The Missoula Children’s Theatre Camp

Lila definitely has the "performance art bug." Whether she's singing, acting, or dancing, she is naturally drawn to the stage. When Lila's grandma was looking for birthday gift ideas for our little rising star, I came across a flyer for the Missoula Children's Theatre Camp. It was the perfect gift-- an experience that Lila would truly enjoy and remember. 

Soon Lila was signed up and ready to go. About a week before camp, we received the details. The kids, ranging from Kindergarten through 12th grade, would be cast on Monday and by Friday evening they would be prepared to showcase a full theatrical performance. Having been in a few plays in high school and now working for a college with a conservatory of theater arts, I know a little bit about what goes into a production. I couldn't wrap my mind around the idea that in just one week (actually 5 days) they would be performance ready.

But Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) has this all down to a science. Although this was the first time that it was on my radar, this was actually the MCT's 25th season at our local theater. They travel around to communities throughout the country, with everything they need to put on a full-scale children's production. They teach and inspire kids nationwide by exposing them (even if it's just for a week) to the joys of musical theater. In such a short amount of time, the children form a bond, jelling into an ensemble, and together take on the challenge of learning lines, songs, and dance routines to be performed by the week's end. And they have a blast! After the first day, Lila was waking up early, eager to go and have fun with her new friends and teachers. She absolutely loved it.

Lila's group put on a production of The Little Mermaid (a different story line than Disney's The Little Mermaid). Lila was cast in the role of a "sea pony." All the behind the scenes preparation was kept under wraps, so family and friends filed into the theater Friday night not knowing what to expect. What we got was an entertaining, adorable performance. Sure, with just a week preparation, there were some fumbled lines and missteps, but nothing is better than witnessing the confidence, creativity, and pride in these young performers shining on stage.

The Sea Ponies in The Little Mermaid

Lila the Sea Pony- so proud of her great performance!

At the end, there were lots of hugs and smiles and promises to see each other the same week next summer. Lila's experience with the Missoula Children's Theatre not only created a lasting memory, but perhaps an annual tradition. -Tara

Our star, post-production, being showered with flowers and gifts. 

Top 10 Car Ride Hits

For the past month or so, Lila and I have included Daddy in on our daily commute. In an effort to be a little greener and frankly to save money on gas, we've been car pooling together to work and summer camp. Some mornings it's crazy and hectic, but overall it has been nice to have a few extra moments as a family.

However...

I must admit I do miss our "girl time" which consists of popping Dunkin Donuts munchkins while blasting and belting out our favorite songs. We don't get to do this in the car with Daddy... It's a girl thing.

An eclectic mix, here are our Top 10 (Lila Approved) Car Ride Hits:

#10) Brown-Eyed Girl, Van Morrison
This song warms my heart because it is one of my own cherished "riding in the car with mom" songs. Well, I've become my mom and tune into the easy listening station on the morning commute. (Hey, I need to hear the news, traffic, and weather.) Just like me, Lila loves this song because she is a "brown eyed girl."

#9) Hey There Deliah, Plain White T's
Here's another one that Lila believes was written just for her. It was hot while I was pregnant, so Lila's been hearing it since she was in the womb. It was played so much that year Lila was almost named "Deliah." Although this song has sparked the "one hit wonder" curse for the group, it is a sweet song and has affectionately become one of Lila's favorite lullabies.

#8) In the Garden, Monkey Monkey Music
If you're not a mom or dad of a toddler or preschooler, you probably have no idea who and what I am talking about. But, believe me, on the birthday party scene Monkey Monkey is hot! Cute and catchy, several Monkey Monkey songs could be included on this play list, but "In the Garden" is one we often put on repeat.



Lila at the Fresh Beat Band Meet and Greet. OMG!

#7) Just Like A Rock Star, Fresh Beat Band Again, only parents will know what I'm talking about... the Fresh Beat Band is huge! Kids loooovvvee them and parents will find themselves singing Fresh Beat songs to themselves when their kids aren't even around. Sure, they're bubblegum pop, but undeniably their songs are contagious. Hate if you want-- They are currently on tour and selling out venues!

#6) Empire State of Mind, Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Lila's been jamming to this song since she was in diapers, partly because she thought it was her mama on the hook. Whenever the video was on she would point at the TV screen and say "Mama!" Yes, I wear a skin tight leather and perform with Jay-Z in my spare time. (I wish!) Alicia Keys is gorgeous, so I certianly don't mind my own daughter thinking she's me. Thanks, Lila! xoxo

#5) Pon De Replay, Riahanna
This is one of those feel-good club jams that Lila likes to bop her head to in the back seat. She gets a little tongue-tied trying to sing along, but it's all good. (Be sure to get the clean version on Kidz Bop 9).

#4) I Like to Move It, Erick Morillo
Wanna get the party started? Play this song and any group of young children will instantly start moving and grooving like the Peanuts gang. Seriously, this song hypnotizes children. Madagascar has made it a party (and car ride) favorite.

#3) Beautiful Girls,  Kidz Bop 13 (Original, Sean Kingston)
Lila loves this song. The original isn't completely appropriate for kids, but the kid-friendly version tweaks the line "they'll have you suicidal" to "in denial" (phew, much better).

#2) Hot & Cold, Katy Perry
Lila became addicted to this song after Katy Perry's appearance on Sesame Street with Elmo. She sings it constantly. Mom-of-the-year that I am, I added the original song to Lila's play list. Little did I know that one of the lines was "You PMS like a b***h, I should know." No joke when they say kids' brains are sponges. Unfortunately, Lila sings this song word-for-word. Yes, b***h and all. I haven't decided if I should draw attention to the word yet or not. Totally my fault.

#1) Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Cyndi Lauper
YES! Love this song! And I love that Lila loves it. This has become our car ride anthem. Totally 80s, but totally timeless. This is the #1 girl song of all time.

"Oh Daddy dear you know you're still #1, but girls just wanna have fun. Oh, girls just wanna have fun!"

-Tara