

Regina Girls Sing

This week will mark the Regina's first Young Alumnae Choir concert. Through the summer, girls from the graduating classes of 2006 through 2008 have been singing, commiserating, gossiping, eating, and back to singing. Needless to say, those were wonderful Monday nights (miss you, alto section!) It is amazing how the years apart have not changed these friendships or (more importantly for this event) the vocal arrangements.

Thursday's concert will host memorable songs that had previously been performed in Regina history, such as Les Choristes, Disney hits, and back by popular demand, Moses Hogan. There will also be Elton John classics among countless others. A little something for everyone!

This is a free event to the public held in Regina's auditorium Thursday at 8:00 p.m. Please support the bake sale in the foyer, where the all funds will benefit the RDHS Music Department.

Good luck lovely ladies, I know you will be magnificent.

If you are in the area, come listen to the fabulous Regina alumnae as they grace the stage once more and make the music come to life!

(click image to enlarge)

A Tribute to All Nations...But Mostly America

Past Fourth of July traditions have included watching people stay behind yellow lines, being a mosquito's main dinner entree, collecting garbage in large black bags, and waiting for supervisors to drive off in their mini golf carts before resuming ongoing conversations.

Though painful, this is decidedly a lost tradition that for the first time in five years has been broken.

I was able to finally enjoy fireworks as a guest (what a concept!)

We met at the Polynesian Resort (a waterfront hotel that faces the Magic Kingdom) and sat, Dole Whip in hand. For those that may not know, Dole Whip is a God-send. It is pineapple and vanilla ice cream, and was self- served at the hotel's quick service restaurant. AMAZING DISCOVERY.

With Dole Whip in hand, we sat on the beach, waiting for the fireworks. When they began, it was instantly awe-inspiring. The Magic Kingdom boasts a wonderful fireworks show nightly called Wishes, so for this holiday, they needed to outdo even their own grandeur.

Mission accomplished, Disney. The fireworks were shot from all around the Magic Kingdom's lagoon to give an astonishing scene. Every person in the audience was reminded what a proud point it is to be an American.

Happy Fourth of July! And for those of you in Glenview, stay behind the yellow tape!

I Would Walk 500 Miles

Or maybe I would just drive the 1, 200 miles to Orlando.

Still, 20 hours, six states, and many cramped muscles later, we made it! My mom and I drove in record time with the help of Belle (the car) and Gaston (the GPS). We were greeted late Sunday afternoon with a bristling temperature of 101.

Welcome to Florida!

Goodbye until Tomorrow

It's hard to say goodbye to family.

A goodbye feels like forever.

On Thursday, the Regina girls had one last "HYEA-zzah" before heading to Orlando. These girls have been my family and my support system through the years, and I am so blessed to have them in my life. They are so talented and I cannot wait to see what their futures bring.

I can't write more without feeling lost without them, but I will say this: it's not goodbye. As Mickey says, "See you real soon! Why? Because we love ya!"