Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Rhys is 6!

Back in February, Rhys was invited to his very first Birthday Party. He loved going and he had so much fun. The next week when I picked him up from School he told me he had told a few girls in his class about HIS Birthday Party coming up and that they said they were going to come. This was news to me... since I didn't know he was having a party. =) But, he did end up giving me plenty of time to prepare and Steven and I were very happy to give him his party.
Since his Birthday was on a Saturday this year we decided to just have his party on his actual Birthday. He originally wanted to have a Spiderman themed party, but later he realized he could have a Spiderman party back in the States and he should have a party with a Character that we can only find here in Scotland. So, it was a Moshi Monster themed party. They're a Computer/Card Game that kids can play that are very similar to Pokemon, and Rhys just loves them.
They say that not everyone comes to things you invite them to, so I told Rhys he could invite 10 kids hoping that not all of them would show up. (Traditionally you usually invite the number of kids that your child is turning, so he should have had 6 kids at his party.) Well, luck was on our side because 6 kids actually came, so it ended up being perfect. One of the little girls had told us she was coming, but the morning of the party she was sick and so she couldn't. But she was so excited about her present that her Mom dropped it off anyway. It was very sweet of her.
Rhys ended up having 3 girls and 3 boys come so it worked out quite nicely. The party was from 2-4 so that we wouldn't need to provide Dinner for all the kids. Since Rhys had time to wait until his friends got here, he spent the morning playing one of the Video Games that Steven's parents gave him for his Birthday while they were here. He's getting quite good at them... he gets that from his Dad.
When the kids got here we had 2 of the parents stay and help. One of the little girls has a hard time in Social Situations and can get upset easily, so her Mom wanted to stay and make sure she was okay. And one of the boys was really shy and didn't want his Mom to leave. It ended up being nice having a few more adults there to keep the kids in line. We started with decorating all the kids faces with Face Paint. I was worried about putting the make-up on the kids without their parents consent, so we let them all know we were doing it on the invitation so they all came prepared and excited for it. Since Steven is our Theatre guy and has taken a make-up class, he was in charge of doing all the make-up. He did a great job! Rhys wanted to be a Tiger and when Gavin saw him he yelled "Rhys is a Tiger." It was really cute.
We also had 3 games planned. Pin the tail on the Moshi (I drew one of Rhys' favorite Characters for it.) Musical Numbers, (Which is kind of like Musical Chairs) and we had a Bean Bag Toss. Since the kids are only 6 we didn't want anyone sad that they didn't "win" so we just gave prizes to all the kids for trying. They were just silly little prizes, stickers or bubbles or pencils, but the kids loved them. 
When we were doing playing the games we had cake. I ended up just buying the cake at the store since they have them for so cheap and they are so cute. I bought it with just the stars on it, and then our friend Ben bought Rhys the Moshi's for his Birthday so we just put them on the cake. It turned out really cute. The only sad part was when all the Party guests kept saying they wanted a piece with a figure on it. I had to tell them that they were just for Rhys. Luckily they handled that pretty well.
After cake we opened presents. Two of the kids gave Rhys Cards with some money in it, so I was surprised at how much STUFF he actually got. I don't know if its a Scotland thing, or if people are just getting more generous with their presents back in the States too, but I can't believe what people gave him. It was very sweet and Rhys loved it. We had about 25 minutes left before the parents came back, and so we ended up having a Dance party. I think the kids really enjoyed themselves, but I KNOW Rhys did. He loved having all of his friends over and getting to show them where he lives. Hopefully we'll get to have more play dates with his friends now that I've met all of their parents.
One of the things that I noticed while all his friends were here is that he is started to rub off on his friends. Everyone kept expecting Rhys to get a Scottish accent while we're here.. and while he does say SOME words with an accent, he's not really getting one. But some of his friends were definitely saying things with an American twange. It was really funny. I'm sure its just because Rhys is around, and they'll probably stop doing it when he leaves, but it was fun to see how he is affecting them as well. =)
We waited for Rhys to open his presents from us until after his friends left. He also had a present from my parents and a bunch of Cards from people. For Dinner he requested Hamburgers and he spent the rest of the day playing Paper Mario, which is the Video Game that my parents got him. Over all I think it was a very good day. Rhys had so much fun and even Gavin enjoyed himself. (For the most part.) After this experience though, we think we might implement the same rule that the Grawrock's had and say he gets a party every other year. It's just SO tiring. I'm just glad that its over and Rhys is now my big 6 year old. I hope he'll remember this when he's older though... the Birthday Party he got to have in Scotland. =)
Rhys' Moshi Cake.
 Rhys anxiously waiting for his friends to arrive.
 This is the Moshi that I drew for the Pin the Tail game.
 His banner... I can't believe he's 6!
 Some fun little twirly things we had on the ceiling to make it festive.
 Rhys and me right before the party started.
 About to blow out the candles.
 Right after Rhys blew them out. He ALMOST got them in one blow.
 Eating cake with his friends.
 Opening presents.

