Although our sudden trip to Chicago was for a very sad reason, it also just happened to coincide with a celebration. Our granddaughter, KC belongs to a dance studio. She is also part of a high school dance group and was asked to audition for a special fall show written, performed, choreographed by students with a teacher advisor. We'd never been to one of these performances.
It's been almost 4 years since we'd been back to Chicago. We hadn't seen any of KC's performances except on video links that Tif emailed us of websites that showed all the dance competitions.
I was therefore thrilled that we'd be able to see an actual performance in person. Art suggested that I make a candy lei for KC since we certainly couldn't bring a flower lei with us. (Yes, I added a little cash. I wonder which KC liked more.😂)
We had such a short time to pack for this trip that I had to make the candy-money lei in Chicago the day before the performance.
Puh..leease...
We're much more broad minded than that.
Indeed, the costumes were a bit tighter and slightly more revealing than 4 years ago, but it was all OK for their older age group.
There were skits about vaping, killer blackbirds?, a little sex, AI, human-like androids, etc.
I can't remember it all because I was focused on the 6 dance sequences that KC was in.
And was she absolutely awesome and the best dancer there? Definitely! And am I biased? Of course! I'm her grandma, for goodness sakes!
However, later... Tif asked me if I caught all the references to people like the Kardashians, etc. Really? Oops! Missed it!
Still.... It was all wonderful and a ton of fun. KC is attending the same high school her uncle and mom attended so it was nostalgic for us to be back there again.
And yes, we were filled with pride and happiness.
What a wonderful treat for you.
ReplyDeleteIt has been my pleasure to see KC growing up over the years. So glad you were able to attend this performance.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you were able to attend...and even bring the Hawaiian lei tradition.
ReplyDeleteLove to know how you made the candy lei. Grandkids are to be proud of!
ReplyDeleteYou really convey the joy and family of having children and grandchildren who love you. I want to thank you for your care as I'm in recovery from my vertigo.. I really feel your aloha and it touches my heart. Bless you guys
ReplyDeleteI'm keeping you in my thoughts and know what you're going through. It does take a bit of time to feel normal again and for the fear to fade.
DeleteHow wonderful for you to be able to see the performance in person and to be in a familiar location. That must have brought back so many memories. Our kids live in San Mateo where there is a large Tongan population and they too have the lei tradition for festive events like this. I saw so many money leis when attending the middle school graduation in June. I wondered if our granddaughter may have felt left out. I did give her a card with some money, but nothing like I was seeing on the leis, and we took her to dinner at her choice of restaurants.
ReplyDeleteI did have a maile (fragrant leaf) lei mailed to Illinois when my daughter graduated from college. People must have wondered why she had leaves around her neck.
DeleteCracks me up that your children are so worried about your delicate sensibilities! I love the candy lei. You are such a great grandmother. Which is not to be confused with a great-grandmother! It sounds like a joyous family time, but I must say that every time your family gets together, it seems especially joyous to me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debby. I guess it's especially joyous because we're all so very, very far apart in different parts of the world.
DeleteHow clever to make a candy lei! I never would have thought of that. What a wonderful experience to get to see the dance performance live! With a daughter dancer I know that there is nothing better than being able to see them dance in person.
ReplyDeleteGreat that you could see the performance in person! The grandchildren grow up so quickly! And that means we are also growing (old) so quickly. When did I become an old lady?
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you and Art, and KC too, that you could be there for this performance. Watching our kids and then our grandkids participate in their activities is such a privilege and a treat.
ReplyDeleteGreat show from KC's high school. Of course grandparents have a right to be proud. I had never heard of a candy lei before.
ReplyDeleteSo glad it all worked out and balanced with the more somber aspects of your trip.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to get those tickets and attend KC's performance. I think she's taller than her Mom now. Nice that it wasn't too racy; makes it cute to know that Tiffany was worried it'd be too racy for her parents! That's nice that you know how to weave those candy/money lei. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteKay of Musings: It felt weird to see Kalani so grown up. Disconcerting too. Her feet are bigger than her mom’s, but she’s juuuust about the same height as Tif… for now. It’s funny because the pediatrician thought KC wouldn’t be as tall as her mom when she was a baby. To be perfectly honest, they sell cellophane lei making kits in Hawaii. 😂 Makes life very easy.
DeleteSo pleased that you were able to attend this performance, so special.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
A wonderful treat to see the performance. And KC's lei is so sweet.
ReplyDeleteHello Kay...Im sorry for the loss of your friend. I can't believe how old your granddaughter is. My blog started in 2007 and now I have two grandchildren. Blake is 8 and Brie is 4......I think of thr blog friends and of those we lost. Blogging seemed to intimate at the beginning and now many people have moved on.....stay well....Michelle
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you were able to see the performances live like that. You are all so lucky to have such a great family who loves each other and shows it!
ReplyDeletewow, how lucky you were to get tickets to see the shows!! things are changing and we do have to be more broad minded and focus on the joy of seeing them. just like you did!! seeing the family sure was the silver lining to all of this!!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun watching them put on a show. I love that they find something joyful to fill their days.
ReplyDeleteHow I love the smiles on your faces, you and Art! So wonderful yall got to see this! x
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful Kay! Super photos especially the one of the four of you.
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