Maya's First Band Concert

Maya had her very first band concert last Friday, 12/14/12. 

Starting 5th grade this year meant she also got to choose an instrument and join band. She was very excited to play the flute. She has been playing the piano since she was 5 years old so she already understands how to read and follow music. Now it's a matter of applying that to the flute. There have been moments of frustration for her when the tone isn't a full clear tone, but she has done very well. She even had a solo in the concert and rocked it!!

So proud of you, Maya! 

Trip to Tahoe

End of October, early November, Matt asks if we have anything happening December 12-15. I couldn't think of anything off the top of my head, so without looking at my calendar I said no. So he booked a place in Tahoe so we could get away from the tasks and craziness of home and go play in the snow during this Christmas season. A couple of weeks later, after the condo is booked and paid for it dawns on me that I am already hosting the Relief Society Christmas party at our house during that time, and it has been announced and word is spread. I can't go. So Matt

 and I decide he should still go and take the kids and I can use this time to get a lot done, especially without a 3-year-old in tow all day.Then Maya realizes that her very first band concert is also during that time and she wants to participate. So, new plan - boys will go up on Wednesday and have some mountain man time and Maya and I will drive up on Friday after her concert. Turned out to be lots of fun. I have to say, it was hard to make myself drive up to Tahoe on Friday. Wednesday and Thursday had been so packed with activities and errands and CPR recertification and Relief Society parties, and teaching piano lessons, etc., that I didn't get to really enjoy any quiet, no children around, time. Honestly, if Maya hadn't stayed home with me and been so excited to drive up Friday afternoon, I would've skipped Tahoe altogether and waited for them to come home to me on Saturday. It's good for me to have a chance to miss my children sometimes, right? But Maya was with me with her heart set on going, so we drove up.
It was so beautiful. December is the only month of the year that I miss the snow. It just doesn't feel like Christmas without it. As soon as January 1st hits, I love the mild California winter weather. I love complaining that it's "so cold" at a whopping 50-60 degrees outside. But in December, I wish for snow and dream of a white Christmas. Tahoe helped that. The mountains and the lake were gorgeous.

We had a great time throwing snowballs and sledding and watching movies next the fireplace.

And I loved the excited hugs and kisses I got from Seth when I got there because he missed me so much. I love being a mom!

Utah in September

Bridal Veil Falls

As per the post below, we took a trip to Utah for my sister's wedding and Matt's marathon. It was such a fun week! We love getting to see family, both sides, and kids getting to play with cousins. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll save you having to read a lot of boring narrative - not because the trip was boring, but because "I'm not so good with the words" ;) and I'll stick to adding some captions to a few of the pictures. 

Rach and her amazing pull-up form.
Wouldn't be a Crop gathering if some sort of competition didn't happen.

My sister-in-law, Gina, and my sister Becky

My sister-in-law, Tiffany, and two of her boys, Tyler and Andrew

Justin and his wife, Rachel

Maya and Bethany

Alan and Gina

It was a good time, tantrums and all

Justin, Rachel, Jason, and Tiffany

Ryan and Blaine playing catch with their Aunt Rachel

Hanging out together at the hotel, building castles 

Don't let that bright smile fool - this girl can fall asleep anywhere

It really is a talent to sleep in the middle of the Crop chaos
A necessary skill most of us have honed

Dad, Jared, and Justin

Typical!

Zach, Jennika and their baby boy, Rohan.
Oldest granddaughter (to my parents) which makes my parents great-grandparents and, yes, my brother is a grandfather.  I love it!

Mom, Carson (belongs to Adam & Maranda) and Rachel

Rach, Dad, and Cameo

Bethany, Maya, Luke and Caden

4 Generations

Hiking to the falls

Pants optional

Jared and Brinley

Feeding the fish

This next spring, my parents will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary! So excited to celebrate.

My crazy Matt running some more after his marathon the day before.

Adam, Maranda, and Carson

Duck duck GOOSE!

Red light Green light

It was so fun having all the cousins around. Lots of fun and giggling and playing together til they can't keep their eyes open. Such good times!