 A Group shot of Rhys and his friends. Abbie is right now to him and then from left to right its Freya, Madelaine, Thomas, Michael, and Ethan.
 Rhys wanted to open his Remote Controlled Tarantula as soon as his friends left.
 The Tails. The kids gots them all over the place.
 All of his presents. These were JUST from his friends.
 Showing us the game my parents got him.
 He got a container of Gold Moshi's.
 A guide book to all the Moshi's you can collect.
 Gavin playing with Rhys' new Iron Man. He loves that thing.
 Rhys showing me his Captain America and Thor.
 Rhys was nice and let Gavin play with them too.
 Right before bed I tried to get a shot of them together. This is as good as it got.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Duchess of Malfi

Steven's first official project for the RCS was a show called The Duchess of Malfi. The program put on two seperate shows and they split the students into two separate Casts. Steven wasn't thrilled when he found out he was in The Duchess since they had to combine two smaller parts for him to play. He was cast as Castrucio/Pescara but it ended up being a really fun experience for him. He found out near the beginning of the rehearsal process that they were going to need a little boy to be cast as well, so he suggested Rhys. Everyone in the Cast had already met Rhys and so they were all very supportive of the idea and helped convince the Director to meet him.
The Directors name is Pete and he was instantly impressed with Rhys. He was cute, polite, happy, and willing to do the part. So, they cast him! The only hard thing about it was Gavin was too young to be involved and so we had to get a babysitter for him for all the performance nights and the one matinee. Luckily, we have some amazing friends who all pitched in and helped so he was always in really good hands.
Rhys was involved in 2 regular rehearsals, a Tech rehearsal and a full dress rehearsal before finally doing 5 actual performances. He was also only in 3 scenes, so it wouldn't be too overwhelming for him. The first rehearsal they did was more of a "playing" rehearsal. They got together as a cast and got to play games with Rhys for about an hour. Their favorite was the "Dragon game" where Rhys told them what type of Dragon they were supposed to be. It ended up being a huge inside joke, and everyone would always ask Rhys about Dragons. =)
They ended up blocking his scenes on that first rehearsal really quickly, and he caught on really well. The Director was actually a little worried at first, because his last scene involves him kneeling by his dead dad and looking sad. During that first Rehearsal Rhys actually started crying and Pete was worried it was going to be too rough on him. But, as soon as they were done with the scene he stopped the crying and went right back to playing. Apparently, he really is his Daddy's boy and knows how to control his emotions like that.
I was very impressed that he remembered exactly what he was supposed to do at the next rehearsal. They made one small change, but Rhys was able to do the change right away and then never forgot to do it on the actual performance nights. He was such a hit and everyone always joked that he stole the show. He just looked so handsome in his little suit and he did such a good job on stage that it was hard not to be impressed by him. Plus, the play ends with Rhys coming on stage, walking across it to his pretend Dad and kneeling by his side. Its the last thing you see, so of course its going to stick with you.
Rhys loved being in the show and has actually asked when he can be in another one. But this time he wants to be able to talk. =) Steven's a little worried, because as much as he loves acting, he would never wish for an actors life for the boys. I'm just hoping this is something that Rhys enjoys doing.. that will help him develop his personality and make friends.. but that he'll be happy doing something else when he's all grown up. I keep reminding Steven that not everyone who does Theatre in School growing up wants to keep doing it when they graduate. We'll just keep holding on to that thought!
Steven was also extremely impressive. I only got to see the first half of the show during a dress rehearsal, since I was Rhys' chaperone and had to stay with him at all times. But he did an amazing job. I'm sad I never got to see the scene where he was the "Crazy" man.. but I saw it on a monitor back stage and it looked really cool. We figured it would be too scary of a scene for Rhys to watch, so we didn't go sit back down once Rhys started in on his scenes. This is the first show that I have not seen all the way of Steven's since we've been together, so it was an interesting experience. However, it was really fun to get to be backstage and to see his process as he got himself ready to go out there every night. I'm really grateful that I got to experience it and I'm really glad that Rhys had so much fun doing it.
Here are some of the pictures that I took of some of the things going on Backstage. I didn't get any pictures of the actual performance, which makes me very sad. They had a professional taking some during their dress rehearsal, which is why I didn't worry about it.. but he only got 2 of Rhys in it and ones not very good. I just wish I had one of him kneeling at the end during his final scene, since it was such a neat one.. but I'll just have to make due with the ones they took. The final few are the professional ones from the show that have both my boys in them. I hope you enjoy them. =)
Rhys with his "pretend Dad" Steven Wallace. They because very good friends.
 Rhys in his dressing room. He got one all to himself since he was a child.
 Father and Son. They were matching in their suits. =)
 On our way home opening night. We had Rhys go home in his pajamas and we brushed his teeth there so he could just go right to bed. He was also given that Tulip by a friend and he loved it.
 Rhys trying on Levi's jacket and hat.
 He was about to go on stage and he was just so excited I had to get a picture.
 Closing night the cast all pitched in to buy him a present. This was him opening it.
 They got him a Dragon toy and the book How to Train your Dragon. =)
 The Whole Cast together. Rhys was too busy looking at his book, but its still cute.
 Rhys and Flora. He came on with her for his final scene.
 Rhys playing with Steven and Levi.
 Rhys and Keith... poor Keith was scared. =)
 Rhys with Steven and Kate. They were his pretend parents.
 Steven with the other crazy patients and the Doctor.
 Steven waiting to go on.
 Here are the Professional shots. They're really quite cool.






