Riley PHS Men's Choir Barbershop Festival in Tucson Arizona

Riley was able to travel with the PHS Men's choir to Tucson AZ this weekend.  They left Friday at 1:00 am to ride on the bus for 14 hours.  They would get there at around 3 pm AZ time.  They had alot of events planned in the 3 days they were there.  They performed on Saturday at 11:00 am and then they headed home Sunday morning at 7 am for the long 14 hour bus ride home.  He arrived back in Provo at around 8:30 pm and was glad to get off the bus.  He said he never wants to ride a bus for that long ever.  We will see if he is in concert choir next year and goes on tour for a long bus ride again.  The choir received an Excellent rating from the judges in the Tucson Barbershop Festival.

Riley's Braces OFF!!!

 BEFORE

 AFTER

Riley - the duct tape master

Riley received more duct tape for christmas, even some that was BYU colors and logo on it.  As always, his brain is turning to come up with something new with the duct tape.  The last picture is from gum wrappers.  He pulled all the foil wrapper off and then added it to a piece of paper.  He was trying to make a picture of the world map.  So here they are!!  Enjoy.

Ward Xmas Party

We had our Ward Christmas tonight.  We had Anna with us overnight, so was able to go with us and be in the Nativity with Riley.  Aren't they so cute in their angel and shepherd attire.  Good times!!

Our Trek Family Picture!!

After we added Michael to our family trek picture, we decided to have print them up for all our youth in our family and give it to them for christmas.  We will always have a bond with these youth.  We love them!!!

Santa visit @ Browns

The yearly tradition of having Santa come to the grandparents home.  Erika had alot of homework that night, so she didn't get to sit on Santa's lap.  As always it is alot of fun to spend time together during the holiday with family, but we were glad to be done for the evening and head home.

PHS Choir Holiday Concert

Riley and the other PHS Choirs performed tonight for the Holiday Concert.  As always, it sounded amazing.  Mr. Wiser even had his Barbershop group, The Saltairs, sing to the students and parents.

Bulb Wreath

My neighbor and friend, Nancy, made this for me to hang on the door for christmas.  She is so talented and sometimes I wonder where she gets her good ideas.  She said that she has been saving and looking at DI for the past 6 months, collecting and buying all the christmas bulbs she can find.  She said there is about 90 bulbs on this wreath.  She strung it all on a hanger and then added the purple bow to the top.  She gave it to me for christmas, but she had to give it to me early, so I could have it up for christmas.  I decided since it is purple, it can stay up all year long.

Erika Violin Duet

Erika was asked by her Grandma Bette, to play a violin duet for her ward's RS Christmas Dinner.  She asked her friend Caitie to play with her. They choose to play Silent Night by Larry Bebee, which are her favorite arrangements.  As always, they did an awesome job performing.

Like Father like Son!!

At our monthly family dinner, this is a familiar position for Grandpa and Brian in the Living Room.  We even heard a little bit of snoring together.

Riley PHS Choir Holiday Dinner

Riley was in the PHS Choir's Holiday Dinner.  It was on Saturday and there was a Matinee show and a Dinner Show, which Riley had to be to both.  He had to be at the Provo Library at 1:00 pm and finished at 10:00 pm.  It was a long day for him.  We purchased tickets for two for the dinner show, which were $20 a piece.  Cameron and I went together, because Brian flew to Germany for two weeks for work.  We enjoyed a dinner and a great program put on by all the different choirs.

Brian to Germany & England

Brian left today to go to Germany for a week and then England for week for his work.  He is training the German and London offices on the new software (Cloud).  He seems to always go around Christmas time, which kind of stinks, because the rest of us can't go, because of work and school.  He will be all messed up with his sleeping patterns, but oh well.

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