Grand Nats!

Only a marching band person would know what the title of this post is all about.  This weekend Samantha got to go with the American Fork High School Marching Band to compete in the Bands of America Grand National Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana.  They were one of 6 six bands west of the Mississippi to compete with 85 other bands from the rest of the country.  They were stupendous.  They made it to semi finals where they were one of the top 22 bands at the competition.  They didn't make finals, but these high school kids were amazing.  So many hours of work at music and drills.  We are so proud of all of them, but mostly Sam.  She fought against a lot of stuff to just get to the destination and then to be section leader and a piccolo player was the icing on the cake.  We're so thankful for this opportunity she had.  What a fantastic experience.

Family picture from Easton's wedding day. 

Rocky Mouth Hike

We took a quick trip up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the Rocky Mouth Trail.  After the hike we grabbed lunch from Wendy's then went to a German bakery in downtown SLC called Vosen's where we got some yummy pastries.  While we were stuffing ourselves, we drove around the U of U campus trying to convince Sam that living in a dorm her freshman year might be perfect for her.  We also found a gorgeous green house in the Avenues that had a pool.  It was a little over our budget at $779,000!

 We hiked the grotto trail up Payson Canyon last week.  Aren't these handsome men? 

 Ryan looks so happy to have his mom touching him.  So loving that face!  I can actually only see my armpit in this picture. 

 Connor could barely stand up in the little cave he found.

 Even though Ryan is 15, he is still happy to come with us on our adventures.

Ethan was so disappointed that his crossed eyes don't show in this picture. 

Prom

Sam got asked to prom by a boy in her group of friends at school.  His name is Christian.  They went up the canyon on Friday night and then to dinner and the dance which was held at The Barn at Thanksgiving Point.  She looked gorgeous.  Christian seems like a nice guy.  We got her dress for $30 at a consignment shop in AF.  We had the dress altered and bought a lacey shirt to go under it and a pretty cardigan to go on top of it.  What an easy girl to shop for!

February is boring!

From blonde to purple to pink to brown.... That's how Samantha's hair has traveled this year.  She is pretty all the time and anywhere, but brown is my favorite so far! 
Kids are doing well in school.  Ryan will be getting his learners permit soon.  Samantha just took her first ACT test.  Ethan is taking drum and piano lessons.  Connor is getting better and better at math.  He's pretty good at telling me how many minutes he has until bedtime. 
Life is good.  (Hope I didn't jinx it!)

What handsome men!