Hello from Destin,. Florida

On Tuesday we went to the Oakoloosa Beach. (okay I admit I have to check the spelling but it is close.) The one thing I am truly amazed about here is the color of the sand. It actually looks like snow. In fact when we arrived most of the cast thought it was snow. It looked just like the snow in Colorado. I never seen such white sand and I have been to plenty of beaches all over the world. They had a cute boardwalk with restaurants and shops. Missy finally found the Oysters she has been craving but she is paying for it today. After having a nice lunch we went to all the little shops while the boys played at the playground on the sand. They really needed to burn up some energy after all the bus time they put in this week. Unfortunately the fog rolled in when we got there. Similar to when we went to the beach in San Luis Obispo, CA the fog did not stop the boys from rolling up their pants and going in. Needless to say, Colin and Mikey when home with wet, sandy jeans. The one thing there that really weirded me out was they had a crashed plane on display in front of the entrance area. I know it bothered me because I had a dream last night that I was trying to sell my house and when the people came to see it black clouds formed and fell into the water causing a giant wave that hit the house. Can any dream experts out there let me know what they think..............Today the cast sang Christmas Carols and then some Oliver songs for residents of a nursing home here. The residents really enjoyed the show. One women loved it so much she grabbed my hand as we were leaving and asked "When are you coming back." The kids really enjoyed doing it. Mikey had reindeer ears on, a flashing christmas necklace, a red flashing light on his nose and a stuffed rudolph on his waist. (He didn't get into to much-LOL) After the nursing home Mikey had understudy rehearsal and enjoyed playing Oliver in the "Funeral Scenes." He really enjoyed getting to sing "Where is Love." They ran through all the scenes twice so he was happy to sing it again. I know I am his mother but I couldn't believe how he knew every line and how well he delivered them. The show is going on now and I am in the dressing room catching up on this blog. We leave here tomorrow for Lakeland Florida and then on Saturday we will be in Melbourne for two shows. Aunt Loretta and Uncle Bill will be coming to the show in Melbourne. We can't wait to see them. Then the big day comes: Sunday, when we go home. We are counting the days. "Be Back Soon." Love, Sue and Mikey

Lafayette, Louisiana to Destin Florida

We have finally landed! After a week of sleeping in different hotels in different states every night we have arrived in Florida. We will be here in the same hotel for 3 whole nights! This is a good thing because the bus rides this week have been driving me crazy or as the muppets would say: "I got cabin fever." Plus we hit a string of hotels with no washing machines. Last night we had a show in Lafayette, Louisiana and us parents were so desperate to do laundry that we actually did not go to the show. We thought we had a great plan since there were two washers and dryers. The only problem was one of the dryers was broken. We find laundry is generally the biggest challenge on tour. So it took us a little longer than planned but we all got it done while the rest of the cast was at the show. Today stopped for lunch in Biloxi and drove past some cool looking swamps that the boys enjoyed looking at. Tonight, after arriving in Destin, Florida the cast had Christmas Caroling practice and Missy and I took a walk to the beach. We wanted to make sure our legs were still working after sitting so long on the bus. We had a good laugh when Missy heard some kind of animal in the bushes and grabbed me. I was just hoping it wasn't an alligator. The cast will be singing Christmas Carols at a nursing home this week. They all truly sound amazing together. Since we had the night off the usual suspects went to "Outback" with us. It was a pleasure since we did not have to rush our meal for a change. Now Mikey is reading his book and I am typing this. We just got our flight home information so we are very excited. We should be home in Rockaway by 4pm on Sunday. Mikey got homesick for the first time last night and told me he really misses Maria and Nana. He had to call his Nana to tell her. I think he is really exicted about Christmas and can't wait to get home to help decorate the tree. He has been keeping himself busy by sketching all the characters for his new show: Pirates of the Carribean take on the roles of the cast in Oliver. They are very interesting and detailed drawings. He also came home from the show last night and decided he wants muscles. He showed me how he can do push ups and sit-ups and wondered why he did not see biceps or have a six pack right away. LOL. Tomorrow we hope to take the kids to the boardwalk for lunch once they are done with school. Now it is time to turn the lights out. "Be Back Soon!" Love, Sue and Mikey

