The Hazard Chronicles

This is one of those difficult weeks where there is more than one event that I want to focus on. Really, the biggest thing is Evelyn's trip to New York and Washington DC. I mean, how does one even compare with that? At the same time, I am excited to recognize Maren and Adalie's hard work in dance class. They were able to take part this week in the production of "Neverland," a ballet based on the Peter Pan story. They did a great job, and they made some great friends along the way. If you are reading this, just take a quick second to appreciate these two awesome girls before scrolling down to Evelyn's photos.

These first two are professionally taken photos from the studio

Here they are on the night of the performance. In case it's not super obvious, they were pirates. And, like all pirates, they do hip-hop dance and have a lot of attitude.

This is one of their good friends who was also a pirate.

And here we are getting ready for the show. It was a good night out.

*****

Ok. Now, it is time for that spotlight to switch back to Ev. She worked super hard all year to earn money for this trip with her friends. We told her that we would pay half, but she had to come up with the rest on her own. Between school fund-raisers, selling her home-made jewelry, and a doing whole lot of babysitting, she was able to come up with her end of things. And according to her, it was more than worth it. "Even better than I thought it would be" is the official report. Here are her photos. I might even convince her to write a few captions. (Follow-up note: She did the italicized portion of the captions)

The core friend group. These are all really cool kids. Seriously. There were others who went, but this is who Ev spends most of her time with. Also, that is Thomas Jefferson lurking in the background. Creeper.

 

Ev and Vix enjoying a sunset in D.C. with a beautiful view of the Washington Monument. 

A large crystal. Ev has a thing for crystals.

Lincoln Memorial with Evelyn 

Art? Ev really wanted me to include this photo of Vix. When I asked what was so special about a white canvas she says "It just really speaks to me you know? It's more then a white canvas. It represents so many different ideas and it just called out to me." 

Some friends of Evelyn's were bored while waiting for a restaurant and so they took a photo of their legs because apparently that's what you do in that situation. Notice that Ev is the only one wearing pants. A girl after my own heart.

Though the days were long and action-packed, hanging out in the hotel room with friends was definitely a big part of the trip.

Ev and Vix with their outfits- they're ready to take on the town!

One of Ev's friends bought this dancing cactus at a souvenir shop and the cactus, later deemed Jimmy, was quickly as close a friend as any. 
As close as any? Well, that relationship escalated quickly!

Many beautiful photos taken from the street as Ev was driving into New York but this was her favorite. New York is such a beautiful place. 

A photo that Ev took from the Top of the Rock at night. She said it was unsettling that she couldn't see stars. (The lights in the sky that you can see are airplanes).

Stunning view of the city from the ferry taking the group to the statue of liberty. 

Ready for Beetlejuice on Broadway!

Ev and one of her closest friends, Vix, ready for Broadway!

I wish she would have taken a photo in front of this display while holding a playbill, because that is my tradition. Apparently many of Ev's friends were very jealous that she got to see this play. 

A couple selfies taken of these two. There were many taken, but these two were easily my favorite of them. 

Gunther the Bus was an important member of the party. He didn't always follow the rules though.

*****

While Ev was gone, we didn't stop doing things at home. Like we mentioned, Addy and Maren had their performance. We also did a few other things.

Rachel and Jackson did a fishing derby. They didn't win, but they had a great time together.

Addy, Jack, and Maren all saved up enough money to buy an X-Box. I have mixed feelings about that, but it's their money I guess. I'm pretty sure that this is what things in the family room will look like for the foreseeable future. Also, they own the gaming console, but I still own and control the TV, so there is that :)

The bunny home got an upgrade. It will be nice for them to have a little bit of extra space.

Rachel and I went to see the play "Murder on the Orient Express." It was a fun mystery and something I haven't seen before. Pretty fun night!

Alright- have a good week!