End of the Year Orchestra Concert

It's the end of Kira's middle school experience...the final orchestra concert of the year!    Mrs. Egan, her orchestra teacher, was wonderful and will really be missed!  She was so great with the kids!

My stupid camera only does three minute recordings...so this song is divided over a couple of clips.

Goodbye, Joel P. Jensen Middle School!

Kira and her BFF, Jinsey

These are random shots of Kira and her best friend, Jinsey...

Easter 2013

Fun times decorating Easter eggs...

These cute baskets were made by my mom and my sister a few years ago...when Maya came along they made her one, too.  Aren't they cute???  Love them!

Kira's Spring Orchestra Concert

Besides being in the advanced orchestra at the Middle School this year, Kira was also in a small group that pursued some more advanced music than the rest of the orchestra.  The song was too long for one clip...so it is broken into two...

A number with the whole Advanced Orchestra...

Take a bow!

                                                    Kira and her BFF, Jinsey, exiting the stage...

This concert was in March.  Kira also auditioned for the Chamber Orchestra at the high school for next year (she will be a sophomore...I still can't believe that!) and she was ACCEPTED!!!  She is so excited!

Chilling at the Airport

I just came across this picture...it was one I took on my phone back in December, I think...the girls were on their way to their dad's house.  I love this picture.  The whole flying from one place to another to see parents is not ideal for sure, but I have always been grateful that no matter what, they always have each other.  They are such a blessing to each other.  

Whenever I have to send them away, it's always tough...but I think we all appreciate our time together more because of it.  Can't wait to see them again on August third!

Cousin Chelsea

Katelyn and Kira got to have a fun day at BYU with their Grandpa Thompson and their cousin, Chelsea Thompson (I guess Grandpa took this picture since he isn't in it).  When they brought the girls home it was so fun to see Chelsea...I think the last time I saw her she was a toddler!  She is getting married soon...they sure grow up fast!

Track

This year Kira decided that she wanted to run track...even though she was in 9th grade at the middle school, the 9th graders can run for the high school team...here's our West Jordan High Jaguar, running her heart out during track season, spring 2013!

                                    

Kira's Spring Concert

Kira's Quartet from the Christmas Concert

At the Christmas concert, Kira got to perform in a little quartet.  The camera cut out just before the end of the song, so it's in two pieces.  Boo.

Great job, Kira!

Kira's Orchestra Christmas Concert

Like every December, Kira's orchestra at Joel P. Jensen Middle School held a Christmas Concert.  It is so nice to go to her concerts now...I'll admit they were a bit painful to listen to when she fist started out with violin several years ago.  Just sayin'...

Our Belated Christmas With the Rest of the Kids

A couple of days after Christmas when Katelyn and Kira were back from their dad's in Texas and Colton, Bryson, and Chey were up to visit, we had the rest of our Christmas.  We love having everyone together.  Here's Colton with his Shakespeare book...

Bryson with his Big Bang Theory T-shirt...

Kira, Bryson, Maya, Me, CheyAnn, and Colton...

Chey in her monkey hat (Kira got a matching one)...

Bryson and his new drum heads...

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving weekend Bryce and Chey came up for a few days.  Colton went to his girlfriend's dad's house in California for the holiday weekend...it was weird having him gone.  As time goes by and the kids move on and get their own lives, I know I'll have to get used to them all not being together, but it is hard.  When everyone else is together it is so fun, but the One that is missing is still missed...

Thanksgiving dinner would not be complete without Grandma Needles' rolls.  Yum!

The cousins had fun hanging out together...here are Josh, Kate, Chey, Kira, Scotty, Tav, and I think that is the back of Megan's  head.  I am pretty sure that is Alyssa napping over on the couch. :)

Bryce playing on the computer and listening to his tunes...

The cousins playing some game...can't remember what.  Scotty, I think you are a little to big for the rocking horse!! lol

Chey and Maya having some sister time...

We didn't get time to put the tree up while Bryce and Chey were here, but once they were gone, we got it out.  Maya had fun "helping" us put it together...

Putting up the tree...

The rush to get ready for Christmas had begun!