Hello from Oxford, Mississippi

Hello from Mississippi. Today we traveled from Baton Rouge to Oxford for an 8pm show. We left Baton Rouge at 9am and I think everybody is starting to feel tired from the one night show and being in a different city every day. Today I was so tired I actually think I fell asleep a few times on the bus only to be quickly awoken by my sons feet. Apparently he moonlights as a break dancer in his sleep; one that does 360's and high kicks. He woke me up everytime and never woke up himself. It was amazing that no matter where I put my feet he managed to find them in his sleep and somehow managed to kick me right across the aisle of the bus. At first I thought he was messing with me, especially when I tucked my feet in front of me and he still got me. Then I watched in amazement as his feet went up in the air with a little spin and kicked the tutors feet whose seat is across the table from his. Jeremiah's feet were actually up on the table so he had to kick up in the air to get him. He managed to wake his Mom and tutor and still remain sleeping. If I wasn't so bone tired this would be funny! We finally arrived in Oxford around 3pm. After dragging the luggage up a flight of stairs, ( we hate hotels without elevators) we had an hour to relax before dinner. We had dinner with our tour family: the Araujos and Nims in Apple Bees and then got back on the bus to go to the theater. The theater was on the campus of the University of Mississippi and we were able to watch from good seats tonight. It is always better when we get good seats because it is fun to see all the actors expressions during the show. Allaggio struggled a little playing Noah because his ankle was still swollen but he did a great job. The fight scene just had to be modified a little. Ashley did a great job filling in for him as "Captain" in Fagin's Gang." She is real fun to watch and her expressions are great. The theater was a great host to the cast, providing snacks, drinks, cereal and animal crackers. Mikey especially loved the "Rice Krispies." They had a "green room" that looked like a living room so it was fun when everybody gathered between there scenes and chatted. Everybody really appreciates when there are couches and space. I think just about everybody misses there couch. The bus seats just are not the same. On the bus ride back it was fun to watch Jen help Chaz's secret santa decorate his seat on the bus. His face said it all when he got on the bus and saw the blue garland with snowflakes along with the big red stocking. He was very thrilled. On another note I was happy to talk to my baby girl "Maria" today. She told me a whole list of things that she want to do with me when I get home. They include: Playing Princesses, Reading a bedtime story, Christmas Shopping, Christmas Decorating and watching a movie. I can't wait to do all of them with her. Only one more week to go... Yipee! Now I must go to sleep since the bus call for the morning is 7:30 and we are heading to Lafayette, Louisana. Love Ya, Sue and Mikey

Baton Rouge

We boarded the bus 9am today after having breakfast at TGI Fridays. The beds last night where to die for so it was hard to get up. The hotel was very nice and different looking. We wished we had more time in Memphis. Sorry Elvis....I did not get to Graceland. The bus ride was quiet all morning since most of the cast really enjoyed Memphis and needed some sleep. Even though the ride was shorter than the past two it was still long. We are all getting "bus fever." This part of the tour is going to be rough because there are many one nighter's coming up. That means travel and show the same day. Not looking forward to it. The days begin to merge into one. Good thing I have this blog to keep track. We arrived in Baton Rouge a little before 4pm. Mikey took a quick shower and then we dined with the usual suspects: Missy, Colin, Q and John. We enjoyed going to Cracker Barrel because it was the first time we ate in one on this tour. (Something different!) You really start missing home cooked meals when you are on the road. After a while all the menus look the same and you don't know what to eat. Mikey and I had something very different for us: Chicken and Dumplings in a cream sauce. He really loved it and ate the whole thing. After eating it was back on the bus for a 10 mile bus ride to the theater. While the kids did "Mike Check" before the show, the parent explored down town Baton Rouge. After being on Beale Street in Memphis, 3rd Street in Baton Rouge seemed boring. Not much was going on. We stopped at a pub where Missy was happy to find a beer called "Purple Haze." John tried Purple Haze and I happily resisted it and had a Pinot Grigio instead. We then went and watch the show. Poor Allaggio hurt his ankle and we are hoping he is okay by tomorrow. Tomorrow we have a 9am bus call and travel to Mississippi for a show. Seems crazy since we drove through Mississipi today and now have to go back. That is show biz! Have a goodnight. Love, Sue and Mikey

"I'M WALKING IN MEMPHIS..........."