It was very sad, Steven's parents came the weekend that the show opened but we found out that there wasn't a Saturday performance so they weren't able to see it. I don't know who was more sad, them or us.
Oh, and here's the link to anyone who would like to see all of the pictures of the show that were taken. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rcsofficial/sets/72157629741414958/

Easter Holiday!

Rhys was given two whole weeks off of School for Easter Break! Steven was also on a short break from University so it was really nice to have everyone home for a bit. For the most part we just stayed home, but we did go into the City for one of the days.
Easter here was really fun. Things are actually quite different here and so it was a little bit of an adjustment. We looked for Egg dying kits and couldn't find any. We found out later that people actually just paint their eggs and then they roll them down the Hill on Monday to represent the Tomb being opened. I think its a really neat tradition, but sadly we weren't able to participate this year. Maybe its something we could do back in the States next year. =)
When I was on a hunt for an egg dying kit, I found a egg panting kit that came with 4 white plastic eggs and some paint. So we got one of those and just painted those plastic ones this year. Maybe next year both boys will be able to fully appreciate the art of dying eggs.
They were surprisingly fun to paint. Gavin was even able to do it, as long as I was squeezing the paint out of the tube for him. But he guided me and the egg turned out just how he wanted it to. 
I was able to hunt down some Easter Baskets at the Pound store, but they were very hard to find. It doesn't seem like most people actually do Easter baskets. The main Easter Candy item I could find were the giant hollow chocolate eggs. They were EVERYWHERE. They had Cadburry Creme eggs and a few other little things, but for the most part it was all about those big eggs. We got the boys one, but I still wanted them to have their baskets, so I was happy when I found some.
They just got some little Moshi Monster figurines and a few sweets. Nothing really big, but enough to make them quite happy. =)
Easter morning was fun. The boys woke us up at about 7:15, so it wasn't bad at all. They loved their baskets and immediately went to work finding the eggs. We only had 16 of them hidden around the living room, so it didn't take long, but they had fun and that's all that really counts. 
Since we have Church at 10 here, soon after we found the eggs it was time to get ready and go to Church. I love how much the boys love going here. Everyone in the Ward loves them so much, so it makes them excited to go see everyone. The Service was amazing.. I always love Easter Sunday.. and then so many people in the Ward gave the boys Sweets. I think they got 4 big eggs each plus a few smaller sweets as well. I know those boys are loved.
For Easter dinner we had the Missionaries come over and join us. We had our Traditional Ham and  Deviled Eggs, but that's where our traditions ended. I was sad not to make my traditional dessert which is white cake with Whipped cream for frosting, covered in Coconut and jelly beans. But, Steven doesn't eat Coconut and Rhys and Gavin don't eat very much either so I didn't want to have a whole cake by myself. Oh, the sacrifices we make. =) We ended up just having a Carrot Cake which was also delicious and still a fun Easter theme.
