Twin Falls Fun

Our family friend Ion sent us an email about a week ago letting us know his dance team was performing in Twin Falls. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to watch BYU's amazing International Folk Dance Ensemble, and attend the temple, and neither could the Eastons. We let the kids mix it up a bit as to which van to ride in, and the adults took turns inside the temple. With the Boise temple still being remodelled, I really appreciated and enjoyed this opportunity to be in the temple again. Twin Falls has a very small but beautifully finished temple. When Mark and I finished, it was our turn with the kids - all 9 of them!

Greg & Lisa had taken them to see Shoshone Falls already, and searched out a pet store for some diversion. Mark & I chose to hang around the temple grounds in the sunshine, encouraging the kids to run around while we waited to get a call from Ion that he was available for a pre-show visit.

When we got the call, we went to CSI (College of Southern Idaho) to pick him up. He didn't have much time so he just hopped in a van and came to dinner with us, even though he'd already eaten.

We picked Greg & Lisa back up before dropping him off again, finished eating, and then returned once more to the school's very nice Fine Arts Auditorium to take our seats.

The show was FANTASTIC. Really. The kids all loved it and were literally dancing in their seats, as well as in the aisles (during Intermission). The dance team was accompanied by live music performed by Mountain Strings, BYU's Folk Music Ensemble - so talented! That really added to the show. Emily especially loved the Bollywood numbers, while David was partial to Irish/Clogging/Tap choreography. I thought the Hungarian dances with their fun props, were among the most entertaining and everyone but David (who conked out) had to admit that the final Ukrainian Hopak kinda blows your mind. Photography wasn't allowed during the show, but here's a press release image:

And one I snuck in at the very end of Ion's show:

Ion is our like a member of the family, only he's Moldovan and might have to go back after he graduates this spring. (Fingers crossed he can get a change to his visa.) We just had to take this opportunity to support him, spend some time with him. It was more than worth the time, distance, and expense. If you have the chance, I highly recommend attending one of their shows. (Here's the link for the rest of the 2012 schedule).

We love you Ion! Thanks for inviting us so we could make this fun memory together.