The Five Strings Video Shoot

Reganne's Choir Class had a special visitor Mrs. Kohler the former choir director from Little Valley Elementary Choir.  A good portion of the kids this class were her former students.  She invited them to help her out on a Christmas video shoot for a local family that performs "The Five Strings".  She needed help with from her former students to come to the recording studio and sing on the main track before the actual filming.  

Missing school for the day was an added bonus.  I stepped inside the studio to pick her up and was blown away at the music coming from 20 kids crammed into a small studio  

Practice schedule

They had a couple more practices but the big day was on Friday.  Reganne was amazed at how much work was going into perfecting each part of the song.

Friday afternoon arrived overcast, chilly, and a little bit windy.  They continued to practice and move around the football field.  After the dinner break it was time to record.  However, the wind picked up and was soon gusting forcing everyone to stop.  Could they continue tonight??  They gathered together and offered a quick prayer for help.  The wind slowed down and they were able to continue.

Taping

One more take...

Patiently waiting
and freezing

The kids were so patient and willingly did what ever was asked of them.  They were promised cookies and hot chocolate at the end.  First we need to go through the whole thing one more time.  They finally called it a wrap!!!!  Food for everyone!!!!

Reganne had fun but was surprised at how much hard work it takes.  We can't wait to see the final product.

And here it is.......

All the kids did an amazing job.  Enjoy!!!!!

Hero's Cup Day 2

It was an early morning for a road trip back to Mesquite.  Reganne & I were alone for this trip.  Ryder was invited to attend the Fall Modules Swim Meet.  We are going to have a divide and conquer day.  We arrived early enough to stop at Starbucks for some hot chocolate and McDonald's for breakfast.

The sun was shining time for warmups.  

Right Wing

Keeping tabs on the ball.

Open and Ready

The girls played really hard and had their first shut out.  Their team effort was pretty amazing as they were talking to each other.  They also could be heard encouraging each other.

We headed back home to meet back up for lunch and see how Ryder did during him meet.  No pictures from the meet instead 3 First Place Ribbons.  His times are improving and this boy needs more competition to improve.  

  #1 Boys 10 & U 50 Yard Fly  35.19  1st Place

  #12 Boy 100 Yard IM  1:47.14  1st Place

  #15 Boy 50 Yard Free 40.70 1st Place

Team Pep Talk
and warm ups

Someone is exhausted
from a morning of swimming.

Quick feet

Determination

The Downtown Las Vegas Girls Team were pretty tough and took control of the game.  They set the pace which takes our girls out of the comfort zone.  They played hard but couldn't get control back.  The score was tied for most of the game but DLWG were able to get one more in the goal before the whistle blew.  

This also happened to be the championship game completely by accident.  This was great news to parents no travel on Monday.

2nd Place, Runnerups

Both teams
Hopefully a rematch next year.

Full of smiles
and
only a little disappointed

These girls were good sports congratulating the other girls.  It's hard losing the game but even harder when it is the first lose as a team.  

Reganne begged for Subway for dinner and then the long drive home.  It was a great weekend full of sports and a lot of driving.  The girls have a couple weeks to rest up before the next tournament.

Hero's Cup Soccer Tournament

Reganne's soccer team has continued to practice after the fall season ended.  They needed to get ready for the tournament season.  Their first tournament was going to be the Hero's Cup in Mesquite.  Reganne was really excited since the first game was scheduled for 2:30 which would mean an early check out from school.  

The schedule wasn't as firm as we thought and the games were rescheduled to 7:30 pm.  This meant driving through the gorge after dark both ways.  I hate driving through the gorge during daylight but twice in the dark makes me shudder.  Dave wasn't able to go or drive due to his later work schedule.  The other idea was getting a hotel room at a casino for the night.  All rooms were close to $200 for a smokey room.  Drive we must but leave early enough so only one way in the dark.

What do you do when your Mom leaves way to early and you have 2 hours to kill before a game?  Eat dinner at the new Cafe Rio, find the fields, and listen to music.

Dance & Sing
Makes the time go faster

Sand and Rocks
A perfect combo for a boy.

King of the fields

Warming up
and maybe having a little of fun

Running around

They worked together really hard and won by 3 goals.  They once again set the pace and were able to control the game.  Ryder & I bundled up trying to keep warm. One day I will figure out how to stay warm not matter the temperature.

Time to head home, drive carefully through the gorge, get some rest and do all over again tomorrow.  

Sadies 2017

Rylee spent the last 5 weeks planning what they were going to do and who they were going to go with.  The only problem with having that much time to plan is that the plans constantly change.  After four or five plans the final one didn't resemble any of them.

They went to the new Thor movie with dinner at In & Out Burger.  It was time to head to the dance.  Oops!!!! she forgot one important detail where is the dance at?  A few texts later it was at the Dixie Sunbowl.  They didn't last very long due to the colder temperatures after the sun goes down this time of year.

What do you do when it's to cold outside to hang out and dance.  You come home and watch movies or play video games until your curfew.

They had a good time and hopefully made a few good memories as well.  The next school dance isn't until after the first of year I believe.  Time to save some money.

Pumpkin Polo

Ryder declined going trick or treating at SkyWest this year in favor of swim team practice.  He had been hearing all about the fun games they have played each year.  His curiosity got the better of him.  He turned down chocolate & candy in favor of swimming.

