Stadium of Fire

The day finally came!! We bought these stadium tickets back in March! (March 4 to be exact. I had to go back through all my email to find the tickets because it had been so long!).

Anyway, this is a family tradition of Charley's and we've sort of adopted it. We are going to try to go every other year or so. The last time we went was when Miley was there. Last year we didn't have kids (and it was Jonas Brothers) so we didn't go. But this year was Brad Paisley. How can you pass that up? I haven't seen Brad since the time I met him back stage, and I love his music.

Last time we were late, so this time Charley wanted to leave extra early. We left at 5:30. Got to Provo at 6:15. Um, no traffic this time, we had two hours until it started. Went right to a parking lot and walked up to the stadium. It was a VERY HOT 98 degrees!

We didn't eat before because Charley didn't want to risk being late. So at the stadium we grabbed snacks and water. Nate was so excited they had a Nathan's Hot Dogs there! That's what he got for his snack.

Then it was the hike to our seats. Keep in mind, we bought the most inexpensive seats there were. Bleacher, way high up. We did know this going in. What we did not know, is exactly how HIGH the seats were. As we started hiking up, we were in the EAST bleachers... which happened to be the only section in the sun at that time of night. It was also facing the sun. These balls were at the half way point. They use them in Brad's show. I've seen before where they bounce the balls during one of his songs.

When we finally got to our seats, we were on the VERY last row. Those steps are steep... I thought I was going to die half way up. And then we had to sit there in the sun for 45 minutes. We were DYING of heat!! Note to self: No more seats on the East side! We wanted more water, but weren't about to take the HIKE back down to get some. Here's a view of the stage from our seats. I got an email last Tuesday saying that Brad's crew was already in town building the biggest stage in Stadium of Fire's history. Hmmm. Not sure this stage looked all that big, but it was cool, none the less.

Soon, the show started. The announcers came out, and then we could see the parachuters. The plane actually dropped them out right above our heads. There were 5 of them, and the last one down brought the flag... I'm so impressed how they can land right on the field!

They also line the field with dancers, and service men. They have a salute to them. The pledge. The national Anthem (sung by David Archuletta that was awesome. Started as a video of when he was 12, moved to real time). And then the flyover. It was right above our heads.. or so it seamed... and rumbled the entire stadium! I just love all the patriotism there.

As the program started, and the sun started to go down, we actually decided we had the best seats. There was a fence behind us that we could lean against. (The other rows had the option to purchase a stadium seat or $5 to lean against). We had a seat back built in. We stood up and looked over the fence (I had to stand on my tip toes to see over) and there was a grassy shady area there. We are going to go sit there next year!!! LOL. Also, we were able to stand on our seats (because they give you a very narrow 12 inches of bum space and it was quite crowded) and see everything. We stood the entire time!!

I have a hard time getting my husband to smile in pictures. After Nate attempting about 20 shots and a lesson in smiling, this was the best photo we could get:

And of course, what Stadium is noted for... the fireworks show. Charley and I have a running debate on whose fireworks are better. Stadium's or Disneyland's. Although Stadium fireworks are pretty awesome, nothing (in my book) will ever top Disneyland! Now, it could be the fact that you are just standing on main street, and they are all Disney themed, I'm not sure. But none the less, they are better. And stadium is a close second :)

I'm glad we went to Stadium this year. It was awesome. After a 2 hour traffic jam back to Salt Lake city, we were starving!! So, we stopped at Village Inn on the way home. (It was 1 AM by this time!). Had an awesome breakfast before heading home to bed.

Happy 4th to all of our family & friends. We are so grateful for the country we live in and the freedom we enjoy. Thank you to everyone who made that possible. Including our three nephews currently serving: Carl, Matt & Chris. We love you all.

Teacher Appreciation

Last week was Nate's last week of school. Jen and I decided it would be fun to send a teacher appreciation gift every day for the last week. (I know, teacher appreciation was back in April, but going along with my "wait until the last minute" nature, I waited until the last week of school!).

We crafted EVERY night. Kind of reminded me of boutique season. It is always fun to get together and craft. Every time I do it, I remember how much I miss it.

So here's Monday's gift. A stack of 10 cards that say "A Note from Mrs. Brighton" in a cute little matching box:

Tuesday's gift was this little gift box. Inside is a box of Theater candy. I think Reeses Pieces. And attached is a little post it note key ring. Nate wrote on the inside of the post it note.. "OWL always remember Mrs. Brighton"

I've seen several versions of this on the internet and various blogs. They are so cute!! I was going to do a 6 pack, but at Walmart, there was only ONE six pack left in the whole store. So, we thought that one bottle looked just as cute.

And these are giant clothespin photo frames. I actually had a picture of Nate on the first day of school standing next to Mrs. Brighton's door-- pointing to the poster of all the kids names on it. It was perfect! I matted it and stuck it in the clothespin. We also wrapped a SKOR candy bar with a tag that said "Mrs. Brighton helped me to achieve high Skors"

And finally Friday. Since it was July 1st, and the last day of school, we gave this to her on Friday. It is three rolo sticks wrapped to look like dynamite. They turned out so cute!!! Package two of them up in a painted box and there you have it.

Nate loved giving his teacher gifts throughout the year, and I know Mrs. Brighton loved them also. She always took the time to send home notes of thanks. Actually, Friday, after the week was over, the thank you card she sent home was the ones that we gave her on Monday. I smiled as I opened it. I'm glad that she will put them to use.

Next year is kind of sad. It will be the last year I make things for Nate's teachers. And I'll be doing it solo... as Tyler will be going to Jr. High.... It's a sad day for Nate as he rode his bike to school for the last time with Ty. But one more year, and I will be the mom of a Jr. High boy myself.... Yikes!!!