Band & Choir Contest 2018

Once Christmas break is over, the musical department at Wilson goes full steam ahead with music for IGSMA (IL Grade School Music Association), also known as "Contest".  Simply said, each music group performs 3 songs in front of an audience and 3 judges for a collective score of 1, 2 or 3.  Alex was in 4 different groups this year (8th grade choir, Select Choir (audition only), Concert Band and Jazz Band). 

Wilson puts together a concert of all contest music - performed the week of contest.  It is such a blessing to those parents/grandparents who can't attend the actual judging.  They didn't disappoint - the kids and teachers did a wonderful job!

One of the Jazz Band songs has a flute, which Alex was asked to play. 

Here is a song from each group.  If you would like to hear the other selections, visit my YouTube page for the other videos.  Jazz Band and all choir groups received 1s and will be going to State at the end of April (ironically, State is hosted at Wilson).  Concert Band received a 2.  They all did well - I know that they have been practicing long and hard for this!

Seussical The Musical

Alex auditioned for the Wilson Middle School Spring Musical in December. The musical was "Seussical the Musical".  She was chosen for an ensemble part as a citizen of WhoVille, as well as a small part as a Hunter. 

They practiced every day after school for 2 months.  Their hard work paid off!  The show was very well done.

As parents/family, we could attend the dress rehearsal and take pictures/video (not allowed during paid performances).  I ended up recording most of the songs, so don't have many pictures...but here are a few. 

Contrary to his look - Will DID enjoy the show.  I think he's tired of his picture being taken!

Alex is in the yellow jumper with black leggings and black long shirt.  During the performance, a friend did her hair and make up - she REALLY looked like a Who!  So fun!

Here she is as a Hunter (Red hat, behind Horton holding the Egg)

It was sad to finish this musical.  This group of 8th graders is a special group - so much talent!  We look forward to see what they do at the high school level. 

A Quick Get Away After Awana Quizzing

Our last go round of Awana Quizzing.  After 7 straight years of at least one kiddo participating, we are done.  We are so proud of our kids - stepping out of their comfort zones to be in the spotlight and answering HARD questions!  We had some good years...and some not so good years!  We finished strong this last year - 3rd place (40 point spread between 1st and 3rd!). 

Matt & I packed up for a quick trip to the northern Chicago Suburbs.  I had a few things to get at IKEA and we needed a day together - away from life.  We enjoyed our time together and had a surprise in a small snow storm!  It was unexpected - but beautiful!  We found a few letterboxes while in the area, did some shopping and ate some pizza at Lou's.  We stopped at Matt's high school and snapped a quick picture of him in front of the anniversary sign!  We ended our day at The Silo where Matt ran into an old friend as we were leaving, a nice surprise! 

A great time together!

Driving Miss Kaitee

Well, it has started...the inevitable has begun.  Our eldest is learning to drive.  Matt has drawn the short straw for this parenting job.  I always remind him that I changed the dirty diapers!  In reality, he has had an amazing amount of patience with Kaitee as they have hit the road over the past few months.  I think it's safe to say that he would love a brake/steering wheel combo on the passenger side of the van, though! 

We are blessed that Moline High School has Driver's Ed as a part of the school curriculum.  Not many schools do anymore.  Moline also has a practice driving course - Matt & Kaitee spent many hours there the first few weeks!  Here are some pictures of Kaitee practicing her mad skills on the course during a bit of a snow storm. 

Oh!  And a tip to other parents out there...buy a set of "Student Driver" magnets from Amazon.  It is a very small price to pay for your sanity and the patience of those around you!

Celebrating #12 with the Twins

It is so hard to believe that we brought the twins home 12 years ago!  Where has the time gone? 

We woke up a bit earlier on their birthday so that we could make some cinnamon rolls and celebrate as a family before heading to school and work. Alex surprised the twins by decorating their lockers...and placing their new Cub's lanyards (from Kaitee) in their lockers.  Notice their outfits (they wanted to be twins on their special day).

Later that evening, we headed to Becki's parents house to celebrate their birthdays with friends and family.  It was a rather quiet night, which I guess is a good thing. 

 It was another Lego birthday!  I hope that they enjoy Legos for many more years!

 Another birthday come and gone...next year will be the big #13!