Dead Body Float Relay

Pumpkin Polo
Can you find the pumpkin?

How about now?

Coach Becca
in her Super Hero Coach Costume

Who knew that pumpkins float?  Not me of course.  I watched in fascination as the kids tried to capture the pumpkin and score points.  This year they didn't oil it so it was much easier to grab a hold of it.

Thank you to the coaches for spending their holiday afternoon having fun with the kids.  They even snuck some exercise in as well.

Time to head home and get ready for some trick or treating.

Happy Halloween

The kids were excited to get their Halloween on.  This year was going to be different with everyone having their own ideas on how to celebrate.  First up was the ward dinner and carnival the Beehives had been working so hard on their games and costumes.  Ryder had  swim team so we were a little late but still time for some fun.

Or face painting

And a few games

The party ended way to soon for Ryder he was ready for more than a dress rehearsal.  He was ready for the big day and a lot of candy.

The big day finally arrived and it was time get your best costume on enjoy the day.  CVE Halloween Parade allows masks and Ryder was in heaven.

Is that Ryder or Rocket?

He rocks it!!!!

Not time for trick or treating at SkyWest this year instead helping Dad get the house ready for the night and head off to swim team.

It was finally time to head out and get all the candy they can.

Ninja & Rocket
Jacob & Ryder
Tired of waiting for Rylee heading out on their own.

Crazy girls
Alyvia, Elise, Reganne, and Isis
Nerd, Waldo, Winnie the Pooh, and Rocker Girl

Rylee & MacLayne
Panda & Pickacho
These two were running a little late

Three different groups going in three different directions.  Lucky me I stayed at home base and waited for each group to check in.  Thank goodness it was a school night and everyone had to head home early.

My view by 8:00

It was rather lonely as it got darker.  I loved seeing the littlest of kids come around.  They loved all the blowups and creepy sounds.  We even had the dancing skeleton going a couple of times.  I had a surprise visit from Logan.  He appeared just as it was slowing down.  I haven't see him in a couple of weeks as he stays inside most of the time.  We had a great chat and at a lot of candy.  He then left and quickly and quietly as he had appeared.

Time to wrap up the holiday and maybe eat a few treats before really calling it a night.  The kids did collect a nice bowl of candy but even better they ate their way around the neighborhood.  Scones, Hot Dogs, Soda, Popcorn, and Ice Cream.  No need for me to feed anyone tonight.

First Responder's Car Show

Lunch will have to wait with a car show in the parking lot.  Ryder & Dave were in heaven with so many cars, tanks, helicopters, and a lot of people.  We headed off to check everything out.

Love the smiles

Even bigger smiles 

Check it out!!!

Even Mom could fit in this car.
Can we take it for a spin?

He sure looks small compared
to this helicopter.

Checking out the tank.
This is where the driver sits.

I would love to drive this one.

This was a fun event and a great way to say thank you to all our local first responders.  We were hot, sweaty, and very hungry.  Time to eat lunch and get our Saturday stuff done.

Spooktacular Swim Meet

Ryder has been waiting so patiently for his first competitive swim meet.  The Spooktacular Swim Meet will be a whole new adventure for us.  These meets are two days or rather Friday night and Saturday morning.  Check in started at 4:30 with warm ups starting at 5.  

Everyone into the pool....

The pool is alive with swimmers

Team cheer and final instructions

Tonight's events

They are off...

Boredom Selfie

It was a crazy night that goodness Ryder only had 2 events since I was starting my volunteer hours by learning how to run the time computer.  It was a much harder job that I imagined.  After tonight I may stick to timing the races.  I was only the helper tonight and was able to leave early.  My head was spinning and Ryder was running out of steam really quickly.

Saturday morning time to rise and shine!!!!  7:30 am check in time comes really early the smell of chlorine greets us as we enter the pool.  We of course are one of the first ones to arrive and we have to wait for the heat sheets.

4 events today

8:00 warm up
The water is once again alive with swimmers.

Quick rewrite of events
He was off and waiting.

Good strokes
I caught a few pictures but none that you can tell are him.

A Goodie Bag

He was amazing to watch with so much confidence in himself and his skills.  We got the results for the first three events before leaving but had to wait another week for the final three.

#5  Boys 9-10 100 Yard Free 1:31.39  4th Place

#7  Boys 9-10 100 Yard Fly  2:14.86   4th Place

#11 Boys 9-10 100 Yard Back  1:45.75  3rd Place

#13 Boys 9-10 100 Breast  2:11.07  5th Place

#15 Boys 9-10 200 Free  3:13.08 2nd Place

#17 Boys 9-10 200 Medley, DQ'd off the block no official time

We are so proud of him and all his hard work.  Next week they will start working on their skills.  We are starving time to get some lunch.

SRIS Fall Choir Concert....Thunder and Lightening

We were having a busy night onto another school and Reganne's fall concert.  The kids were running crazy waiting for their turn to perform.  Marching in was the signal to start.  

First Number

On the back row
All bunched up without any wiggle room

They sounded really good for only a 6 weeks of  practice.  They were really quiet for the size of group. Reganne said the teacher wants them sing softly.  I was proud of her for following directions and doing her best.

She was most proud that she attended all performances and doesn't have to write the trimester report.  

It is now time to head home, eat, and sleep.  We are all pooped!!!!