"I'm Walking in Memphis.....with my feet.......okay I love that song but for the life of me cannot remember the second line. I definitely think I have early Alzheimer; I use to remember everything. After two days of very long bus rides we arrived in Memphis, Tennessee. Everybody was looking to blow off some steam especially since there was no show. Luckily we are staying in the heart of downtown only 2 blocks away from the famous "Beale Street." The home of the blues. Beale streets is three blocks long with about 30 stores, clubs and restaurants all lit up with music blaring from each of the restaurants trying to lure in patrons. After browsing the shops we couldn't decide which place to eat. We actually went into one place, sat down, got menus and then after looking at the menu walked out. Lucky we did because we ended up eating at "BB Kings" where a live blues band was playing and we had a blast. Many of the cast members, unplanned showed up at the same place. The lead singer noticed the kids dancing and enjoying the music upon the balcony and made some comments about it. (because they are so shy! ) Later, Mikey made a sign and was waving it "Sing It To Me" The kids decided to go in front of the stage and dance so she can read the sign. By the end of the night Mikey, Q and Colin were sitting on the stage with the lead singer hugging them and introducing them as the cast of Oliver! She really made their night when she came off stage and danced with them. Q busted a few moves on her! You could see it in theire faces how much fun they were having. We also had scrumptous meal of BBQ ribs and baked beans. The ribs were so good we ordered more. Mikey really loved them. Tomorrow we continue our trip to Baton Rouge and have a show at night. We all really regret not be able to stay in this City. Graceland and the Civil Right Museum are nearby but unfortunately we did not have time to visit. Mikey was very happy to hear from Reilly and was talking to her while in BB Kings. He is really exicited that she got the part of "Charlie" in Willie Wonka at the Rockaway Theatre Company. He really got a kick that they both are playing a role where their names are Charlie. We are praying they have a March show so we can see it when we get back. Well time to go to sleep......Be Back Soon! Love, Mikey and Sue.

Farwell to Rapid City....Hello to Missouri

We bid a fond farwell to Rapid City, South Dakota also known as the "City of Presidents." They have statutes of the former Presidents on almost every corner in Rapid City's Main Street area. My favorite was JFK and John John. I think Mikey's favorite was Pocohontas since he had me take a picture of him kissing her. He was disappointed when she did not come to life and discovered for the first time in his life he wasn't really a prince. (LOL) Since we were in Rapid City a few days we were able to swim and relax in the hot tub, shop in the cute town, do laundry, dine out and of course as I wrote yesterday fulfill a dream. Mikey and I were also very happy to find a verizon store because we both broke our phone holders. I also needed to up the texting on the plan since my husband discovered how to text. (LOL) The first night we arrived we went to a cute restaurant that was called the Fire House Brewing Company. It was beautifully decorated for the holidays; fire truck and all. Q and John's dessert was so big Mikey had to help them eat it; they still were not able to finish it all. Yesterday after returning from Mt. Rushmore we browsed all the cute unique shops until we could barely walk back. When we walked back to the hotel Missy was like the "General" marching ahead at a fast pace while John and I could barely move our legs anymore and had to order them to keep moving or risk freezing to death. I definitely took my car for granted all these years. "Seriously, Never Again! Today was a really long bus ride. It took us about 12 hours to get to Missouri for a stop over on the way to Baton Rouge. We were so happy to get off the bus and go to "Arbys" for dinner. Then we browsed the truck stop stores hoping to find some secret santa presents. Now Mikey just finished reading a chapter in his book. He is reading "The Maze of Bones-The 39 Blues. He is really enjoying it and is laughing out loud. We talked to Mike and Maria several times today. They are busy decorating the house so when we come home we will only have to put the ornaments on the tree. We are counting the days until we come home. Well I have to go night night now. Bus call is 730am. Love, Sue and Mikey

Mt. Rushmore---Need I say more......

