First World Concert Problems

There are some really dedicated educators and administrators at our schools. So talented. So able. 

And yet, somewhere along the way, at least one of them cannot read a calendar.

Which is why on the same night at the same time tonight there was a zone band concert (elementary and middle school students) and a high school orchestra concert. And by "zone" I mean the elementary schools and a middle school that are all zoned for the students to feed into this high school. 

Either someone didn't get that families can have more than one musical child and that children are not required to be in the same group as their other siblings, OR they do not know how to read a calendar.

Rant over.

Probably.

Tonight we brought Isaac to the high school gym and then we found seats in the front row so we could sneak out after his band played their four songs...

...so we could book it over to the high school theater to see Ben play with the gold orchestra.

And then went home. Hurray for talented children!

Something Rotten, ft Ben on Bass

Who was in the pit for this year's best musical at Timberline High School? This kid! Last year he locked in his spot playing the bass. We are so proud of him - the bass isn't his main instrument and he had to put in a significant amount of time and effort to get his skills up to par to play the music and he did a wonderful job!

I had not heard of this musical before, but it was witty and well done. I mean, how can a musical that has a song about the black death be bad?

I think Ben is hoping there is a cello part for next year's musical (TBD), but now he knows (and we know) he can bring the bass too.

Getting our Pi(e) On!

 With the musical in the evening, we gathered earlier in the day to celebrate what today is all about: pi!

Well, most of us celebrated. Some us are anti-pie. 

Freshman Singer Showcase, ft. Michael

You only have a Freshman Singer Showcase once. Which made it seem like the thing that we should go visit Bellingham for.

And once we got there, we found these flyers in the music building, much to Michael's disgust.

 We left Ben and all his activities and commitments behind, but we dragged brought Isaac with us.

Since many people in the audience had come with plenty of time to spare, the professor made the wise decision to use the resources available to her and had Michael play some prelude music.

But we did get to hear him sing, too. Always a lovely experience.

A lovely group. Michael enjoyed this class and even started hosting game nights for the class at his place. It will be exciting to see how some of these folks grow over the next few years.

Before we left, we had to make a pit stop at Michael's place to appreciate the decor. 

And then we took the scenic way home and tortured Isaac by making him get out of the car and pose in front of the view beautiful views.

Hot Chocolate Run 15k, ft. Josh

I am not going to lie, of all the kids I thought would ask me to drive them to Seattle to do the chocolate (choc-o-late) run, Josh wasn't even on the list. And yet, Seattle for the Hot Chocolate Run is exactly where we were this morning.

Josh is upping his running game these days. Look how excited he is to run!

Of course, since he would be RUNNING, I assumed that the excitement would last the whole time. 

He did great, recovered quickly, and posed well and patiently for some photos.

I did insist, as a chauffer and parent tax, that I would get the post-run goodies that would literally kill him.

I am sure this is just a sign of things to come. They do have some cool medals for this race, though.

February on FB

He's going to State!! 💜💜

(The pic was taken before he knew that and his face displays his feelings about his mom taking his picture)

My "home" state does not disappoint. But, also, does not mess around with something silly like *humidity* 💀

I don't remember it being this dry here and I think this state is literally harvesting moisture out of my body all day long, but in more fun news, they've added this fun statue since I lived here 20+ years ago!

The Valentine's box collab between Isaac and Cody was successful!

Kitty sitting the still tiny Annie 💜

Coming soon! Come see Ben rocking the bass!

Black History Month Concert

It was a loooooong day yesterday, but totally worth it. Michael had a concert and the week was busy, but I managed to squeeze in a turn-and-burn and made it up to Bellingham for the evening and then back home in the wee hours of this morning.

The concert was lovely, but the lighting was....odd. It in no way looked as blue as it does in my photos.

I was finally able to see and then hear the amazing Dr. Hodges. He is the head of the music school and one of Michael's heroes.

After Michael's choir performed, we got to settle in and enjoy the rest of the concert. We finished off the day with dinner and then I enjoyed very little traffic on my way home.

It is wonderful that Michael goes to school close by enough that we can attend these concerts, but I am completely converted to the idea of getting a hotel room for the night from now on!