Region Band

Sophie is a very driven, talented, young woman - I am not sure where she gets all her talent.  She puts 110% into whatever she does.

With soccer, cross country, school, and church she has also taken up band.  She decided she wanted to be in band in 6th grade - our other kids had chosen choir so this was our first jump into band.  She tried out for, and made, percussion.  I guess this is a huge honor - it is what most kids want to do, and not that many make it.  I STUPIDLY thought it would be the cheapest - note to self NOT SO MUCH.

So, she has been playing various things for the last three years - triangle, ratchet, various drums, marimba, etc.  Each year the members of the honor band at the junior high try out for region band.  Last year I think there were two or three kids from WillowWood who made region band - so it is difficult process.  None of them were in percussion.

Going into the try-outs this year Sophie really wanted to make it.  I had no problem with her doing a so-so job and not adding anything else to our plate - is that wrong?  Anyway, she is not programmed that way.  She made region band and was ranked 10 out of the 200 percussionist who tried out.  She was at try-outs all day on Saturday.  We left the school at 5 after having been there since 8 (well, she was there that long.  I just dropped off and picked up)  Three of the kids in WillowWood mad the region band.  She was the only percussionist.

I am so proud that she always gives her all.  She is a well-rounded young woman.  Even when I give her an out and tell her she can just slide by, she does not.  I am pretty sure she can do anything she puts her mind to!

Congrats Sophie - I don't have any pictures of her in her band uniform.  I will have to work on that for later.

Kelsey Cross Country

Kelsey is winding down her cross country season.  I think it is hard for her with Sophie - you know your younger sister excelling at your sport.  That would stink.  She is always wonderful and very happy for Sophie - a sign she is growing up.

Here is the biggest problem - it is all fun and games for her.  She loves the social aspect as much or more than the competition (and since I am the same way, I can't blame her).  A few pictures from her last meet.



This is how she preps for a race




She finishes

Kelsey has had a great season so far, and has just a couple of meets left.  I am proud of her for sticking with it - she really does love running and this is something she can do the rest of her life!

Junior High District Meet

The district meet for Sophie was on Friday - we were lucky it was at her school.  Eric, Kelsey and I got to help out with the meet.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves.



And they are off





Sophie pulls ahead




Coming In




How Far Back Is She?




Sophie Wins District





Sophie and Alex after they finish




Kelsey and Sophie after meet

 Sophie won two cross country meets this year - last week when she ran her personal record 13:24 and this week.  I would say she takes after her father!  Way to go Sophie.

Funny For Friday

And yes, this is a REAL news report

Sister's Weekend

I was able to spend my annual "sister's weekend" in NYC with 3 of my 4 sisters - Melissa could not make it.  Thanks to Mark for letting us crash at his place.  It alwasy helps with my goal to feel local during these urban experiences.  Just a few pics from the trip...



"Our" subway stop

Megan, Laurie and Michelle in Central Park





The four of us with Dum Dum at the Natual History Museum

  

View from above the Manhattan Temple - that is Moroni



We went in to the distribution center which is attached to the temple, and chatted with some really nice people who told us to go to the building next door to the temple/stake center, and go up to the 34 floor for a great view.  I guess the church owns those apartments.  We did, and the view was amazing.



View from above temple.



There is just one problem - I am afraid of heights.  I had to hand my camera to someone else, and this is how I spent our time on top of the building.

Shopping on Canal Street

Michelle and Carrie at Nyonya

View outside Mark's apartment





A fun time was had by all - we laughed, ran around NYC, and just enjoyed being together.  Looking forward to next year....

Some Soccer Action

These are from the last game on Saturday.  Sophie had run in a cross country meet earlier that day, so I was worried she would be tired.  She was not - she was on fire and even had a penalty called on her which was totally bogus but the girl who stayed on the ground was milking it....  Oh Well.  No pictures of that, just some action shots.

These next three are a series that show her trying to get the ball and coming out victorious.

Soccer is not for wimps.  It is so nice to have a couple of parents who take pictures and share them - cause it is hard to yell and take pictures at the same time, and we all know where I would fall on the yelling/picture scale.....
And most importantly we won - 4-1 and the team is 4-0 this season!

They take after their father

Both of the older girls are runners.  They are both in cross country - Kelsey is running for her second year at the HS and Sophie is running for her second year at the JR HS.  Some pics from their last few meets.



Kelsey coming in from her two mile run.



Real serious before the run...




Kelsey giving advice before the meet.

 

Sophie as race begins

Sophie coming in.



I am so glad they take after their father and run....  It is something they can do the rest of their lives.

Happy Birthday Kelsey

Life has been flying by these days, and I did not get the chance to give tribute to kelsey on her birthday - and she has reminded me of it daily :)

My first baby girl turned sixteen on the 24th. How did that happen?  It really does seem like just yesterday this was what my life was made of:




Now we have days full of chatter, drama, weird music, lots of friends, and other regular teen stuff.  She is still running cross country which is not easy, but she does it.  She attends seminary each day.  She is a great student who tries hard.  And it is nice to know she has now perfected her grumpy look:



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Kelsey at age 5



Kelsey September 2010



Same face - how funny is that?  It is funny that she wanted a joint party with a friend from school - they are both on cross country and invited CC people.  This was their theme



 Oh - and the little mermaid.  She is low key and fun to be around - a bit of a filthy hot mess, but I love her just the same!

 I love you my little belsey boo.