Today was a dream come true for me. I only wish Mike and Maria were with us to share this truly awesome or as the kids would say....GI-NORMOUS experience! Thanks to our fantastic tour manager (Clare) the cast went to see Mt. Rushmore today. We were really worried last night because it was snowing and we were not sure if we would be able to go today. However, we woke up to bright sunshine and and the weather was perfect. It is truly a remarkable site and the sky was the bluest I have ever seen. To think that one man's idea developed into this beautiful monument. My first thought.was....How did this actually get created? It seems like a miracle and I never really thought about it before. Luckily there is a museum at the site and we all watched the video in the little theater there. The video explained the history and how the sculpture was made. It took 14 years to get the project completed but only 6 and one-half to actually do the carving. There was a lot of politics involved and fund raising to get it completed. What amazed us all as we watched the video was how they used dynamite to blast and shape the granite. Even when some of the faces were carved already they utilized dynamite to make the rest. Truly amazing stuff. The project began in 1927 and was completed in 1941. It cost just under one million dollars to create which was a lot of money at that time. Most of it came from the government. The orignial idea by Doane Robinson was to carve Sioux Chief Red Cloud or Lewis and Clark. When he contacted sculpturer Gotzon Borglum to actually create the monument, Borglum had his own lofty and creative ideas. He was very patriotic and felt that the men whose actions helped to create this great nation should be the ones carved into the mountain. He died a few month before the project was completed and his son took over until the project was completed. One thing I found real interesting was how Mt. Rushmore got it's name. Between 1884 and 1885, a young lawyer from New York named Charles Rushmore kept visiting the area on business and spent time with the locals. He really gained the respect of the locals and was fond of one particularly impressive granite mountain. One day he asked his guide "What is the name of that mountain?" His guide responded, " Never had any, but now-we'll call the damn thing "Rushmore." We also had great fun as we were leaving. Chaz's(Mr. Bumble) secret santa left him a note that he had to do Shoopoopi from Music Man at Mt. Rushmore to get a present. Well he put on quite a show and luckily I video taped it because Mikey joined in to do the "Shoopoopi dance." What a memory.....not many people can say they did the "Shoopoopi at Mt. Rushmore! Scroll down and look to the left to check out more photos. I also added more to facebook album under Oliver-Mt. Rushmore......Love ya, Sue and Mikey

Ft. Collins, Colorado

On Friday night after the show we went to the Pool with Q and John. The boys were thrilled to find baby Spencer already in the hot tub with his Grandma and Grandpa who were visting. We all had a lot of fun playing with Spencer. Spencer apparently was having a lot of fun to because when his mommy and daddy took him out he demanded to go back to the pool. The boys were really happy when Rhiannon and Brendan joined the hot tub party. They love their leading lady! Since we have been here since Wednesday, Mikey is now best friends with most of the waitresses in the I-Hop across the street. On Saturday, we got to do some shopping in Wal-mart. The hotel was kind enough to allow the shuttle to take us there and back. We are having a lot of fun with Secret Santa. The show last night was great and we think the ghost returned for a brief moment when the set staircase wouldn't budge for a scene change. We were really wondering how the cast would handle it since a lot of Consider Yourself takes place on the stairs. Bart saved the day donning Chaz's costume to fix the problem; with the cast dancing and singing all around him the audience did not realize there was a problem. The boys are beginning to get spoked by the ghost and are a little jittery in the dressing room. They keep hearing noises and seeing curtains move. Of course Zac (Fagin) got them good yesterday and Chris said he never heard such a high pitched scream as Mikey's and that Colin and Q almost jumped into each others arms (LOL) Today we were happy to be woken up by Maria and Daddy's phone call. There is a two hour time difference. Maria's cough is all better and they are on there way to the Children's Christmas party at Daddy's work. She was excited that she may see Santa. Mikey is really excited about going home for Christmas and his birthday. I am counting the days until I can hold my baby girl again. Today is a beautiful day here in Colorado. It feels about 50 and the snow is starting to melt. We enjoyed breakfast with Q and John at I-Hop and Mikey and I are relaxing, reading our books until bus call at 1pm. That is all for now...................Love, Sue and Mikey

