Golden Dragon Acrobats

Last Sunday A, B, D and I were able to watch the Golden Dragon Acrobats perform at the Long Center.  They were amazing!

Heading into the Long Center

Waiting for the doors to open, we loved the view outside

The Golden Dragons are a premiere Chinese acrobatic touring group throughout the United States and abroad.  Their show includes award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques that present a show of skill and beauty.  The was an hour of performances, a 15 minute intermission and another 45-50 minutes of performances.  At intermission B was reflecting on how quickly the show went by because it was so fascinating to watch.

"It felt like only a few minutes, not an hour."  she said.  I kept finding myself muttering "Amazing and they're crazy!"  I loved watching the tumblers.  The Long Center has snacks and drinks available for purchase prior to the performance and during intermission.  Snacks need to be consumed before entering the seating area but it is fine to bring your drinks in with you.

I wasn't able to get good photos during the performance due to the lighting and the fact that I was so enthralled watching the performance but I took a few photos from their website to share with you.  The pure strength that these performers have is truly a wonder.  They made skills look easy and effortless.

These 2 guys were amazing to watch.  Their strength and flexibility was jaw dropping.

 I loved watching all the juggling incorporated throughout the show.  These fans were some of the items that were juggled using the performers' feet.

See what I mean about flexibility.

If the Golden Dragon Acrobats are performing near you I would highly recommend seeing their show.  You won't be disappointed.

Disclosure: Thanks so much to USFamilyGuide and The Long Center for allowing me to participate in this campaign. I was provided 4 tickets to enjoy the Golden Dragon Acrobats for review.  All opinions are my own.

Timberdoodle's Draw The USA Review

Draw The USA

I love being a Timberdoodle Blogger!  I have a fun homeschool resource from Timberdoodle that I want to share with you, Draw The USA by Kristin J. Draeger.  This book is an easy step-by-step approach to drawing the USA.  I love that it is both geography and art.  Most of my children have a good idea of the shape of the United States and some states but I love that this gives them an easy way to break down the entire United States or more accurately build and draw the entire United States.  A, B, C and D all worked through this book (8th grade, 6th grade, 5th grade and 3rd grade).

Getting started

C beginning his map

A looks so serious

Smile photo break

The kids liked starting with a few states and then building on their neighbors until they worked through the entire United States.

D's map

We worked through this book in one day and I thought my kids did a great job.  I love how easy the steps were so that you can work through this book at your own pace and on your own timeline - a day, a week, a month, 5 minutes here or there.  This is also a great book to rework through and continue practicing as it's a nonconsumable resource.  You can continue to work through Draw The USA until you can draw it from memory!  It's a great way to learn all the states and abbreviations as well.

D's finished USA map

C's finished USA map

B's finished USA map

 And A's finished USA map

Draw The USA is part of Timberdoodle's 5th grade curriculum kit.  You can check it out and read more about Draw The USA on Timberdoodle's website.

Disclosure:  Huge shout out to Timberdoodle for selecting me as a Timberdoodle Blogger.  Timberdoodle sent my family the Draw The USA for a discounted price in exchange for our honest review.  All opinions are my own.

A's 14th Pizza Game Birthday Party

A in front of her birthday chalkboard

Our oldest turned 14 a little over a week ago and we had her pizza/game themed birthday party last weekend.  Sometimes I wish I could stop time just for a bit.  I'm so proud of the woman that A is becoming and I am blessed to be her Mom.  

 I made a name banner and A and B hung up playing cards for decoration - they looked great!

A's Cake - the Ace of Hearts

with candles

Singing Happy Birthday

She blew out the candles!  I love G's face in this photo.

In this photo you can see A, B, C and a few friends (photo credit = Kendra)

If you need a fun idea for a teenage birthday party, pizza and games work great!