Tuacahn/St. George

This last week we were able to travel to St. George and to participate in a little "tour". Our cloggers got to be the pre-show entertainment for two nights at Tuacahn. In return, we got to see both shows at Tuacahn. For those of you not familiar, Tuacahn is an outdoor amphitheater in Snow Canyon just outside of St. George. This place is awesome! They also have a performing arts high school there. Each year we get to participate in a little workshop-last year, Hip-hop, this year, Broadway song and dance style. Super fun! The shows this year were "The Sound of Music" and "Les Miserables". Hannah and I have a difference of opinion as to which was "better". She was partial to "S of M", and I, "Les Mis". In fact, I thought "Les Mis" was incredible. We had a difference of opinion last year too. But, regardless, we had a great time. Lots of swimming and clogging and laughing and "tag" and show tunes and food...even a fire! This has been a super fun thing to look forward to each summer. Here are some pictures.

Lagoon-Clogging Competition

This is the update I promised you all about the last clogging competition of the season which was held at Lagoon. Hannah did very well! All of the girls did very well. In fact, she and her partner were named to the Jr. All-American Team. At this age, I don't think it means much other than they had one of the high scores for their duet performance...WHICH IS AWESOME! That's what it means! Her team also did very well...1st place in both dances! Way to go girls! Also, try to ignore the crazy mom screaming in the background...Weirdo! (Don't forget to pause the music player at the bottom.)

Clogging Now....and Then!

Most, if not all of you know, Hannah clogs. And most, if not all of you know, I used to. I guess if about 10 steps counts, then I still do. It's funny-the first year, I could keep up with Hannah. Not so much anymore. In fact, I tried to do something last night and I thought..."Wow, that is a lot of weight coming down on my knees and feet!" So maybe I shouldn't clog anymore. Anyway, clogging is pretty big for us. In fact, a couple of my nieces have started. So I thought I'd clue you in.

Clogging Now...

Hannah has been clogging for almost 3 years. She clogs with Extreme Rhythm Studio in Lindon. Bethany Hulse is the director. She knows how we feel about her, but she is soooo great! She has the perfect combination of love and disciple to really, really teach these girls. But because her family is still growing, Ashley and Emily have been the instructors. They have had no small task keeping these girls with lots of energy and non-stop feet with taps, on task. Her group (Stompers) consists of 7 darling 4th and 5th graders who work soooo hard. I am so proud of them! We recently returned from St. George for a competition. These girls did amazing! Out of ALL the Intermediate teams there, they came home with the highest score! More than once over the years I have thought, "Eek...they are performing this WHEN?" But EVERY, and I mean EVERY time, they prove how really amazing they are! The most important thing for me is that Hannah LOVES, LOVES clogging! (She has a T-shirt that says "Clogging is my life!") I will forever be grateful to my mom for the suggestion. I remember when she did, I wasn't really sold on it. I had this picture of me clogging. Hannah was NOT going to put on a big, puffy dress and dance to Orange Blossom Special. Anyway, they have one last competition at Lagoon coming up next week. I'll let you know how they do!

Clogging Then...

I loved clogging too. My instructor was Dennis Cobia from Orem. We were the Sunshiners. My partner was John Gourley. We had an experience like Hannah's team...out of all the teams, we brought home a high score from Ricks College. We travelled to North Carolina. We were National Champions. We were 8-10. I remember 2 of the boys... Chris and John doing a duet to "Shake It Up". I remember a group of grandpa and grandmas-Old Timers. They were good! We performed all over. I would take an autograph book and have people I would meet-mostly cloggers-sign in it as we travelled. I think the most famous autograph I have is Bob Welti. What?! You've never heard of Bob Welti? He used to be a news anchor for KSL. LOL! Anyway, I just clog with Hannah now. And I still love it! Thanks for letting me reminisce.

Hannah's Home Evening Treats

Some of you may know that every Monday we (mostly Hannah) are in the business of making cookies. Several months ago, Hannah's clogging studio was presented with the possible opportunity of going to Florida. I explained to her that if she was willing to try and earn some money, then I would try and make it happen. The amount that Hannah had to come up with was $500. I told her that was about $10 a week. Hannah kept thinking and thinking about how she was going to make that happen. Then our neighbors told us about their granddaughter. She was making brownies each week and selling them in her neighborhood-and apparently making a killing! So this is how Hannah's Home Evening Treats was born. It has been hard work, and we have had mishaps along the way. For example, today not enough flour made it into the Snickerdoodles. Oh, well. But if you were lucky to order this week, you did receive a discount. And Crisco changed their shortening. The 0%transfat version doesn't work as well for the Oreos. I know you will that I'm crazy, but it's true. So I guess bring on the transfat? Thanks to all of you who have supported this! Really! I get a little weepy over how lucky we are to live where we live. She is now over the $300 mark. (I do make her pay for her ingredients.) Unfortunately, Florida is not going to happen this year. Maybe next year. And if not, something else. But wherever we end up, a little of each of you will be with us!