Ft. Collins, Colorado

Thursday, December 4th---Morning
Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! We arrived here December 3rd. Mikey and I send a shout out to Aunt Mo.....Happy Birthday! It has been snowing since we arrived and it looks like a winter wonderland. I have a feeling there will be a major snow ball fight later. Ft. Collins is a college town and we are right next to Colorado State University. We haven't had a chance to explore much since the kids had a show last night and are in school now. Last night's show was unbelievable. We think there is a phantom in the theater. The first act had so many things go wrong. Mikey jacket got stuck on top of the bridge's fence during "Consider Yourself" and he could not free himself. It took Chaz and finally Chris (Bill Sikes) to free him. His jacket was ripped up the whole back. The big monument that Mikey pushes out with Jen wouldn't stop moving when its' wheel broke. Another member of Fagin's Gang (Jen) had to go to the hospital when she fell to the floor off Alaggio's shoulder during "Pick a Pocket." Thank goodness she is only bruised and did not break anything. There were many other bloopers that I will not mention. I do believe there was a ghost in the house. We have been watching every show for months now and never seen so many things happen.

Thursday, December 4th- Evening
After school Q, John, Mikey and I walked in the snow storm a few blocks to a wonderful sandwich place called "Which, Which." We had a lot of fun on the way there and back. Mikey took a few snow baths after he kept throwing snow at the parents and did not heed our warnings. John got him on way there and back. I got him on way back after he hit me with snow, one time too many. After lunch we had to go to the theater for brush-up and under study rehearsals. The cast worked hard and it was interesting to see Adam, Mikey and Michelle do the "It's Your Funeral" scene. They did a great job. I thought Mikey looked adorable in the hat but then again I am his mother. The rehearsals went longer then expected so we had to grab a quick bite at I-Hop and then the boys had to be back at the theater for tonights show. Hopefully the Phantom got everything out of his system last night. I pooped out after being at the theater all afternoon and John kindly offered to take Mikey so I could do my laundry. Early reports from Mikey and Missy after Act I are that the Phantom must be resting. Act I was great tonight. They just called that they are on the way back and we all plan on going into the swimming pool and hot tub to unwind before bed. The kids worked hard today so we agreed we would let them swim tonight since they did not have a chance the last two days. I will be going to bed happy since I got all my laundry done without having to go to a laundromat. (Ah, the little things in life.) "Be Back Soon." Love, Sue and Mikey

Bye to Kansas, Hello to Ft. Collins Colorado

Sorry to say clicking my heels together did not work! I am still on tour. I think Mikey stole the real ruby slippers so I would stay with him on tour. (Either that or for himself. ) After seeing Kansas landscaping from the bus I think I know why Dorothy ran away. Miles and Miles of barren looking flat dry land with hardly any houses. We saw a lot of cows and the kids got excited seeing windmills. Every once in a while I would see a lonely looking house in the middle of no-where. Mikey did manage to find Dorothy, however not in human form. Plenty of ornaments, t-shirts and statutes. I had to hold on to my purse! He still loves his "Wizard of Oz." His singing "Over the Rainbow" in front of the whole school in kindergarten is what led to this tour! After we were finally off the bus we had a nice steak dinner at "Montana Mikes." (even though we were in Kansas and not Montana) After dinner we went shopping for some "Secret Santa gifts." Mikey is really into it, only problem is he want to buy everything he sees. I am exicted to be back in Colorado. We arrived in Ft. Collins, Colorado around 230pm today. There is some snow on the ground and some light flurries. We have a show tonight so we are heading off now to I-HOP. We will be here until Sunday......."Be Back Soon!" Love, Sue and Mikey

