Pearland Junior High East UIL Contest ~ Spring 2011

When we lived in Kodiak, Emma was a member of the Kodiak Youth Orchestra and played violin. Youth orchestras in Texas weren't as easy to join, so Emma took up the French horn. She was placed in symphonic band and had to work hard to learn a new instrument last year. For this school year, she made honors band. A huge accomplishment, but the added responsibility of practice made for tough moments. She pushed through and performed with the school at UIL last week ~ they scored all ones (the highest score).

Enjoy Butterflys Ball, Fortress and Henderson Field.

an Alaskan boy with Cajun blood

Jambalaya, crawfish, but no gumbo. That was the menu for our Louisiana-born boy's 16th birthday party. Two years ago, we had Allen's pool party planned - food, supplies, the whole deal - when horrific weather moved in and our home flooded. It was.... well, horrific. Here's a link: Flooded Again

This weekend's party, however, was without rain and water flooding, but WAS flooded with fun and a good time. Our chef and crawfish cooker, Michael, did a superb job and even found a turtle in one of the sacks!

Our evening began with a visit from our cousin, Becky, and her husband on their way home from the West coast. Doesn't a road trip break with water guns and lots of laughter mixed with joyful screams sound perfect? Watching them play with the little ones was a riot!

Emma and her artistic friend decorated the garage with birthday wishes using Allen's nickname, Alaska. An Alaskan boy with Cajun blood....