Arizona Ice Classic....

Today, the Arizona Ice Classic was held at our home rink. Yeah! Instead of having the competition for two days, they just had it today from around 8am until 8pm. Long day- especially for Jaime. She was there the whole time. We went in early this morning for a quick review lesson. Then we didn't skate until 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM. In between time, we went to a Girl Scout recruit activity, made all kinds of crafts, learned about Girl Scouts, and uh...joined Brownies:)) I am certain we will miss every single meeting, but the camps will be fun. So, ever since returning from vacation, we have been working really hard on two somewhat new routines to the same music- "Boots" and "Annie". More difficult moves, spirals and "catch foot", different beginnings and endings to the routines. It seems to have paid off. The judges liked the new "Boots" routine and gave Jazzy first place. I think they also liked the new Annie program, but the other girls skating against Jazzy were more experienced. When there are not enough people in the classes, they combine groups so the less experienced are competing against somewhat older girls. Jasmine still got second place. For the first time ever, she skated both programs flawlessly, staying with the music perfectly, looking the judges right in the eye and doing a little "wink" move when she went by:)) I think we are only doing these routines one more time next month in Flagstaff, the starting completely new ones. The new Artistic Program is to the song "Country Kid" -possibly. I discovered the song while we were driving down the highway to Big Bear. The other one is kind of iffy in my mind..."Corpse Bride"... which is a kind of faster song for our new freeskate routine. Jazzy and her friend Skyla Bishop who is two years younger:) First place in Basic 6 Artistic Light against three other girls. Lilly Dalsin and Jasmine warming up. Lilly beat Jazzy in Dramatic Light 6-8. Going on the ice any second:) Jazzy and her friend Anais Van der Voor. They are both in the second grade. Anais parents are from Holland.

Last day of Dance Camp....

Last night of dance camp...two weeks long, every night practicing ballet, jazz, theater and tap. It was a prerequisite for trying out for "Company". Jazzy took the camp just to get some better skills in general. She did try out for Company and made it, but it is just too much with skating. Can't be at two places at once. Jasmine wants to stick with the financially unstable skating rink, but I just never know if their doors are going to be locked from one day to the next- let alone 5 years from now. So, we're sticking with skating for now.... with dance as a back up. Jazzy and her friend Brianna. Ballet with Ms. Laurie.

First day of school

Unhappy Jasmine faking a smile on the first day of school. She's mad because I made her do some reading and answer a couple of questions. She was a little happier when she came home. Seems to like the teacher, who I haven't seen smile yet either.

Pigs...

Just took this photo for Jasmine's "project"/collage she is supposed to bring to first day of school tomorrow- telling about herself and her pets. We took one of Jessie also, of course:)

My Country Tis of Thee....

This morning, our 3rd year "Let's Play Music" Class sang "My Country Tis of Thee" at the Grand Opening of yet another Banner Health Clinic in Chandler. I didn't really expect to spend so much time there, but they had a nice air conditioned tent with free food and smoothies from Jamba Juice, free popsicles, free food, free gadgets like all kinds of pens, pencils, coloring books, toys for kids, etc. All of the doctors and nurses were mingling around to answer questions:) Then we took a tour of the clinic... very state of the art. The most impressive thing to me was a consultation room with a "TV" screen that could be used to contact an interpreter for literally any language. The family and patient can sit in the room and have the history/physical exam done with the help of a 24 hour on call interpreter for any language. THAT is impressive! AND...every word and procedure is recorded "for the patient" so that if they miss anything, they can go back and review it. I suspect it is more for the doctor's and nurses liability. I know if I worked in a place like that nowadays, I would want everything I said and did recorded. Chandler Fire trucks were there for kids to play on as well as police cars for kids to sit in. 3rd year class! Free food everywhere!

Sat night Monopoly....

Jasmine just makes herself at home in other people's cabins. Monique, owner of the lodge, invited Jasmine in for a game of Monopoly. I don't know how she does this. Actually, Jasmine followed this poor woman around every spare moment that we were at the cabins..."helping" her clean the pool, water the flowers, and who knows what else!

2nd try at the Stables...

Today is much better- weather-wise. Clear skies 73 degrees. Slightly more cloudy on the other side of the lake where the Baldwin Lake Stables are located. Jasmine actually rode the pony for about 15 minutes- much longer than she has ever previously ridden. She was in heaven:) Then about 45 minutes spent at the "petting zoo". Swimming the rest of the day. A large Hispanic family just "moved in". Very noisy, lots of people. Jasmine fits right in. She's out there socializing with them right now. Me- not so much. Learning about chickens. More lizards here than in Arizona!! They're *everywhere* Down on the farm: Pretty muddy from all the rain yesterday. Learning how to properly greet a horse. "Tiger". Waiting for the "guide". Driving home to yukky hot Arizona tomorrow!