Marching band competition

Robert and I went up to Logan to watch Braden at his marching band competition.  They didn't come in first like they had hoped, but I thought they were fabulous!

These kids work so hard - really this should be considered a sport.  It takes hours and hours of practice and then they go to multiple competitions and play at the football games.  All while playing in other bands (Braden is in two others), keeping their school work up and cheerfully doing everything their parents ask.  That last one might not be completely accurate, but we can always hope for cheerful.

purple marching pioneers.

Braden and I spent the last week down in Lehi (staying in a little hotel, just like last year) so he could be at marching band camp.  7 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.  Even though it was long, hot and exhausting; the staff and kids were great and Braden is feeling really good about  his new high school.

And yes - the school mascot is a pioneer and their colors are purple and white.  Not sure why I think that is funny, I just do.  But then again, my high school mascot was a fish.  A big maroon fish.

Braden was awarded the spirit stick the last night.

Braden is in the first section trumpet
and is doing fantastic!

Shea's spring recital

Shea playing In the Hall of the Mountain King
and My Favorite Things.  She did fabulous!!

just in case we forget to get them together on Shea's wedding day..
I'm going to start collecting photos now :):)

nothing to do with piano-
just a little token of Oklahoma love that
was on our front porch a few days ago.

Music....

Here is a bit of Christmas music for you....

Friday Night Lights

The life of a high school marching band stud...

8:30 to 4:00 - school. boring school.
4:00 - quick break. MOM! take me to Wendy's. i NEED a Frosty. and some greasy nourishment.


4:30 to 11:30. marching band stuff.so handsome!

pre-game (we thought the game started at 7... but it didn't start until 7:30) Robert and I sat with Marti and Russ Wallace... thier son plays on the football team. Yes, it was cold. No, we didn't win.

Shea's first song

Last week we found out there have been quite a few break-ins in our neighborhood, including some good friends on the next street. After finding out about it, Shea asked if she could sleep in our room. She was settled in for the night and Robert and I were right outside the room in our dining room/office area talking when Shea asked me to come in and write down the words to a song she just thought of. It was the first verse and then over the next week, Shea wrote the rest.

My Family's Voices
by Shea Sawyer

I love to hear my family’s voices
They make me smile and say
I have a happy home
Filled with love and joy

When my Dad says let’s read the scriptures
And learn about the prophets
I feel happy all inside
To learn these sacred stories

Then my mother says it’s time to pray,
I bow my head and say
Dear Heavenly Father
We’re grateful for this day

And even when I’m sad or feeling lonely
I’ll remember the love I felt
When I heard my family’s voices

WOW. REALLY WOW!

Shea is going to work with a friend of ours to put it to music some time this week. We'll give you the finished song as soon as it is ready.

Trumpet Man....

Braden had his solo competition today for Band.

He did very well!

My camera only videos for 60 seconds and then

makes a beep... so I didn't want to do that while

he was playing.. so here is just a few seconds

of his warm up.

Kayla playing one of my favorites

I begged Kayla to let me video her playing "Dancing on the Berlin Wall" by David Lanz. She memorized this for her dad almost 5 years ago for his Christmas present. I used my digital camera to record it, so the quality isn't great. But in person, it sounds fabulous!