Sunday, March 10, 2013

Strictly Ballroom!

In writing this post, I find myself chuckling as I think of the movie Strictly Ballroom.  It is a 1992 Australian romantic comedy that one can say is super cheesey but highly entertaining.  I recommend you see it at least once! Anyway, the post really isn't about the movie but it is about ballroom.  This year at school, Liv has been participating on the school's ballroom dance level one team.  She has really enjoyed learning all the dances - cha cha, swing, fox trot etc.



She participated in a school team match in January with her team receiving a gold place finish.  In February, we spent the day on the campus of UVU where Olivia's team scored well and she finished in the top 6 level one dancers for her school which allowed her to participate at the ballroom dance competition on the campus of BYU on March 9th.

Her team earned a gold medal finish and placed third overall in the level one division of all the school in attendance.  Liv danced the fox trot and merengue dance for her dances.  In the newcomer swing competition, which ccontained level l and level 2, dancers she made it to the quarterfinals.  From 179 starting couples down to the final 24 is where she placed.  It was a fun day watching her and her friend Cassie perform.  They actually placed the exact same which was wonderful!

Ballroom has been a great experience for her.  We are sad that the program may not be available at our school next year.  Here are a few pictures from the various performances.


UVU Dance Competition February 23, 2013

Liv and partner Tanner Bustin' a Move

Go team #322!

 
Newcomer Cha Cha Dance

Liv's friend Jade also competed.

A few pictures from the March 9th Competition at BYU.


Liv and partner Tanner

Cassie and her partner Jesse

Team #146!
I will try to upload a video of Liv dancing the Merengue as soon as my not so technology savy self figures out how to upload and see the video on the computer! 


Friday, January 18, 2013

Liv's 11th Birthday


 Goodness it is hard to believe that Liv is celebrating her 11th birthday this year.  She is quite an impressive kid balancing school, ballroom dance, student council, piano, and a competitive dance team.  For her birthday, Liv got a super fuzzy and warm (those are her words) Aeropostale sweatshirt, pj pants, scripture case, neon shirt, and charging cord fro her ipod touch.

We decided to have a late night party since we don't do sleepover parties.  I found a free printable as says-it.com where you can customize the ticket to whatever you like. They made the most adorable invitations.  We asked the girls to dress up as their favorite actress or rockstar etc.  One of Liv's friends decided to come as Katy Perry.  I have to say her mom made her a costume with a cupcake skirt and matching cupcake headpiece.  It was awesome!

Print your own custom concert ticket party invite!

Liv opening her gifts from the family


So for decorations, I made a red carpet with a red string of lights from the the steps to the front door.  Olivia and I made a poster for the front door.  As you walked into the living room each girl had a yellow star on the walk of fame.  Olivia and Isabel created a photo booth background from white wrapping paper.  They had a great time creating it.

Our birthday balloon wreath and front door poster welcoming kids to the party!

Red Carpet Entrance

Yellow Star Walk of Fame

Photo Booth Background

The Music Hub - Liv's new Ipod Touch and Silly String for "Crowd Control"


The photo booth with props was a HUGE success with the girls.  Boy did they have fun posing with all the props.  I found a lot of free printable photo props via the internet. 
Brr.....it is cold.


Rockstar

Add caption





For activities, the kids decorated their own lanyards with VIP or backstage pass etc.  They also each had their own autograph books to collect the autographs of their friends throughout the night.  Olivia and I made a CD of Olivia's favorite Jammin' Tunes as a party favor.  Each girl was then able to decorate the case of their CD.

Our cake was in the form of a microphone found at parenting.com. The girls thought these were fun.
Microphone cupcakes!

We played a game of freeze dance and then played the lyric game.  I had two sets of lyrics for the chorus of two of Liv's favorite songs - You Don't Know Your Beautiful and We're Never Getting Back Together.  The girls had to find all the words taped around the house and then put the words in order and sing the chorus to finish.

Overall, I think the party was a success. We fed them dinner and watched a movie and then took everyone home. I hope Liv had a fabulous time!



Monday, January 7, 2013





Fall Fall.   Bellar loves loves loves to play in the fall leaves.  Our neighbor has a large tree in their front yard which provided ample leaves for a large pile of fun.  Bellar spent the afternoon playing with Amber while I raked and bagged. 



 The fifth grade classes at Liv's elementary put on a program each year for Veteran's Day.  I was very impressed by the program and the patriotism the school is teaching to Liv. Liv was excited to perform as a gift for her dad who is a Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.
Liv performing at Veteran's Day Program

Liv and friends after program

Our Elf Ubbee




This year we had a new elf visit our house during the month of December.  Our previous elves Peppermint and Rainbow Sherbet (kids named them) were sick at the North Pole.  This is a just a nice way to say they were temporarily misplaced.  Instead, our new elf Ubbee lived at our house during December.  Here are some of Ubbee's mischievous deeds.  I have to say some of these are not original ideas and to site the source of each one I do not know.....so my apologies go out now.  I do take credit for the poem (should I admit this?)

HO HO HO 'Tis the Season
I have come back from the North Pole for a special reason.
Naughty or Nice?  Which will it be?
I am going to be living in your house to see.
Please listen to mom and dad and with your sister don't fight
So Santa will bring you presents & toys on Christmas Eve night.
I am a mischievous elf so please be aware
I make many a mess with no thought or care.
My name is Ubbee and I will be your Christmas Elf.
Because Peppermint and Rainbow Sherbet have a cold and aren't
in good health.

                 Your 2012 Elf Ubbee

Poem Ubbee left to kids on first visit.

Ubbee decorated the pictures

Ubbee left note for the kids "I am here"

Ubbee left note "Be nice I am watching"
Unfolding the laundry


Rappelling down Christmas tree

Marshmallow snowball fight

Marshmallow "snow"ball fight with friends

Toilet paper rolling

Rolled down stairs in toilet paper

Tangled up in Tinsel

Graham Cracker and Frosting - Ubbee's Favorite


Sword fighting with butterfly on Christmas tree




Ubbee decorated Grandma and Grandpa's picture as clowns

Ubee decorated Family Gallery Wall

Bellar and her best friend Ubbee

My favorite "Elf Door" by our front door.