January 2017

 Oh, this snow in the first picture was a distant memory, until we got another snow last night that is still lingering this afternoon.  Hard to believe that 2 days ago it was in the low 60s!

January is now a blur as Daddy returned home from Saudi Arabia, we celebrated birthdays, and I attended the Sundance Film Festival and saw myself in one of the movies!  Really, could not have asked for a better start to 2017.

I wasn't so sure about leading an architecture tour (a portion of which is outdoors) in 2* weather, but it turned out to be a beautiful day and I had guests willing to brave the elements to see the beautiful sites. 

We've been hosting a lot this year, starting with my evening book club - the Litwits.  I made "pink fizzy drinks" to discuss "Big Little Lies" (the drink from the book).  This was not a winner of a drink, but we had a great discussion! 

David and I attended "Dancing with the Stars - Columbus Style" to support friends who were performing this year.  It's a great fundraiser for very important programs in our town.

Kelly did a great job!  This year's theme was "the movies".  Kelly and her partner ballroom danced and their theme was "Pretty Woman".  What a great night!

We had our annual Golden Globes pool wrap-up party with the boys.  Non-alcoholic grape juice for the boys, cava for David and me.  David was the big winner of the night.  He stomped us!

We had friends over for dinner, to catch up, and play some pool.  The 13 of us hadn't all been together in maybe a year.  It was great that all the kids (high school and college ages) could make it too.  Bailey had a great time barking his head off, and finally passed out next to Justin.

Brennan turned 15!  Now how is that possible?  We celebrated that morning with muffins and presents.  After school his friends came over for pizza and gaming, then we went to the Escape Room for a fun adventure (they escaped!) and then out for Orange Leaf.  Brennan's going to have a great year!  Studying for the driving permit test these days!

After the party Trevor spent the night.  HE turned 15 the next day.  These two.  From little 3 year olds in the shallow end of the pool to high school freshmen!

While the winter has been mild overall, it's been cold!  One afternoon we went bowling.  I won!

Thomas was out with friends one night and we introduced Brennan to "Best in Show" in honor of my spending time with Parker Posey in Sundance.  It was hilarious.  In honor of the movie we had "We met at Starbucks, but not the same Starbucks", "pepperoni sticks", and "stop naming nuts".  Brennan appreciated the humor of the movie, but still thinks "My Cousin Vinny" and "The Blues Brothers" were better.  We love our little theater room.

And Sundance.  I mean, really.  Sundance.  It was an awesome weekend, in part because we were celebrating Erin's 40th birthday while we watched the premiere of the movie "Columbus".  I mean.  Really.

We spent time touring Salt Lake City one day, and spent the entire day at Sundance in Park City on Sunday the 22nd. But first, we surprised Erin with a party at the hotel before heading to the festival.

Park City was beautiful and exactly as we hoped it would be - snowy, cold, and filled with talented movie makers.

We hosted the cast and crew dinner at a restaurant near the theater.

And then walked to the iconic Egyptian Theater for the premiere of "Columbus".  It was surreal to be there!  What a great movie.  Hoping distributors purchase it for wide audiences.  It was so special to be there!

After the premiere everyone stayed for the Question & Answer session with the cast, producers, and director/writer of the film.  It was touching and I learned a lot.

The after party, sponsored by Kia, was a blast.  Here are just a few photos from the wonderful wrap up!

Park City at 2 a.m.

The only down side to the weekend in Park City was that I missed Thomas's first formal.  He and friend Rissa went together and had a great time.  Our friends hosted photos, then they went to Upland Brewing Company for dinner with a group of friends, then to the dance itself.  They had a great time!

And somebody turned 3!  Bailey of course!

Finally, David and I went with a number of couples from church to see the Dueling Piano guys to raise funds for a local college's foundation.  We had a great night.  The music was terrific and it was nice hanging out with friends.

Hope you're having a great winter!