February

First, these shoes.  Hunter wore them, then Cole, then Danny, and even Skyler.  He wore them till they were too tight and I had to show how used they were - maybe it's proof of how cheap I am but it also shows how great this pair of shoes was!  They lasted through all 4 kids!  And I think they were the fastest shoes ever.

Even though I'm not currently teaching, I still like to attend the annual music educator's conference. This year, a bunch of my college buddies were there to perform in a special French Horn class that Sonja put together.  I didn't take enough pics - but he had lots of late nights and laughing and more laughing.  Love these ladies - Amy, Kamber, Wendy, and Sonja.  I thought I was pretty lucky to hang out with them!

And one other quick pic from the conference.  This is man is a giant in the music education of our state.  I worked with him for one year as staff while in college and I have had the opportunity to continue to learn from all these years while being on the side-lines.  He's awesome and I'm sure he's loving retirement this summer.  Still, I can't imagine him slowing down.  I'm sure he'll still be a super busy man!

Recital time

I do a recital every Feb with my clarinet studio.  I invited Hunter to learn a solo and perform - and he did it!  It was a procrastinated effort - but well worth it.  He performed the March of the Marionette and he rocked it.  He really did.  My dad said afterwards that he didn't realize he would be so emotional watching his grandson perform.  I was too busy playing piano to be emotional - but I'm sure I would have been.  I'm super proud of him and I really, really hope that he continues to enjoy playing.  He's the one who picked clarinet and he's really doing great - of course I'm a proud mama!

Every performer deserves ice cream afterwards.

Valentines Day

This year it was potato soup in a bread bowl for the main course.  And for dessert, Shayne found a cool video on line with this melting chocolate brownie treat that looked yummy.  So, he made it happen for Valentine's day.  I'd like to say I helped - but really, it was all Shayne.  You pour hot chocolate over the hard shell then it melts away to reveal a brownie and the creaminess and choclateyness was a crowd pleaser!

 

And finally - check out TOOTHLESS.  It's a good thing that 7 year olds are super proud of losing teeth, right?  I'm not sure how he ate though...