"SEES Talent Show"

Well, now it was Payton's turn. SEES had their first annual "Talent Show". And Payton was dying to perform the "Hoe-Down Throw Down" dance for it. Ever since Madison learned it for the Activity Days Talent Show she's wanted to perform it too. Michele let Payton practice with the girls when they learned it for the other talent show. The same group of girls did the dance with payton, they were awesome! She sure know how to work the audience. I love watching that girl dance, she just sparkles.

"Meeting Their Newest Cousin"

The kids have been dying to meet their newest cousin Sammy Sue. She's only a few days old and loved by so many people. Marie just got home from the hospital and they want to be her first guests to welcome them home. So, we loaded up the car and made the trip to the OC to finally meet her in person. My brother Sam and Grandma and Grandpa Melendez met us there too. Baby Sammy did not disappoint. She still had that sweet, new baby smell. We all had to take turns to hold her. I don't think this baby will ever sleep in a crib. The kids can't wait to babysit her. We are so happy for Marie, Omar and Nico. They are such a beautiful family and Samantha rounds them out and makes them perfect!

"Drapper Dress"

Our Home Teacher Bro. Conforto brought something pretty special to share with us the last time he visited. A Dress his great, great grandmother Draper

(Draper, Utah was named after

his family) wore while she danced with the Prophet Joseph Smith. We couldn't believe what great condition it was in. It was pretty

and well worn and really small. He actually let Madison try it on, and it fit her perfectly. She must have been a tiny women. He said

no one outside of his family has ever tried it on before. We felt really lucky! What a

piece of history we got to see. I hope Madison will always remember wearing a dress that once danced with the Prophet.

"Puppa Dudda Campout"

Our ward held it's first annual "Puppa Dudda Camp Out". All our girls 10-18 years of age and their daddies went to spend the night up at Dixon Ranch. The girls made their voices heard and demanded that they receive the same treatment as the boys. This meant Camping & Hiking! Their dad's listened and they had a great trip. They had a camp fire at night and made Dutch Oven Cobbler. They woke up at the crack of dawn to hike up to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise. And those tough girls even shot shot-guns! This was a camp out Madison and Rob won't soon forget. I am grateful they have these neat opportunities to strengthen their Father-Daughter relationship.

" Who Was Your First Concert?"

My first concert I ever went to was "New Order".  I was a freshman in high school and the year was 1987.  New Wave music was at it's height.   I remember it like it was yesterday, I can still hear Bernard Sumner singing, "Blue Monday" while my friends and I danced in the isles.  Well,  my kids can now say, "My first concert I ever went to was David Archuleta."  Yes, we took them to their first concert, it's like a right of passage everyone must go through to grow up.

But, our concerts were very different:

-I went alone with friends-They went with their parents

-We sat with boys we just met- They sat behind the first counselor in the Stake Presidency

-My friend cried during her favorite song- No tears were shed for David

-I saw the concert at Irvine Meadows- They saw it at the San Diego County Fair.

Okay, maybe their concert was a little more fun than mine.  Nothing beats stuffing your mouth with "Fried Smores", riding a roller coaster, playing carnival games and listening to David sing "Crush" in person  all on the same night!

So, who was your first concert?

"Cooking Party"

I wouldn't be surprised if Madison grew up to be a Chef. She loves to cook! So, it only made sense to do something she loves on her birthday. Rob found this place that has cooking classes and knew Madison would love to have her birthday there. She loved the idea. Since her birthday is in October the party had a Halloween theme. We made Mummy Mini Pizzas and Witch Candied, Caramel Apples. The girls had so much fun learning how to make their own dough. They were all very hands on and really got into the cooking. I love watching Madison in her element, she was so comfortable in the kitchen. She had a great time with her friends cooking. And I have to say, she looked adorable in her chef hat and apron. I think I could get used to seeing her in them!