Mini Moves

It was a a few days with mixed feelings. Rachel moved to VA and a few days later Josh began migrating his stuff over as part of his move into her house. Believe it or not, he actually was able to vacate this premises. It took a couple of days and then it was time for more changes.

Ben was thrilled to be the only person who didn't move rooms and he got to stay in his purple room alone.

Isaac moved over to the "kermit" green room with the crazy lights. He's a bit of a hoarder so he has already accumulated more stuff to put everywhere. 

And Michael moved downstairs into the room formerly known as Josh's room. 

Now everyone is settling in and we getting used to only having three boys in the house. We miss Josh, but it is easier with everyone getting their own room.

Troll Hunting: Jakob Two Trees

What better way to send Rachel off back east than with some troll hunting? Her U-Haul box is packed and locked, ready to be picked up for the long trip. With all of that stress behind her, Isaac and I took her on an adventure where we met Jakob. He is a Thomas Dambo project constructed out of recycled materials. There are 6 of them in the Pacific Northwest so 1 down, 5 to go.

He is not a small troll and the details are super fun with a birdhouse necklace and arms grabbing the trees.

A close up pic of my troll hunting buddies.

And along the drive up we had to make a short stop for pictures at the Poo Poo Point Trailhead because...poopoo.

V-Day

How to celebrate the day of love? That is the question. Well, throwing things seems like a good idea. Oh, and a little competition. A bean bag toss that got a little heated.

I would post the final scores here but they were, um, hotly contested by a certain over-tired child who remembers everything.

This was followed by a less intense couple of rounds of Pictionary.

Followed by more throwing. I may have misjudged what it feels like to have someone throw Starbursts at your face. Ha!

Luckily no one was permanently harmed by flying sugar so we could finish the evening by consuming sugar. 

Solo and Ensemble, Choir Edition

The second round of Solo and Ensemble involved us driving back and forth from the high school to see the boys perform their pieces. Michael spent the entire day at the school volunteering and supporting his friends at their performances. Also, he was there for the big reveal at the end of the day of who won and would be heading to State.  

Michael sang in the morning accompanied by his tutor who we now call "Dan the Man" because so many of his students go to State. 

Ben performed in a quartet minus one kid who forgot what time it was at. They sang an old sea shanty and earned themselves a 2 (excellent) and the choir teacher is excited to see what these kids can do in the coming years.

Piece: Leave Her Johnny by Emily Crocker

Michael was a last minute addition to a quartet. He sang bass and his girlfriend (Angela) sang soprano - and they rocked it! 

Michael came in first for his solo AND his ensemble. So it's off to Ellensburg! 

January on FB

6th annual! Happy 2024!

As I was walking Isaac to school this morning I saw soooo many smiling faces...on parents! 😆

Dear Meteorologists,

Please do not use the "s" word unless you really, really, REALLY mean it.

Sincerely, 

A Parent of Kids in the Public Schools

I need Zoom to develop a video filter that makes me look professionally dressed with hair that doesn't look like I've been pulling it out all day while mumbling about information seeking behaviors.

Turns out we got the predicted "between 0 and 14" inches of snow. Well done, National Weather Service.

Student Athlete

Check this kid out!  

Solo and Ensemble, Orchestra Edition

Ben's first high school Solo and Ensemble competition featured his cello, a wonderful accompanist, and a whole lot of nerves. He played really well and got a 2 meaning "excellent." 

Piece: Danse Rustique by William Henry Squire