Lighting Half the Brigham Temple

So half the lights were on at the Brigham Temple on Friday night. I hear that the other half went on last night, but we haven't gone to look yet.

Piano Recital 2012

Mary's surprise upgrade to our photography arsenal has put me in a conundrum: still photography or video?

I prefer still photography, but there are some events that seem nice to have a little video. Video takes up a ton of space on the computer, and I don't have any software, nor the time or inclination, to do video editing right now. So do I shoot video at the expense of stills? 

I had decided at this latest piano recital to only do stills. Ellie, played a delightful rendition of Tango Staccato which you will just have to imagine. This photograph proves that she played flawlessly with excellent interpretation and perfect technique. 

The pressure coming from the army of parents with camcorders was overwhelming, and I quickly succumbed to the siren's song of videography. 

Steven played the pirates

Anna played the Piano Man



and Becca played Wallace and Gromit



I really enjoy this recital because the kids dress up in the theme of the piece they are performing. They don't announce the piece; there's a quiz to see if the audience can figure it out. And it was a packed house.

The kids also tell a joke before they play. The rules are: no off-color jokes (implemented following a close call by Lucas Deru last year) and everyone has to laugh at every joke. 

Mimi Turns 1

Half of our family celebrates birthdays from April 1 through May 20. It feels a little bit like the forty days and forty nights of birthdays. Steven unfortunately is last, so I think we may just wait and celebrate his in August with Anna. 

We celebrated Mimi's first birthday on Monday 5/14. I figure it's time to mark some progress on the blog. 

 She is crawling and standing up against things. She looks like she's ready to take a few steps, but is pretty cautious.

 
 She has learned that if you burst into tears when life doesn't meet your expectations, you often get your own way. 

She's learned that if you offer something you don't want to someone else, they'll usually take it just to be accommodating. 

So we got a cake, 

Sang Happy Birthday,

And made a mess.

A new wagon completed the experience

We're a little unsure if having Tommy share the wagon is going to work.

Happy Birthday Mimi!

Three of These Things . . .

. . . but one of these things is doing her own thing.

Becca's Birthday

Becca's Birthday

I'm a bad mom.  There.  I've said it.
We don't give our kids birthday parties.  But as the kids get older they realize that maybe they are missing out and come to us with big puppy-dog eyes asking for a birthday party.  Thus our new policy: either presents or party.  Most of our kids have picked presents because there is something particular they have in mind, but this year Becca picked a party.  Not just any party, a girlie Tangled party (apologies to all our wonderful boy cousins!)

Anna was an awesome big sis and planned, prepped, and carried out a spectacular party (and stayed within budget -- go Anna!!)


We decorated.

And kept it a surprise from Becca until just before the guests came.

Played "Pin Pascal on Rapunzel".  Apparently the blindfold was see-through.

Pinata.

Watched Tangled.

(and my favorite)  Braided yarn to look like Rapunzel's hair.  Isn't this picture adorable!?!!

Happy Birthday, Sweet Becca! I can't believe you're already 10!

Ellie's Baptism

Suspenders

"Mom, do I look awesome?"