Bonnie's Blessing

With Bonnie's blessing approaching, we were excited to take a trip to St. Anthony. They decided to have it over Easter so we could celebrate the holiday as well.

Adam brought his family as well!

Grandma and Grandpa came up from Salt Lake City.

Let's have an Easter Egg Hunt!

Is there an egg up there?

Grandma time.

Jim Visits

 Katie likes to visit once a week and let Jim play with us. It's fun to see him grow a little bit every time.

Rufus prefers to sit on Jim and he doesn't mind too much.

Early Learning

 I'm introducing Bonnie to Madeline. Perhaps she would like to go to a private school in Paris. If she wants to know what it feels like to have a ruptured appendix, she can chat with her Aunt Marnie.

Solo & Ensemble

 Every year about this time, we head down to Everett for county high schools to participate in Solo & Ensemble contest. I am always accompanying someone, but Marnie could be singing or playing any number of instruments. This time Marnie sang Scarlatti's Sento nel Core. Her dad recorded her performance a few weeks later at the high school. Those who participate in festival perform their songs at the next concert.

This year I'm helping Marnie's friend Josie with a Schumann piece, Adagio and Allegro. It's killing me to get it fast enough. I've even used white-out on some notes to keep me from trying to play them. I was passable and the adjudicator gave me a nice compliment.

Here is a performance of the piece from professionals on YouTube:

Josie was sweet and gave me an Olive Garden gift card, which Marnie and I used to enjoy an afternoon lunch. It's very stressful to perform at different times during the day. The high school is full of music and nerves. I believe she scored very well. She is on her way to a university music program.