Erika "Lamb of God" Performances

Erika played her violin in two performances of the Lamb of God.  One Friday and one of Saturday.  On Friday, Cameron, myself and Grandma Holly & Grandpa Gary went (of course Erika too).  It was a great performance right before Easter.  There were 14 songs with soloist and a choir.  It was an hour and a half long, but well worth the time.  I even saw Grandpa Gary shed a tear or two.  He really enjoyed it and wants a copy of the music to listen to at home.  This was a Free concert and was sold out for both days, but Friday night was not packed with people, which was nice.  Saturday, Brian, Riley and Grandma Bette attended.  Erika was glad to be able to be a part of this, but was glad it was over as well, because she had to practice every sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, so she missed out on a few family dinners.  I am sure she will be doing it again next year, since she knows the music now.

Happy 22nd Birthday to Cameron

All Cameron wanted to do for his Birthday was go to Brick Oven in Provo as a family.  He loves the BBQ chicken pizza and the red cream soda.  The waitress even sang to him with some of her coworkers.  He was a little bit embarrased, but he was a good sport.  After dinner, we told him that we bought him a birthday present to go to the Jazz Game on Monday night.  The tickets were on the 9th row in the center of the court.  He was so happy.  We don't know were the last 22 years went, he was just 5 years old starting kindergarten.  Happy Birthday Cam!!!

HAPPY 15th BIRTHDAY RILEY!!!

We have been celebrating Riley's birthday since Saturday, but since today is his actual birthday, we didn't do much other than go out to dinner together.  He wanted to go to Panda Express, but we decided to go a little bit fancier and eat at PF Chang's instead.  The kids have not been there before, so we thought we would try it out.  Well, the good news is that we had a good time and ate the food, the bad news is that Riley really didn't like it, but he was a good sport and ate it anyways.  It guess next time we will just do what he wants and go to Panda Express.  It is Crazy to believe that Riley is 15 years old.  Happy Birthday Riley!!

Riley new suit for 15th Birthday

Riley was finally in need of a new suit for his birthday.  Yep, that means he is growing a little bit.  He picked a navy blue suit, light blue tie, navy blue socks(hopefully he will stop wearing his white socks) and black shoes.

Riley Birthday Party!!

 THE TREATS UPSTAIRS

 ALL THE LAPTOPS SETUP FOR PLAY

 SETUP DOWNSTAIRS FOR THE PLAYSTATION PLAY

 TREATS FOR DOWNSTAIRS

 FRIENDS PLAYING PS3

 FRIENDS PLAYING XBOX

 FRIENDS PLAYING THE LAPTOPS

 ALL THS BOYS SHOES - EEKKK!!!

PRESENTS FROM FRIENDS - WOW MORE DUCT TAPE

Riley had his birthday party today with 12 friends.  He decided to just have a game party with PS3, XBOX and Laptops setup for everyone to play.  We had all the friends for 4 hours, which was okay, but some of them never went home.  He was a success and none of us had to plan anything or take charge, because Riley did the whole thing. 

Erika & Sharri Vocal Point Performance

Erika bought tickets for her and I to go to Vocal Point Concert at HFAC at BYU.  It was really good and we both enjoyed the performance.  The group has 3 new guys that are part of the 9 man group.  We were a little disappointed to not see the same ones from the Sing-Off, but it was still good.  We could of stayed all day and listened to them, but they only sang for an hour and a half.  Afterwards, they came out and signed autographs, but we didn't stay, because the line was too long.  Thanks Erika for getting the tickets!!

Brian goes to Orlando

Brian was able to go to Orlando with his company for a yearly conference.  He left this Saturday evening and will be back on Wednesday evening.  They have they conference during the day and then some entertainment in the evenings, which included Universal Studios New York area for just the conference attendees.  He rode the roller coaster 8 times in a row, but are we surprised.  It was 80 degrees in Orlando, while it was snowing in Provo.  We were all so jealous, but he had to come home sometime back to the colder weather.  We tried to figure out if we could all go and extend the trip, but it just didn't work out this year, so maybe next year.  Hope you had fun!!!

Erika BYU Orchestra Concert

Erika was involved again in the BYU Orchestra for 2nd semester.  She was so excited to be able to perform with them again.  She has been going every Wednesday night since January for practice from 7 - 9 pm, which is a great commitment on her part, seeing as though she already has 16 credit hours 2nd semester already. The Orchestra played 4 different pieces, which were amazing as always.  We love to go and listen to them perform.
Both Grandparents were able to attend as well, and as always they love to here her play and perform, even though she sits in the very back where we can't' see her to hear her, but at least we know she is there.
We are so proud of Erika for keeping up on her violin skills.  She is an amazing violinist and we hope she never gives it up.  GREAT JOB ERIKA!!!

