The Final Notes of 2011

The concerts are now officially over for this year and they went out beautifully. On the 14th was Mount Logan Middle School's band concert. As Celestra told me the next day after school, their band teacher said he 'would take nothing back'. Meaning the kids did an awesome job. And they really did. Cele has come such a long way in just a few short years. It's amazing to me that she's already been playing the flute for going on her third year. It seems like only yesterday she was in the sixth grade band and I was wincing when I heard her practice.

Once again, I appologize for the sound quality. It is certainly not the best but you should get the gist. I hope. The following videos are four of the five numbers the band performed. The fifth was a joint number with the school choirs and I didn't record it because I was on the front row and all you would have heard was the choir.

In Honor of the Fallen

(The kids played this for the Veteran's day assembly but this was their first, and only, chance to perform it for the families.)

Deck the Halls with Chips and Salsa

Christmastime is Here

Coventry Carol

After the concert, we took a few minutes to get some fun pics of the kids and even a few of us meddlesome parents.

Santa, her reindeer, and one of her elves

or

(Left to right) Erika, Celestra, and Jess

Cele and one of her two best friends, Erika

Erika plays the Clarinet in the 8th grade band with Cele

Cele and her Grandma Eiko

Just mom and me

Cele and I with Erika and her mom

Then, as the final note in this years holiday concert series, we had the Cache Children's Choir annual Seasons Greetings concert. The kids did a good job here as well but they are sure glad to be on Christmas break, and so are we as parents!

Cantate Choir performing

The mass choir performing 'What Child is This'

After the concert and much time spent cleaning up, we headed out to Zeppies, a local Italian ice shop, for a yummy celebration treat. Grandma Eiko, Aubrey and James joined in the fun.

Celestra and her 'step-brother' James

Tadaima Minna san

I figured it was about time we updated again. Better late than never right? Well, as always, its been another busy season for us. So I will update by pictures as that's a little easier for me.

To start we have Celestra in one of her happy places. Surrounded by dogs! The dog you don't recognize is our upstairs neighbors and we often dogsit her. Cele loves it as you can see.

Thanksgiving:

This year, as last year, we spent Thanksgiving day with my adoptive family. This year it was held at my sister Desiree's place in Idaho Falls. Mom, Dad, Tonya and her family, Alisha and her family, Celestra and I, and (of course) Desiree and her family were all there. It was great to see everyone again. I love being able to spend time with this family. They are truly some of my favorite people. We love you all very much.

Little Thomas fast asleep

Cele with her cousins (Left to right) Daniel, Jacob, and Nathan

Alisha's boys Ethan and Kasen

Too cute for words.

Then, since Todd and Sarah are also living in Idaho Falls these days, we stopped by their place on the way home to say hi. Cele got in on a board game and the boys had fun with Maya (our puppy)

Jackson being silly

Maya hanging out

Cele with her uncle Todd and cousin Brian

Nutcracker:

Yep once again this year Celestra was part of the Nutcracker chorus so most of November was spent running her to and from rehearsals. Performances were held over Thanksgiving weekend with one each on Friday and Monday nights and two on Saturday. This was her fourth or fifth year doing it and she still loves it.

Cele with other members of the Cantate choir who also performed in the Nutcracker

The kids showing off their true selves

Gallery Walk/ St. John's Cathedral

This year the Cantate choir performed for the annual Winter Gallery Walk in Logan. Their performance was held at St. John's cathedral. This was the choirs first performance for the Christmas season and, as always, they did a great job.

The next day the kids performed at the Tabernacle for their annual performance there but I forgot to bring my camera. We will have to ask Grandma Eiko for her copies of the pictures I am sure she took. We even went to lunch with Grandma Eiko, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Todd, Brian, and Jackson after the performance. Thanks for lunch Eiko, it was delicious. And it was great to see the Carey family again too.

But we're not done yet!

This year Celestra also had her first flute recital. She played Gesu Bambino and did an awesome job. I have a friend who took a video of it so when she is able to get me a copy of it, I will let you see it. Once again, I forgot my camera. Grandma had hers though so we'll have to get copies of those pictures from her as well. I did snap one quick one with my phone though. So here's what I've got.

If we haven't mentioned it yet, Celestra is third chair flute in band this year. Go Cele!

Now for the last two performances on Wednesday and Thursday and a little bit more school work and we can relax for Christmas break, minus work of course.