Got Talent? These Guys Do.

We just got back from taking our top 4 kids to see a group of performers called The Duttons. Maybe you've seen them? I guess they were in the top 10 finalists of America's Got Talent. Guess what? They've got lots of it. Great performers, musicians, and beaming with family entertainment (Notice the picture. . .whose bow is on whose violin?)

Really, they were fantastic! A bit like the Von Trapp Family singers (minus the nanny issue and the Nazis) They are a family of traveling musicians, the parents are now probably getting on in years and their children are mostly in their 30s. The each play a gazillion instruments, sing lots of toe tapping songs and throw in a lot of cheery, family friendly humor and have gotten most of the in-laws and the grandkids involved. We loved 'em! Full of talent, and they're Mormon, to boot!

They are based in a place called Branson, Missouri where they perform full time in the on season and rumor has it they're going to get their own venue here in Mesa, AZ for the winter season. If you come to the sunny valley to visit, I'll want to take you to see them. Branson is apparently some town in Missouri where they've got a ton of family friendly shows running 9 months out of the year. You go to Branson and then you've got like 100 different nightly shows to choose from. Do I hear a vacation calling us?!

If you get to chance to see The Duttons perform, take it. Take the kids, too! It'll motivate them to practice their instruments for sure :)

Ka-Boom!

This literally shook my house. Even more than the trains...

Our Fridge

When confronted with the challenge of finding something that begins with the letter U for show and tell: take Uncle Austin. We did, twice. Hmm... I'm suddenly craving trifle.

solo in New York

I made it back safe and sound! I really did enjoy my trip to NY. It was a great experience to talk to buyers and hear their comments and questions directly (& place orders of course!). AND I also loved walking around the show just to see what is the latest and greatest. If you ask me, Puj IS the latest and greatest! I made some good contacts and talked to some press. I knew I had to be assertive so I did just that and any time I saw someone with a PRESS badge on I grabbed them and pulled them into the booth to look at Puj. I talked with Real Simple, Martha Stewart (no, not Martha herself) Home and Garden, Cottage Home, Times, and some other publications. Free press on our new products would be very valuable to us right now. So we will see. They seemed very interested and took notes and pictures...here's hoping!I did have a little bit of time to see some of the city. I got caught in the rain one night and ended up soaked from my knees down, water gushing out of my shoes! I also became quite the master at the subway system. Nancy, you would have been quite impressed! I also met up with cousin Helen. She took me to a cafe in Queens where she was playing guitar and singing. Just a small gig, but super fun none the less. We did also go see Amy Stevens quickly. She was really busy working for a fashion designer. It was fashion week while I was there! On Sunday I went and had dinner with a friend from BYU. His name is Aaron. He's living in NY and recently got engaged. His finance made a nice meal and it was good to see him doing so well.



I did also go to the top of the Empire state Building. Very touristy and fun. It was quite cold and windy up top!
I did lots of shopping at night but never bought anything...can you believe it? I did buy a souvenir for the boys. I figured since I'd been to the BIG city that I would bring them a BIG cookie! I think they enjoyed it.It was a great trip and a very educational experience. Wish you all could have been there!

Happy Birthday, Nancy!

I hope you feel like a princess today!

Happy Birthday!

Have a Happy Birthday, Ben!

Happy Birthday Dad!

I hope you've been enjoying your fish and greens while mom's been gone! It'll make pizza tomorrow that much more delicious!

Glory Be, it's Laurie B's Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

We're so glad that you were able to be here to celebrate your birthday with us, even if it was almost a week early. Thanks for being the most amazing Dad in the whole world. Really, I don't think you'll ever truly realize the impact you've made on me throughout my life, and the wonderful example you are to me of selfless love. I love you Dad, Happy Birthday! Love, Nancy