Hiya there, mamas. This past weekend, our family ventured downtown on the 1 train to see one of Broadway’s latest big hits, a modern production of Roger’s and Hammerstein’s American classic Oklahoma. I fished this modern prairie dress out of my closet, thinking it would suit the occasion. I deliberated over a pair of camel-colored cowboy boots, ultimately deciding no. I figured my kids would basically die of embarrassment should I wear those boots … and how old do you feel when you start theme-dressing like this, right?). My new Alaia peach-colored gladiator sandals matched the dress just fine and off we went.

A keeper that I will wear for years to come, this prairie dress suits just about any occasion. My good pal Cris actually gifted it to me for my birthday the year before last. Perfect for any season, the dress fits nicely around the middle while remaining lose and casual at the same time. I’ve worn it during the winter with high-heeled Bordeaux-colored boots and a grey thin turtleneck, and for summer as you see here with open sandals and a light-colored bag.

Below appears the whole gang. Hedley (far left) is now 15 and taller than me. Annaliese, to the right of Marc, is 10. Lachlan (14) is starting High School; Marielle (8) is starting 4th grade in Spain and Beckett (12) just began 7th grade.

Gazing at this picture, I’m struck with the quick passage of time. Remind yourself of this, mamas, and remember to seek out and savor the special moments with your kids. Catching almost any sort of cultural event — whether it be a local exhibit, a movie or even a country fair — is a good way to force yourself to get off the phones and out into the world experiencing something together. Friends of mine who grew up in New York have told me that they remember every single Broadway production they saw! With that in mind, we haven’t been religious about this but have tried to take our kids to a production per year, if possible.

Here we are again minus Lachlan who spent some extra time passing through the revolving doors. You all know how difficult it is to get everyone to smile at once, let alone to agree to be present for the picture!

This new production Oklahoma definitely gave us something to talk about! Produced at the Circle Line Theatre, the production uses stark contrasts of lighting to differentiate between public and intimate scenes. Judd’s character seemed more unsavory to me than in the movie, and Ado Annie is played by Ali Sroker who won the Tony award for her stellar performance. Stroker swivels and swerves her wheelchair across the stage, exuding a child-like yet combustible sexual energy. The girls and I have been singing “I Can’t Say No,” ever since.

A performance and day our family will never forget.

Tell me about an experience from your summer that remain in your memories.

Melissa