I admired how hard they worked.

I can't wait to see it performed in February. In the mean time I'm inspired to do some painting.

Littlest kitten couldn't help herself, she had to dance too. She came home a choreographed a dance herself.

On the way to the Covey Center, bindi in place, I have to admit that I was more excited than nervous. I practiced enough times that I wasn't worried about forgetting the dance. My pretty cousin Amy definitely does gypsy well. Short blonde hair wasn't quite right. Next time I'm going to have lots of roses on my head.

We loved being back stage with all the dancers, taking note of who had the coolest outfits and accessories.

Oh it was fun! Oopas and ululations are still ringing in my ears. I want to do it again. It's things like this that make ordinary life extraordinary.

The Fourth of July

The teams were picked and the games began. We quickly bonded with our team members as we raced and took our quiz. One of the best things about this party each year is that everybody is involved, kids and adults. We laugh, play and work together. We all help a little in creating the event, but it's Aunt Lorelie who gets the credit for making it the best day of the year.

Being the 50th anniversary of Hawaii becoming a state, naturally it became the theme of this year's party. My favorite party event was 'So you think you can dance hula?!' Each team had fifteen minutes to create a hula dance which we then performed. My mom was such a lovely dancer.

All of the dances were impressive. I don't think there was a person at the party who didn't get out there and love doing it.

Most of the dances were dramatic narratives.

There was lots of cheering and smiling.

Cul-de-Sac of Fire

Everything was in place by 6:oo. We don't do any sort of dress rehearsal, that's part of the fun. It's exciting, anticipating what's going to happen.

It looked like an important event with lots of people's chairs saving places.

Our neighbor, Niel Peterson, who provides the fantastic sound system and runs the audio during the show every year, invited his band to play for a couple of wonderful hours. It was the kind of music that made you feel good. It was jazzy and the Australian singer was fantastic. People danced and mingled.

Following the introduction, prayer and pledge, a special guest arrived. He came with lights blazing down the street. The Governor of Utah came our Cul-de-sac of Fire. Awesome!
We felt pretty cool. He gave a nice speech and then sat on the lawn chairs we had roped off in hope that would bring is lovely wife and enjoy our show.

We had a loud and impressive fly-over and then a blimp. A blimp that was full of candy. Yipee!

Then the parade began with our own precision-drill-Trek-mod squad.

To the delight and surprise of our audience, we presented 'Ms. Firecracker 550 S.' on a float. Yes, I said FLOAT. Teen Kitten and I made it. It was stunning but even more stunning was 550 S.'s first resident, Lynette. She looked marvelous waving and giving her audience her most gorgeous smile. Some people have told me that it was their favorite part of the evening. I dare say Lynette had no idea she was going to be our parade royalty but she made the most fantastic queen. Her attendants were lovely too.

Her security, my brother Pete, intimidated anyone who might try to kidnap our queen.

Next in the program came Fire Girls 550 S. with their tribute to Michael Jackson number. FABULOUS! The dance included a bit of music and some moves from Black and White, Thriller, Bad, ABC, and Man in the Mirror. We dances our little hearts out and loved every second of it. It's hard to believe we have to wait a whole year to dance again. All of the dancers are excited about the potential of a baton twirling number in next year's show.

A few sets of fireworks and then the Bonus Brothers took the stage. In no less than 20 seconds there were screaming teen kittens bouncing around the stage. These boys were not only handsome, their moves were pretty smooth too. I wanted to rush the stage myself but after all those high kicks I didn't know if I'd make it. I might have to go across the street and get an autograph later.

A few more fireworks and then our last surprise. The Carmen Rasmusen of American Idol sang the National Anthem acapella. I tell ya, it was amazing. It was the perfect ending to the best culdesac of fire ever.