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.