Annie

Natalya finally got to perform in her much-anticipated Annie musical medley. Almost 10 months of practicing with her musical theater class really paid off during her big recital. The amazing part - Natalya wasn't nervous at all. She absolutely loved being on stage. She had so much fun. And her favorite part, apparently, was getting flowers at the end. Ha!

The theater was huge. But there wasn't a bad seat in the house.

After Annie and Sandy finished Maybe, Natalya came out with the rest of the orphans and sang It's the Hard Knock Life.

(Natalya is 3rd from the right)

Their only large prop was a bed. It was neat to see how many different ways they could utilize the same prop.

Natalya (last on the right) sang a little solo during It's the Hard Knock Life. She sang, "Santa Clause we never see." And the girl next to her shouted, "Santa Clause? What's that! Who's he?" right in her face.

Natalya (to the right of Annie) got to help un-velcro Annie's orphan outfit revealing her red dress during the song, You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile. She thought that was an awesome responsibility.


After the recital was over Natalya lingered on stage. I don't think she wanted off.


We were so proud of her. What a talented, happy, hard working little girl. This last year her favorite day of the week was Friday - because she got to practice for Annie. On many occasions when I would tuck her in bed at night, she would count the days until her musical theater class. If it were Wednesday, she'd say, "Mommy! Only two more days until musical theater! That's what I'll dream about tonight..."

Branson is such a champ. Every week he would wait patiently in the hall outside the studio for an hour while Natalya was rehearsing. He never complained once. He just brought a couple matchbox cars - maybe a book or two - to keep him occupied. Or he just watched through the glass. What a great kid.

Auntie Ellen drove all the way to Las Vegas for Natalya. Then as soon as her performance was over, she hopped back on the freeway and drove home so she could make it to work the next morning. She even bought her flowers. Natalya felt pretty special.

Auntie Sharon brought her kids out here for a fun quick trip. Her kids were itching to go somewhere this summer so she arranged for them to visit during Natalya's recital week! It was so nice to have them here. We shopped, went to Sky Mania (a warehouse filled with trampolines), and celebrated Father's Day together. Our kids love their cousins.


It wouldn't be a special occasion without an Oreo kiss from Grandma and Grandaddy.



Natalya had the most wonderful director, "Mr. Steve". Steve Huntsman is a fantastic actor and serves on the board of directors of Signature Productions. And best of all- he's the father of three little girls. Two of his daughters were in the class. He was the perfect teacher.

'Till next year!