Christmas Recital

The girls had their Christmas recital yesterday at Southeastern. 

 

Emily playing Away in a Manger:

 

 

 

 

 

Eva playing Jingle Bells:

 

 

 

Eva and Emily playing their duet, Carol of the Bells:

 

 

In this one Emily decided to play her part at the very end incorrectly, knowingly.  You'll see Eva tell her something about it, but it was too late.  Once finished and back in their seats, Eva broke into tears.  She's such the perfectionist.  No one knew but her, her teacher, and me.  It still sounded great.  Not sure if they'll be any more duets in their future if Emily keeps having Emily moments. I think it's more than Eva can handle. 

Christmas Duet

The girls have a piano recital coming up this weekend.  Each is playing a solo:  Eva is playing Jingle Bells and Emily is playing Away in a Manger.  The are also playing Carol of the Bells as a duet; although, Eva can play this solo. 

 

Here is a practice session this morning before school:

 

Tree Lights

Last night before I went to bed I went to check in on the girls, as I always do. When I opened the door, I found Emily asleep in front of their little Christmas tree. Apparently, she tried to sleep in the top bunk with Eva, but Eva kicked her out after getting hot, so down she went. 

This morning when I went to wake them up, she was back in her bed. 

Santa 2013

We decided to go to Bass Pro to see Santa this year because they offer free Santa pictures - and it was something to do. I am so tired of shelling out $20 for Santa pictures when it should really be about the Santa visit and not the picture.  Of course, you pay for it by waiting 2 hours to see him, but we walked around and 'window shopped.'  We could have left and come back at our designated time, but we just decided to hang around.  They have crafts for kids, a cafe, etc. 

After they finally got to see him:
Emily:  "I think he remembered us from last year."
Me:  "Why?"
Emily:  "Because he said we got taller."

That's a good Santa.

Saints v 49ers

Great day. It started off late, but we finally made it to Port of Call for some burgers and monsoons with friends.  We all donned the Saint's hat and headed off on a crazy car ride to the dome. 

 

Look who I ran into - Bridget from Ursuline. We've only known each other since we were 4!

Halloween Recital

Eva playing "Monster Mash"

 

Emily playing "Halloween Theme"

 

 

Eva playing "Magic Man"

The Piano Group

Eva Piano

Sadly, I've fogotten the name of this piece, but she does it well.

 

The Company

Eva auditioned, and was accepted, for the school performing arts group, The Company.  For her audition she sang a song in front of the judges.  She found out after school yesterday that she had made it in.  Can you tell she's excited?

 

They are going to perform a musical, Once on this Island, in April.  This is one of the reasons I knew this school was a perfect fit for her - for their performing arts.

The Lumineers

Eva asked for tickets to see The Lumineers for her birthday (after I had already purchased them), and the show was last night. I know, I know, it was a school night, but we decided to take them anyway. It's just one night.

 

Waiting for the show to start:

 

Finally!

HSC Swim Meet

The team, minus one.

 

Eva starting out the medley relay with her 25 yard backstroke. I think they placed 6th.

 

Up on the blocks waiting for her 100 yard freestyle.  Her time was 1:40.60.

 

Emily waiting for her 25 yard backstroke.  She was so nervous, but she did really well in it. She tends to ping pong off of the ropes, but she only ran into them once. Her time was 1:02.41

 

Eva starting off her 50 yard backstroke. She came oh-so-close to winning her heat, but it wouldn't have mattered anyway because she was disqualified for her turn.   Time was 54.68.

Emily doing her favorite:  butterfly, 25 yard.  I believe she got disqualified because she pooped out and starting doing underwater pulls.  Her time was 52.62.

Eva diving in for her 50 yard butterfly. She always says she doesn't like fly, but she always does well. She won her heat yesterday and her time was 53.72.  Her dive and break away was beautiful. 

They also raced on Saturday, but I did not bring the camera for photos.  This was Emily's first meet and she did really well.  Eva hasn't swam since summer 2012 and she has not previous times for us to compare to. Her times were good, though.  There is another meet in Biloxi in December so I'll be better able to see how she's doing at that time.

Eva's 9th Birthday!

Photo blog:

 

Oct. 1 - her actual birthday

 

 Lola Lemon cake, as requested.

 Wipeout for Wii

 Lego friends camper

 



 Sisters and Popsie

K'nex roller coaster 

 

 

Oct. 5 - Slumber Party

More Lego friends

 Spirograph from her bff

Woodland Creatures house 

Lumineers tickets 

Crazy, popcorn-eating girls

10th Anniversary Getaway

David and I took off work Friday and spent that day and most of Saturday at the Grand Marriott in Point Clear, Alabama.  The area is beautiful - even the drive down from the interstate. 

 

 

There are 5 guest buildings; we stayed in the spa building.  You can basically park your car and walk everywhere.  Each room has its own balcony.  The picture below is the view from our balcony.  It looked better in person.  If you looked towards the right there was a view of the pool and the bay. 

 

Our room:

Yes, rose petals. It was a nice touch.  I would definitely come back - and with the kids.  The place is kid friendly with activities for them. The pool has a nice water slide, walk-in style at one part for the really little ones.  There is also a jacuzzi and adult-only pool if you so desired.  You could use their kayaks free (for an hour), bikes (adult and kid), catamaran (small ones), etc.  There were tennis courts, putting green, croquet, and driving range all at no cost.  Well, it was included in the rate. 

And, the spa lotion (which was available everywhere) was wonderful. So much so that I brought quite a few samples home.

Happy Birthday!

He is slowly catching up to his 40's, but he still has a couple of years to go. 

 

Happy birthday. Your girls love you!

Mumford & Sons



We got a rare night out without the kids to go see Mumford & Sons with some friends. We did think about taking them, as it was an all ages show, but I am so glad we didn't.  It ended up being an outdoor show, which was nice, but it was hot and they would have been whining all night.  Plus, it was a school night. 

 

 

 Waiting for the show to start.

 

 

The venue was at the new Mardi Gras World by the Port of New Orleans between the railroad track and the river. There was a very nice breeze blowing all night, and once the sun finally set it was a pretty nice evening - as far as those go in September in New Orleans.  It would be an awesome venue during November-December.

 

Towards the end of the show they brought out the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. They played When the Saints go Marching In and the crowd sang every word. Of course, the Who Dat chant followed and the band (Mumford) sat up on the stage and watched it all unfold. I'm sure this was quite an experience for them. 

Mumford puts on a hell of a show - one of the best I've seen - and they even brought it New Orleans- style.  I highly recommend seeing them if you can. You won't regret it.