Vibrant Violist (video)

At the end of every orchestra concert, parents are permitted to get close to the musicians and take pictures while they play a song from earlier in the night. Here is Meili close up during the chaotic encore of the 9th Grade Halloween Concert. (I do not have Meili's permission to post this.)

Construction Zone

We are finishing up a bathroom and a family room in our basement. Yippee! It will be great to have a place to send the kids and their friends. Here are a few shots of the current mess. The sheet rock just went up yesterday, and it really helps define the area, but it is sooo dusty! I'll be glad when this stage is over.

Corny Kids

One of the last things we did was let the kids roll around inside the corn shed. It was almost more fun than a sandbox!

Princess Penelope

Princess Ana and Princess Scout with Cornbelly's Pumpkin Princess.

Face Painting

More Craziness at Cornbelly's

A Day at Cornbelly's

Natalie & Abbie came out for a visit and we spent some time at Thanksgiving Point. They have a great pumpkin patch and fall festival. Here are a few pictures from our day. Debbie was able to come with us. Sadly, Stephen missed out this time.

Meili's a Fashion Model

Thank you, Debbie, for using Meili as her model for the past few weeks in preparation for a big event at her cosmetology school. Debbie practiced on Meili's hair and makeup--to the MAX--once a week then Mei got to show off the fancy hairdo at school the next day. Well, the big fashion show was last Saturday. I must admit, it was strange to see my 14-YEAR-OLD in a bridal gown, but she looked just stunning. Debbie asked for Ana at the last minute to hold the train and complete the ensemble. Ana was a trooper and nearly stole the show with her charms.

Maple Mountain

It was one of those beautiful fall days you get in Utah. Look at our stunning view. (Meili took this picture.)

Temper Tantrum

Last weekend Meili was brooding in the car with her feet up against the windshield. Frustrated, she kicked at the window with her heel. You can see the result below. She's gonna have to mow the lawn clear through Februrary (over the snow, I guess) in order to pay the deductible. Wait, isn't Ya still mowing our lawn to pay off his own crime of passion?!! (He accidentally hurled the remote control at Daryl's brand new flat-screen back in May! We can almost laugh about it now.) Needless to say, they both felt terrible about their respective mistakes. Who would've thought our mild-mannered kids could be so impulsively destructive?! What's Ana gonna destroy? I shudder to think.

Ana at the School Fair

Our elementary school puts on this fundraiser every year. Ana had a lot of fun playing carnival-type games, but mostly she enjoyed the Kindergarten playground--preparing for recess next year.