Voice Recital

Our youngest has been attending voice lessons for the past month and a half.  Although it was a quick semester, she has improved quite a bit.  Below is one of the songs where she had a solo:

Enjoy!  https://youtu.be/RLilSU1SXXU

It was PJ day at her school and the recital began at 5pm.  Sorry we didn't have time to go home and change, but that's our life right now.  She didn't mind, though!

Autumn Fun

It was the last official weekend of summer, and just 3 days before fall.  The kids were ready to decorate the house with pumpkins, hay bales, and enjoy cooler weather.  We decided to head to the best pumpkin patch around, Denver Downs.  

The little one invited a friend to make the outing even more fun.  The two girls talked the entire 45 minute drive.  When we got there, we saw everything was locked up!  Apparently, they didn't open until the following weekend.  Nice.

Deciding that wouldn't ruin a fun day, we looked up on our smart phone whether the apple orchard (45 min away in the opposite direction from our house) was open.  Glad I did, because it was also closed.  

The girls were troopers, though, and agreed to just head to the zoo.  Although it wasn't exactly how we expected the day to go, it turned out just fine.  

They had fun at the park just outside the zoo entrance playing with other children.  The animals inside were neat, too.  

We didn't come home empty handed, though.  We picked up a pumpkin at the grocery store on the way back.  Happy fall!

5 is Enough!

With two of our fleet of vehicles down, Eric went into a panic.  The mustang had a blown head gasket and the cadi needed coolant every 2 miles.  That left three reliable modes of transportation for commuting to school & work:  my car, the truck, and the motorcycle.

For years I've been asking him to sell one of the two broken vehicles, but he always managed to get them running again.  It's a hobby, albeit a time-consuming and money wasting one.  These cars cost more to repair than they are worth.  But, he claims, it's an opportunity for learning and bonding with his son.

After several weeks of the two working diligently under the hood, I noticed they would frequently escape for a bite to eat.  I expect they had their share of hot wings and burgers, but I wasn't expecting this...

Yes, they were shopping for a new vehicle.  This one may have been a great find and a bargain, but we're now up to 6 vehicles.

Even the little one seems to like it.

To top things off, the two "broken" vehicles are working again, my parking spot in the garage is always taken, and none of the vehicles are on Craig's List yet.  I'm willing to sell a few the next time Eric goes out of town.  Just give me a call.  Best offer.

1st Apartment

Our oldest hit a new milestone in her life, her own apartment.  What was supposed to be a shared basement ended up being private living quarters.  Her roommate decided not to return to the college this fall.

It is a uniqe experience visiting your child in HER apartment.  Instead of feeling 'old' like I expected, I felt proud. I couldn't help but marvel at the young adult she had become.  

Her place was neat & tidy, with a little furniture here & there to make it feel at home.  

It's also a free hotel now whenever I need a place to stay in Columbia.  The bed may not be as soft, or the shower as spacious, but the company is worth it!

Singing Lessons

Our little one wants to be an actor.  But an actor is more versatile if she can sing.  Thanks to the wonderful influence of her Grandma Linda, I am now taking her to voice lessons once a week.

There are usually 3 other girls with her.  They sing kids songs like "She'll be Coming Around the Mountain" and "Bingo", taking turns to solo the verses as well as together.

Sometimes they move while they sing.  I was a bit confused at first, but after several lessons, I'm actually noticing an improvement in how she hears each note, then adjusting to hit the right pitch.

During her one hour session each week, I am blessed with the sounds of a beginner trumpet trying to blow any sound possible out of the horn.  I am fortunate to hear a drum lesson down the hall.  And to top it off, there is a banjo student learning to play the 5-string.  Ahhh, sounds of joy (nor not).

Thanks, Grandma!

Aunt Lynn

We enjoyed a wonderful visit from Eric's sister, Lynn.  She is quite the adventurer!  After her arrival and initial visit, she was ready to hit the white water.  Our little one went with them, too.

The two girls were in a double kayak, while Eric was in the other.  Shortly after putting into the water, they hit a series of rapids.

Then the pictures stop until this....

During a rapid, the girls were bumped into a large rock in the river by another raft.  The girl's kayak flipped and they went into the water.  The two got seperated - our little one stayed with the boat until Eric came to her side.  Lynn made it to the shore and didn't see what happened to the little one and Eric.

The rescue squad was called to the scene because they thought a little girl was missing. However no one was injured or missing.

The emergency personnel were not only grateful for the best possible outcome but they got to practice their response drills that hadn't been used in a while.  

Our sweet girl enjoyed all of the attention.  Here is her "selfie" on the way home.

                       

The next day, Lynn and Eric tackled the water again.  But this time, it was just the two of them.

They both did great and really enjoyed the water.

It was a gorgeous day to white water, minus the sunblock that didn't seem to help.  Lynn came back a bit redder than she left.

Along the hike back, Lynn took a great picture of Eric.  

We enjoyed Lynn's visit and hope she comes back for more exciting times.

School Time!

I'm a bit jealous of all those sweet "First Day of School" pictures floating around.  Mine won't really pose for them anymore, so I have to capture them on the run.

The little one is all weighted down with her supplies since we missed Meet the Teacher night.  Our son would rather get to school early than let me take a still photo.

Our oldest headed back to college.  Now into her 2nd year, she's out of the dorms and into apartment-style living.  Or in her case, a plush basement right on campus.  

It even comes with a private swimming pool.  How does she find these places?  

Have a great academic year, kids.  Mommy loves you!