Mom and Dad's 44th Anniversary

This year mom and dad decided to celebrate their 44th Anniversary by staying at the Lummi (Dad's an official "card-holder" now) casino hotel, and coming to Vaudevillingham.

Sadye and I sang her hot dog song, with a few added lines to help celebrate their 44 year anniversary.

This was their reaction, captured by the talented Thaddeus Hink.

Priceless. I love these two!

My Circus Valentine 2016

My Circus Valentine 2016
Wren and I did our juggling act and I did the pig.

 We love the photo booth.

My parents came to My Circus Valentine!

Wren and the Piggy.

The Cast: Daniel, Chipp, Wren, Jules, Terril, Laura, PJ, Esther, Sam, Keelia, Jessica, Dream, Anneka, Heidi, Don, Harmony, Noelle, Joe, Me, Jody, Provocateur gal.

Super show, and thanks Jeff Leff for the photos!
Follow this facebook link to more links to more pics!

Mom and Pops at Vaudevillingham

My folks came to Vaudevillingham this month. I was so excited to hear they were coming, I put an act together with them in mind. I was offered the opportunity to run it the day before for James and Jamsie's feedback showing of their newest show. I was so delighted, and nervous, and grateful for it... the feedback helped me shape it better for the Vham show for my folks. Here's the Vham line up.

I called myself "Twirella Awesomella". I was a kid version of myself, performing for my parents a song and dance with a moustache ribbon (photo by Thaddeus Hink).

 It was fun acknowledging them, I just love and appreciate them so much! Here we are after the show...

Along with a bunch of Guildies who also love them!

Aaaaand, one in particular that mom reeeealy liked...

 Patrick. Just like my dad's name.

He was a good sport.
Another awesome? Well, my dad (after seeing so many performers from the Valentine's Day Show huddled around two bathroom mirrors) bought the Guild two plug-in rolling suitcase vanity mirrors with lights and everything! Here's Heidi using it.

And he donated more of his "Dads Hats". He said since I won't take money from him, he has to find some way to "make it fair" between my siblings and I. Well, whether I think his rational is necessary or not, the entire circus guild was delighted by his extremely thoughtful and generous contribution, and have been using it ever since. Thanks dad!

My Circus Valentine 2015

This was the 5th (almost) Annual Circus Valentine's Day show.

The last show (2 years ago) Wren and I performed our rope act in wedding attire. This year's show I performed the moustache strip-tease.

My parents came! Jeff Lefferts set up his photo booth so we got some sweet shots.

Wren was there too!

 

So many people were there!

Sometimes when things are so cute, it's just gross.

Wren and I took our time in the booth seriously.

 We had a few differences of opinion.

 But we quickly settled them.

 But didn't know Jeff was still photographing!

 It all worked out in the end though with no one getting (seriously) hurt.

 Cecily snapped this doosey of me trimmin' my 'stache backstage.

 The cast.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Moms surgery

My mom's a trooper. This year she was diagnosed with stomach cancer, and so far, she has had chemo, surgery, and now more chemo. When told that the chemo will most likely make her hair fall out she said, "Just the grey ones, right?" Then asked my dad to knit her a "Whoopie Goldburg hair hat". Here it is with my dad modeling his second blond version.

When told they would remove 3/4 of her stomach she excitedly noted how she's been trying to have that surgery (bypass) for years! Here she is with her male nurses...notice where her hands are? She is a notorious bum pintcher and typically has the staff in "stitches". Also in this photo, my mom is sporting her newly died fucia/red hair color! "You only live once!" She proclaimed proudly.

When she had her surgery and was showing off her scar, or "zipper", she bragged about how tough it made her look. I love this woman and her enduring sense of humor and optimism. 

Mom's currently in a great recovery center in Port Townsend where she does physical and occupational therapy, has a great "room" mate, and is exceeding her therapists goals. She loves a challenge, and loves to win... and she sure has been wining the hearts of everyone involved in her recovery process.

Christmas in the new year!

So this Christmas I had 3 celebrations. My family in Port Townsend, which includes the mom-prompted, annual family road trip to Wallmart (against my protest and local photo suggestions) for family photos (see below).  The rest of us gently protest and groan, playing our parts, but always have a fun time.  Our holiday is never short of heaps of food and fun-poking, and for gifts... enough socks to warm a swarm of millipedes.

One tradition we have is to take a photo of  "the kids", meaning my brother (Duane), sister (Darcy) and I in a sort of totem-pole pose.  It's been pretty fun to see the same pose over the years.  Here's this years.

After my family Christmas, Wren and I went to Hoodsport to be with his family in a cabin on the Hood Canal with snow and everything!  We did 2 puzzles, and various crafty fun things.  One of the fun craftys was making cards for people with their name and its meaning.  Here's an example.

I also was super excited to know that Wren still had his xmas card from a few years back that I gave him, and since I have been making comics and posting them here, I thought I should share this one!

All in all it was a pretty great Christmas. =)