During Easter Break Rhys also met the Director for the show he was asked to do with Steven at the RCS. Its called the Duchess of Malfi and he was asked to play the Duchess's Son. They just wanted to meet him and make sure he was right for the part. Of course they loved him.. but who wouldn't. =)
 While we were in town for the fitting, I took the boys to a big toy store in town called Hamley's. Some of you might have heard of it, seeing as its a huge toy store chain. Since it was still Easter Break they were giving all of the kids free balloons and they even had an Easter Egg hunt for all the kids who were there at the time. Sadly, the boys didn't want to stay for that, but it was fun that they were invited. We were wandering around the store for a little over an hour, just looking at all the fun things they had. I had told Rhys that if he was good I'd let him pick a little toy for a few pounds if he'd like, but when we got to the back of the store he saw through the window one of those big inflatable jumper houses and he asked to do that instead. It was £2 for 5 minutes so I let him do it. He was the only kid in there, which was actually nice for me. I didn't have to worry about any other kids pushing him over or anything.
Right next to the bouncy house was a little soft play area for the kids to play in for free. There were a bunch of soft dinosaurs for the kids to play on so Gavin loved it. He's really into Dinosaurs right now. We topped the afternoon off with a quick lunch at McDonalds for Happy Meals. I don't get to take the boys out very often, so it was fun to give them this little treat.
I'm so grateful for this Holiday and for the amazing Sacrifice that Christ gave to us so that we could return and live with our Heavenly Father again. I know that Christ lives and that we will all get to live again and that I will get to live with my Family forever. I am so grateful to the knowledge that I have that we can repent and be forgiven of our shortcomings.. because I know that I am not perfect. I just love my family so much and I don't know what I would do without them.
Rhys showing off his white egg before painting it.
 Gavin painting his egg.
 The finished product.
 Rhys showing off his.
 Daddy showing off his.
 All the finished eggs. In order from left to right, Steven, Rhys, Gavin, me.
 The Easter Baskets.
 Rhys finding his Easter Morning.
 Trying to open his toy.
 Daddy helping Gavin look for eggs.

 Gavin was showing me an egg he found.
 Eating some sweets now that the hunt is over.
 Rhys riding a pony at Hamley's.
 He was fascinated by the floor keyboard.
 They found the bath toys. Luckily they didn't get TOO wet while playing here.
 Rhys just spotted the blow up play area.
 Rhys as a Transformer. =)
 The only thing Rhys tried to get me to buy him was one of these Moshi's.
 Fun house mirror!
 I almost couldn't get Gavin away from it, he thought it was so funny.
 Sadly, the Juke box was broken.
 Gavin went and hit the elephant, but wouldn't go back for a picture.. silly boy.
 Playing in the soft toy area with the Dinosaurs.





 Rhys looking adorable. Gavin wouldn't climb in at all.
 Gavin was showing the dinosaur his balloon. =)