Erika BYU Orchestra Performance

Erika performed in the BYU University Orchestra.  She has been taking the class all semester and practicing once a week from 7 - 9 pm.  The orchestra played 5 pieces, which we all knew while they were playing them.  Both sets of grandparents were able to come, as well as the 4 of us to watch her play.  It was in the HFAC DeJong Hall and no free tickets any more, but they were only $3 each, so that was not to bad.  We hope that Erika keeps up with her talents and skills as a excellant violin player.

Brian singing "Except for the Turkey"

Brian found this song on the internet to play for the family for Thanksgiving, then replayed it during Family Dinner.

Erika's 1st date with a RM - eekk!!

Erika went on a date with someone that works at the Law Building with her.  His name is Steve Jensen. They meet while walking to their cars together at the same time and by the time they were at the cars, Erika gave her number to him.  He called the next day and asked her to go with him on a date for Saturday at 6:30 pm. She was so excited!!  They went to dinner at Pizza Factory and then went to Macey's and bought stuff to make Gingerbread houses at his apartment.  It was a great way to get to know each other, and the best part is she was home at 11:30 pm.  She said she had a great time, but a little bit awakeward, because it was there first date, and it has been a while since she has been on a first date with someone.

Family Pictures - Take 2

Riley's 2nd Occasional Paper

Occasional Paper

By: Riley Brown, Per 8.

            There are many things in life that are just annoying or you absolutely hate. I have a lot of those but I would like to focus in on just one. Well my problem is that I’m short.  I’m only 4’ 11”, not even Five foot yet! Even though it’s annoying it still has goods and bads about being short.

            Some of the good things are small hands. I can reach into small cubbyholes or areas where someone else couldn’t. Another Advantage is the ability to move quickly and be agile and flexible. (Not so much as the Flexible) I can run fast but not compared to tall fast runners. I could list a lot of things like being the weight and the Pros and Cons of that I am.

            Some Disadvantages and just annoying parts of being short is the “Judging a book by its cover”. At times I just want to where a shirt that says “Don’t Judge me by my size!” I get called a pup in so many classes and I always have to explain that I’m not a pup. My Choir teacher just found out on Friday that I’m not a pup, after a whole term. I just want it to all stop!

            Well it all comes down to, of coarse, blaming my dad. If any of you have seen my dad, well, he’s tall. He’s actually 6’ 4”. Some of you may ask: why blame him? Well my mom and dad told me stories that my dad got 2 growth spurts. 1 when he was a junior in high school and another when he was 19 on his mission. Well I can only hope that one day that will happen to me too. And no one will ever call me a pup again!

Girls @ Twilight Breaking Dawn Movie

All the girl cousins decided to go and see the new movie, Breaking Dawn tonight.  We meet at 7 pm at the Rumbi Island Grill for dinner, and then went to the movie.  There was 10 of us all on the back room of the theater.  Hailey, Julie, Cortney, Christi, Tamra, Laena, Lindsee, Sabrina, Erika and Sharri.  We had a great time together, but Christi, Cortney and Tamra talked and giggled through the whole movie, which was disrupting and some of us keep telling them to SHSHSH!!!  Even some other people in the theater told them to be quiet, which was kind of funny.  At 11 pm we went to go home and there was 6" of snow on the ground and on our cars, which was kind of scary for us to drive home in, but we made it back okay.  THANKS FOR ALL THE FUN GIRLS!!!

PHS Play "Children of Eden"

We went as a family to the Provo High School Performing Arts Play for FHE.  Riley asked that we go, so he could have his Choir Concert Report done for Term 2.  We enjoyed it as well as all the singing.

Cameron's 1st talk after mission

Cameron was asked to speak with the High Council member from our ward in the 14th ward in our stake at 9:00 am.  He was asked to talk on the Ensign that spotlighted the Book of Mormon.
He did an amazing job and we are so proud of him for his efforts and preparation.  I am sure he will be asked again in the future by other High Councilors.

Riley & Leah

Riley has a new friend.  Her name is Leah and she is the little girl of one of Erika's Young Women leaders.  She has learned how to say Riley's name, so everytime she sees him passing the Sacrament, she says, "Rieee"  It is so cute.  Riley does like little kids and he has a soft heart for them.  Erika is so jealous, because she can say Riley's name but not hers.

Sharri's birthday

Today was Sharri's birthday - 45 years young.  We relaxed most of the day, and then went shopping at JCPenney to buy her a new coat, and then took the family to dinner at Olive Garden.  It was a quiet and relaxing day.

Family Pictures - take 1