Musical Minions

Our month has been full of music.  The girls were busy preparing for the big piano ensemble at Centenial Hall.  It's a favorite of mine.  It's just so cool to be on that stage, in front of thousands of people, playing on a huge grand piano with a conductor.  I get a bit jealous.

 Of course, they both did amazing.  Unfortunately, they sat at a piano in the back for their song together. I just got a photo of the bows.

 Emma played a second song, in which she sat at 1st piano.  

I also got to chaperone Sydney's band trip to Flagstaff.  It was fun to see her do her thing.  She even won a solo award for one of her many solos.  Go Sydney!

Sydney is right in the middle.

 I mostly hung out with these lovely ladies.  It was nice to have some great friends there too.

Sometimes, when Sydney wasn't with her friends, she'd pose for a photo with me.

Or, we'd eat wayyy too much at the college all-you-can-eat cafeteria

After seeing all the food, she said, "Whoa!  I'm gonna love college!"  Then we had a little discussion about the Freshman 15.

After the festival at NAU, we had some snow fun.

I am so grateful that my kids have had good experiences with music.  It was a big deal for me growing up and I hope they appreciate it too.

Growing up is Always bittersweet

Our kid's portraits have been long overdue.  Finally, Brent found the time over Christmas Break.  Sydney's are still on his camera so they'll be coming soon.  But here are some of my favorites.

This girl will always choose a dress over pants.  She will always have holes in the knees of her leggings.  She always wants to snuggle and talk to me.  She is always getting her chores or homework done before anyone else has started.  She is always asking for friends.

This boy is always trying to go to school in whatever dirty clothes he slept in.  He is always playing with or snuggling with Tesa.  He is always ready to play soccer.  He is always the one to apologize first.  He is always avoiding schoolwork.  And those eyes still melt my heart every day.

This girl is always rolling her eyes.  She always says, "oh my gosh!".  She is always ready to perform (just ask her for a workout video).  She is always worried about getting enough downtime.  She is always wanting to hang out with friends.  She is always in her bedroom.  She always wears her hair in a top knot.  She is always looking prettier and more grown-up than the day before.