Music madness

Chandler and Shelby recently had some great musical experiences.

Chandler was 1 of only 4 kids from our elementary school, and 1 of only 6 percussionists to make the district honor band. It was a great experience for him. He worked with the local high school band teacher, and had a wonderful performance at the Chandler Center for the Arts. We were very proud. (That’s him standing in the very back of the band.)

Shelby also had a wonderful (early) end of the year performance. The teacher’s husband got a job in Illinois, so the last day before break was her last day at the school. It was an emotional farewell concert, but Shelby was so grateful to be part of it. Her teacher taught her so much, and we were lucky to have had her in our lives, even if it was for such a short time. Here’s a pic of her last concert…

It’s fun to be on the parent’s side of all these musical functions. We’re so proud of them.

The perfect pet

We got a new pet last year… Speedy, the desert tortoise. He is the greatest pet in the world… NO MAINTENACE. He eats the grass outside, and goes in a bucket in the garage to sleep for the winter. He recently starting moving around, so we put him out back to get some food and sunshine. Tatum acted like it was Christmas. She loves her little Speedy.

Aren’t they both adorable?!?!

A fun weekend

Back in January Eric and Chandler went on a winter scout campout. I was worried they’d freeze to death, but I guess they stayed nice and warm.

While the cat’s away… the mice will play. The girls and I went and got our nails done, went to dinner, and had a family room sleepover…

When they boys got home on Saturday, I surprised Eric with tickets to the Barrett-Jackson auto show in Scottsdale. We’ve been wanting to go for years, but have never gotten around to it. I wasn’t going to let another year go past without going. WE LOVED IT!!!

 

There were so many GORGEOUS cars! This one’s my dream, come true…

 

And this one was for my dad (trying to convince him to buy one when they get home)…

Barrett-Jackson was everything we hoped it would be. It will be a tradition from now on, and we’ll be taking mom and dad Jameson when they get home in 2 years. Happy driving, all!

Harley’s baptism

Sweet Harley girl got baptized the end of January. It was a beautiful day! Everything was WONDERFUL! We missed the family members who weren't there, but everything went as well as we hoped it would.

She looked SO BEAUTIFUL!!!

Here are some pics from before…

Daddy baptized and confirmed her, and all the special men in her life stood in the confirmation circle. After the baptism, we chose not to do treats or anything at the building or our house. Instead, we went with Grandma and Grandpa Stewart, Ali, Vicki, and Kris to Olive Garden (Harley’s choice). On the way there, we were able to use my super sweet iPhone to call Grammy and Papa in the Congo to share the day with them. That was really special for Harley. While at Olive Garden, she opened up a few gifts people had given her for her special day. She was so grateful for all the thoughtfulness…

The day was everything we hoped it would be for her. We are so proud of her and her decision to be baptized. We all love you, Harley girl!

 

It is coming!!!

Spring break is COMING!!! I LOVE the idea of two and a half weeks of time with my kiddos... Pajama days, movies, parties, friends, no homework, playing outside, day trips, picnics, lunch with dad, staying up late and sleeping in... Does it get any better than this?!?!
So excited!!!

Poofy hair and pajamas

What more does a girl need? It's pajama day at school today. So, the girls decided they wanted "poofy hair" to go along with it. It was too cute to not take a picture and share it.

Chorus festival

I get to spend the day with Shelby at Chandler schools choral festival. This brings memories of the bazillion choral festivals I have been a part of over the years. I love making new, even better memories with my little ones. Thanks for thinking I'm still cool enough to tag along, Shelbs. :)