A Visit from the In-Laws!

Last weekend, Scott's parents, Judy and Steve, visited us from Mn!  As arts-lovers themselves, we always find ways to have fun and this time we saw two plays (both Tony nominated I should add.)

Scott, Me, Judy & Steve @ Mel's Burger Bar on W110th Street. (Great shakes!)

The first show we saw was War Horse, a huge hit of a play that started in London and involves some of the most amazing puppetry I've ever seen.  (See the Lincoln Center Theater link below.)  Another perk of seeing the show?  One of Scott's former classmates (and friend) from Temple University is in it. Austin Durant plays Chapman Carter and Manfred in the production and audience members will be stunned by his powerful voice and the fact that he's only 27 years old.  Needless to say, the show was incredible, and I would recommend it to anyone.  Excellent use of theatrical devices.

Lincoln Center Theater : Media Player

The second play we saw was much more light-hearted.  The Book of Mormon (a musical) was written by the creators of South Park (a show I don't especially like).  It was good to get away from their known characters on South Park and see how funny these writers really are!  The show does take quite the jab at Mormons, as it does at Catholics and Jews and...basically everyone.  But I think the message is good.  And the show is hilarious.  What surprised me the most is how catchy the songs are! This is definitely an album I will be buying. And good news: The show plans to tour so get your tickets soon because they WILL sell out.

The rest of the weekend was spent dining and shopping in SoHo. (Oh darn ;) ).  We visited a store that is a huge favorite of Judy's called Versani which features handcrafted, beautiful jewelry.  I was spoiled a bit and Steve, Judy and Scott all chipped in to buy me some one-of-a-kind wood embedded hoop earrings.  They are awesome.

Looking forward to spending more time with Judy and Steve when I visit Minnesota at the end of June!  It was nice to be able to share "our city" with them!

#11 Famous Friends and Family #3

365 Blog Challenge: Post #11

Today I'd like to dedicate my blog to our family friend, Erik Link who is a special teams coach for Auburn University's Tigers football team.  As many of you know, Auburn won the BCS National Championship game last night, and therefore are national champions.  It has been fun to watch Erik's in-laws, (basically my second parents) Jim and Judie Flaherty get worked up about this team, and they were lucky enough to be at the game last night.

Erik and Jill Link (as stolen from their Christmas card)

Congrats to Erik and the Auburn Tigers on your win!  (I personally believe Erik is the sole reason that they made it so far.)  And way to go Jill, Erik's wife, for being so supportive of Erik's career which requires a lot of mobility!  Proud to know ya!

#7 Famous Friends & Family #2

365 Blog Challenge, Post #7

Imagine....it's Christmas night.  Your bellies are full.  Your wallets are empty.  Many of your wishes for new things have been granted.  You're happy, maybe spending the evening with family, maybe with other loved ones....or...you're Evan!

Our friend Evan (Scott's coworker), who happens to be good friends with many an older bitty (in fact we tease him that he is getting lucky with the older ladies) spent this past Christmas night at the duplex of a popular NY couple who annually host famous opera singers (think the Met) and their "entourages"  for a Christmas dinner.  Not only did Evan attend this swanky event in which the singers entertain each other, he was also pictured in the New York Times article that was written up about it (in the Fashion & Style section.)!  Here he is:

Photo as seen in New York Times, taken by Deidre Schoo.  Evan is the young gentleman to the far left, cell phone in hand.  Try and guess what he's thinking here....

Photo by Deidre Schoo for the New York Times.  Here Evan is with the hostess.  We told you the ladies love him.

Way to go Evan.  You made the New York Times AND my blog! What a lucky guy. ;)

#4 Famous Friends and Family #1

365 Blog Challenge: Post #4

I was recently fortunate enough to spend a few hours in NY with my cousin, Katelyn, one of my mom's sister's daughters. Katelyn is the eldest of 3 beauties! She was in NY because she is a twirler for Kansas State University and I had to give her a shout out on my blog because she and her fellow twirler were mentioned at ESPN.com after their performance in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium! Here's the full article: The Sound of Music at the Pinstripe Bowl, and the best line being- 

"But the most impressive performers were the twirlers -- two for Kansas State, one for Syracuse -- who performed an array of dazzling tricks with multiple batons while the bands and played and the cheerleaders cheered. "

Here are some pics of my famous cuz:

 This pic with Mr. Wildcat was taken at a game earlier in the season.

I met Katelyn after working overnight, hence the ugly green scrub pants. (Scott has no excuse for his navy and black ensemble.)

Katelyn (left) with her twirling partner, Jessica, on the subway in NYC.



Props to Katelyn and her fellow twirlers for being amazing enough to be mentioned on ESPN.com. Hope to see you in action some day girl!