Piano Recital

The kids all played beautifully at their piano recital!  They have had Caiden as their teacher for two years.  Now, he is on to bigger and better things in college and his brother Jaron will be teaching them (Jaron taught them before he left on his mission). 

Jonathan, "Beach Party"

Daniel, "Allegretto"

Andrew, "Funeral March of a Marionette"

Emily, "Star Wars Theme"

Great job, kids!

Mom's Trip to Provo

I went on a trip to Provo this week.  I wanted to go to Education Week, and also start looking at housing options for Nathaniel for next school year.  It seems early, but many of the apartment complexes start accepting applications for next fall in January and February.  This was the perfect time for me to go down there and see where he might want to live.  I visited 12 complexes, and two on-campus options.  I also spent a lot of time driving around campus and the surrounding areas.  It was interesting how much had changed, but it also seemed the same in a lot of ways.

I flew to Provo on Tuesday.  Once I got there, I looked at a couple places, checked in to my hotel, and went to the Provo University mall.  It is so different than when I lived there!

On Wednesday morning, I took some apartment tours and then went to BYU campus for lunch at the Skyroom restaurant.  It's on the top floor of the Wilkinson Center.  Everything I tried was delicious!  It was a buffet, and all the work is done by the students (with supervision, of course).  Here is the view from the restaurant.

Next, I went to a couple of classes.  The campus is just as beautiful as I remember!

I also went exploring in the Talmage building.  That is the building where I took most of my math classes.  I can remember sitting on these same benches, studying and waiting for my next class.

I also peeked into the room where we used to have church when I lived at the Crestwood.  This is where I first saw Michael.  He had gone up to bear his testimony, and I remember being so impressed with him.  We met each other a few days later. 

On Thursday, after doing some more tours, I drove to Culver's in Orem to meet Barbara Gibson for lunch.  We knew her family when we lived in Lisle, Illinois, and she used to babysit me.  They are a great family.

On Thursday evening, I took some more classes.  They were about family history and they were very helpful.  Friday morning, I went on my last few tours and then I had to return my rental car and go to the airport.  It was a very successful trip! 

Andrew's 14th Birthday

Andrew is 14!  He is as tall as me, and super excited about that!  He got his wish for his birthday--spending money!  He also got contacts!!!!  He is so happy that he doesn't have to wear glasses anymore!

Grandma came over on Sunday night for cake and presents

We love you so much, son!  Happy Birthday!

Double Birthday Party

Jonathan and Andrew had a combined birthday party tonight at Jake's Unlimited.  It was so much fun!  They got to play games, ride rides, and play laser tag all night. 

The whole gang

Jonathan's party

Andrew's party

Enjoying the games

And the buffet!

Air hockey--Michael beat me this time

It was a great night!  Happy Birthday, boys!

Jonathan's 10th Birthday

I can't believe my baby is double digits!  Jonathan is so excited to be 10!

On his birthday, we had dinner at Chick-Fil-A and then went to Doughlicious for dessert. 

Here he is with a few of his presents

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

Pack Meeting

Jonathan earned his Bear badge tonight!  We can't believe he is almost 10!  This week he will advance to the Webelos den.  Great job, Jonathan!