RIley PHS Concert Choir

Riley tried out for Concert Choir for the next school year on Thursday, March 15th after school.  He had to sing a solo of a song that was either a folk, patriot or classical song.  He choose to do "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood.  He said he was kind of nervous, but thought he did okay.  He also had to sing a scale and sight read music and sing it.  What a lot to ask for a 15th year boy.  You would think he was trying out for the Tab Choir or something, but I guess they have to use some kind of process to screen and weed out some of the students.
Riley was called back for a 2nd performance today.  So basically, most of the boys at PHS that tryout, get into the choir, because they are always in need of more boys, so Riley was a shoe in no matter what, which is kind of nice.
Anyway, he was told that he made into Concert Choir and had to fill out paperwork and commitment contracts for next school year.  Riley really enjoys the barbershop singing that Mr. Wiser has introduced to all the Men's choir group this year.  We are so surprised that he wants to do singing, but we do love that he is trying something new and different than the rest of the family.
Great Job Riley for getting in to the PHS Concert Choir.

Cameron 3rd Talk

Riley Youth Barbershop Chorus Festival

Riley was able to spend the day at PHS for the Youth Chorus Festival.  He was there from 9 am to 7 pm and had a concert at 6 pm.  He has loved being in the Men's Choir this year and plans to audition for the Concert Choir this next week for next school year.  As you can see in the 2nd video, he is quite the charmer and ham on the stage, just like his dad.  Great Job Riley and to all the other boys in the chorus today.

Crocheted Items

Made with love by my mom.  One of her talents that she shares with us all.  I asked her to make these for me for school, and she just found a pattern and made them for me.  Wish I could keep the family tradition going, but crocheting is not my thing.  Oh well!!

Riley - Life Scout Advancement

Riley finally earned his Life Scout Advancement at the Scout Banquet tonight.  He earned 6 Merit Badges and Life.  He is on his way to Eagle Scout with only 4 required Merit Badges and 6 Electives and his Eagle Project.  Hopefully, he will be able to earn Eagle before his 16th birthday next March.  We are so proud of him.  Way to go RILEY!!!

Riley Klondike Overnighter

 Riley and a few other scouts and varsity scouts went on a Winter Overnighter.  Because the District Klondike was cancelled this year, because of lack of snow, the ward decided to go anyways on their own.  Riley was so excited, because he loves the snow and has not had the chance to sled or play in it this year.  We have to get him a new coat and some boots, because the ones from last year were too small, and we didn't know this, because he hasn't needed to use them.  Walmart had some many boots and coats for sale, it was crazy.  We were able to get them for half price too.
They went to Diamond Fork to campout overnight.  He took his butt boards that he got from christmas to try them out, but because there wasn't much snow and only ice, they broke.  Oh well, at least he was able to use them this year.  As the tradition for Riley on campouts, he has to always have funyons and jerky nuggets.  All the other boys seen to like it when he has these snacks.  He came back smelling like a campfire and his sleeping bag and ground cover where all wet.

Riley's PHS Choir Ensemble

Riley and 10 other Men's choir singing "Cotton Fields"

Erika Singles Ward Talent Show

Erika accepted to play in Lamb Of God Orchestra

Erika applied to be part of the 50 player orchestra for the musical production of "Lamb of God", playing at the American Fork Tabernacle April 6 & 7.  She wasn't sure if she was going to make it in, because there were only 50 spots, but they emailed her and she got the last one in 2nd violins.  She was so excited.  She has to practice every Sunday in Saratoga Springs from 6 - 7:30 pm until April 6.  They emailed her all the music, which ended up being 46 pages - 14 songs total.  The link below is a video of some of the music that she will be playing.  http://www.spiremusic.org/lamb/
We are so proud of her.  She is an talented violinist.  10 years of practice and commitment has paid off.

24th Anniversary

We celebrated our anniversary with Tamra & Scott, because their anniversary is the 10th.  They came to Provo and we went to Texas Roadhouse for Dinner and then went and saw a movie called "The Chronicle."  Dinner was awesome and we were so full - we ate too much.  The movie on the other hand was a little bit disturbing.  The critic's rated it 4 stars, so we figured it was going to be good.  It is about 3 high school students that make an incredible discovery, leading to their developing uncanny powers beyond their understanding. As they learn to control their abilities and use them to their advantage, their lives start to spin out of control, and their darker sides begin to take over.  We left the movie a little puzzled and wondered what we just saw.  Oh well, it was about spending time together and having fun.  Thanks for the best 24 years Brian and hopefully we will have 24 more to come.

Riley's new friend - Leah

Riley seems to have the personality to atract younger children.  This little gal, Leah, in our ward loves Riley.  Every time he is passing the sacrament, she is calling his name and watches for him.  There was one  Sunday when he wasn't at church, and she was asking where he was.  She says his name over and over.  We think it is because it is easy to say, Riey.  It is so fun to see him interact with her.  Erika is jealous, because she loves to babysit her, and Leah can't say Erika's name.

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