Ft. Smith, ARKANSAS To Kansas

THE WIND BEGAN TO TWITCH THE HOUSE TO PITCH...(IF ONLY I HAD A HOUSE!) We are on the way to Kansas now. When you look at the window it feels like you are in the middle of no where. You see cows and flat brown grass that looks thirsty for water. We have no show this is just a travel day because it takes two days to get to Ft. Collins, Colorado. Let me fill you in on yesterday. On Monday, December 1st, we began our day travelling on the bus to Ft. Smith, Arkansas. Or as the cast members like to say, "Ar......KANSAS! On the way the tour manager allowed us to stop off to shop for some secret santa gifts. Everyone had fun picking out little things they thought their person would like. Everyone is getting into the spirit of Christmas and their bus areas are getting creatively decorated. Mikey decorated our areas with colorful curly ribbons. Missy bought him a stick on rudolph decoration so he decorated his window and he put candy canes around the picture he hung up of him and Reilly. Mikey has taken to wearing his rudolph antlers with bells everywhere. It's getting fun because everyone is now finding little surprises on the seats or in their dressing rooms. Mikey was a little perturbed that my secret santa delivered a gift before his had a chance too. I got an Advent Calendar which will really help me keep track of the days. I keep forgetting what day it is. Mikey's Santa surprised him by leaving a gift between acts in his dressing room. It was a Christmas Ornanment filled with bubble gum. He loved it. The bus ride took about 8 hours so when we arrived at the hotel we had only time for a quick shower before going to the theater. The positive thing about the bus ride is that I did get a lot of On-Line Shopping done on the bus, until my battery died. I really have trouble sleeping on the bus so I usually go on the computer or read. All I can say is thank God I can read or I would really lose my mind since unlike mostly everybody else, I can't sleep on the bus. I envy Mikey. He goes out like a light for hours and I wind up staring at him in jealousy. He does however take after Nana in that he needs a dramamine if he has to read on the bus. The same kid that can go on every scary ride in Six Flags will get nauseous if he reads on the bus. The Theater fed the cast dinner before the show. Another nice meal that the cast really appreciated. Mikey really liked the bananna bread pudding and asked me if Nana knows how to make it. Of course he also liked the chocolate cake. The Theater had about 1400 seats and the parents watched Act 1 and then tried to relax in the dressing room. (That wasn't happening after the kids all ate chocolate) (LOL.) To give Clare (tour manager) a break I kidnapped her baby boy, Spencer during Act II. He spent part of the second act in the dressing room with the boys all entertaining him and giving him rides in the laudry basket between their scenes. Spencer and I had fun walking the the long hallways together and I took him back stage to see Jeff the drummer drum at the end of the show. He is such a cute little baby! I think he is really learning from his dad Bart and the crew about moving things too the right spot. He was so funny moving the laudry basket around the dressing room and then announcing "there" when he thought it was in the right spot. Well we are on the bus now stopping off to sleep in Kansas on the way to Ft. Collins, Colorado. Mikey is on the look out for "Dorothy" and I am hoping to find the "Wizard" so I can go home!" Either that or I am going to try clicking my heels together and say "There is No Place Like Home." That line from the Wizard of Oz has taken on a new meaning for me. I feel Dorothy's pain! Love You All! Sue and Mikey Scroll down an look left to see some new photos.

Goodbye to Orange, Texas!

Not to much to report. The hotel was nice but did not have any food places nearby. The hotel had a nice fireplace and couch sitting area with a Xmas tree. Next to it was the breakfast dining area. The first night we arrived we decided to make this area our home and ordered Italian Food with the Nims and Araujos. We all enjoyed sitting on a couch and watching the flat screen TV. It was nice because it felt like we were in someones living room instead of a hotel. The cast performed two shows at the Lutcher Theater in Orange Texas. The theater treated the cast really well providing home cooked meals and freshed baked:cookies, brownies and cakes. I really loved those cookies! Mikey couldn't get enough of the brownies and they seemed to give him a blast of energy while on stage. (LOL) Yesterday the cast and crew all picked the names for the "Secret Santa." We will all give secret little presents in the next few weeks and your secret Santa will be revealed at the end when we exchange bigger gifts. The kids and adults all are excited. The parents were also excited to get the laudry done. These are the little things that exicte you on tour. We bid a fond farwell to our Mr. Brownlow (Matt) who left us Sunday to join the cast of the Drowsy Chaperone. Adam did a nice job as understudy yesterday while the new Mr. Brownlow, James gets ready to take over the part. We will miss Matt, especially at any future roller rink parties! After the show we traveled 2 hours to Conroe,Texas so we would have a shorter travel to Ft. Smith, Arkansas today. Last night, Rhiannon joined the boys in the back of the bus for a DS Marathon playing Mario Party. All four DS's were in fast action with fingers flying and a lot of laughter, grunts and groans. This was good for the boys because it made the ride go by faster. They really all are amazingly good kids on the bus. I started to Christmas shop on line beacuse I will have very little time once I get home to prepare. Christmas dinner is at my house, Mikey's birthday is two days later and we have to visit our family upstate. A lot to do when we have to fly back to Sarasota, Fl on December 28th. Yikes! Trying not to panic. "Be Back Soon!"