December 2010

December went by so quickly and unfortunately was very busy.  I always have great intentions of doing so many fun things, but I never find time for half of them.  

The month started out with our Ward Christmas Party.  The committee did such an excellent job at putting it all together.  We started out by seeing Santa before it started.  Bradley didn't want anything to do with him except to get the candy cane he handed out.  Luckily I still have a few kids that will sit on his lap.  Parker with Santa below.

 The youth helped serve the food - Camille did a great job making sure the rolls were rationed:).

After dinner, there was a Christmas talent show.  The primary started out by singing two songs.  My kids also sang a song "Who Would Imagine a King."  Unfortunately between the loudness of all of the kids and the microphone not picking them up very well, most of the talents weren't heard very well.  My kids were great sports and sounded awesome.

 Camille, Tanner, Johnathan, Bradley, Carter & Parker

 The final number was the Ward Choir that Camille & I participated in.  We sang a capella "Carol of the Bells." 

December 3rd, Byron called me from work to ask if we wanted to go to a Jazz game that night.  How can you pass up an opportunity like that?  Luckily we weren't busy and enjoyed spending the evening in the Nu Skin's suit with Carter & Johnathan.  There were 2 other families in the suite with us - it was fun to get to know acquaintances of Byron's at work.  We were able to eat endless nachos, popcorn, pop, cookies.  What a fun experience for us!  The only drawback was that the game started at 8:30 p.m., so it was a very long evening. 

Camille is still taking voice lessons this year, but has a different teacher.  Unfortunately her teacher from last year isn't teaching any more, so were were left looking for somebody new.  We found Natalie who is going to BYU still.  She really is an awesome teacher and is so experienced with voice.  Camille has enjoyed going to her.  The huge drawback is how far we have to travel each week.

Her first recital was on December 6th.  She sang "Who Would Imagine a King" and "Defying Gravity."  For some reason I didn't record the last song - I guess I didn't hit the record button, so I have added her first song below.  She does such an awesome job!

 Camille with her voice teacher, Natalie De Jesus.

After the recital - Melissa, Dad & Mom Beck were so awesome to come and support Camille.  Byron left for a business trip for a couple of days to Los Angelos that afternoon, so he wasn't able to come.  We went to Wendy's and enjoyed a frosty together after the recital.

On December 10th, Camille performed a Musical Review with her Drama II class.  Camille was in 3 of the songs performed.  It was so fun to see her with her classmates.  She performed in "My New Philosophy," "Come On Everybody," and "Like Father Like Son."  Camille and Kyson were so fun to watch together.

Camille in "My New Philosphy."

Here are some snap shots I took of the video of Kyson & Camille dancing - so fun.

Since Byron & Tanner are both in scouts, I had to get a picture of them in their scout uniforms together.  Tanner received 3 merit badges.  I never realized how much work is put into just one merit badge.  It is a very humbling experience seeing how much work Tanner put in and will continue to so he will be able to receive his Eagle.

Johnathan had fun playing with some Bendaroos. He is very creative and made the cutest Santa and elf.

Each year the Elementary School puts on a Christmas Sing Along where each grade sings one song together.  I was asked to play the piano for the 2 songs the 6th graders sang.  It was really fun being a part of the program and being able to see the kids sing their songs.  The parents aren't invited to this since there isn't enough room for all of the school kids in the cafeteria, let alone parents.  The 2nd graders were able to wear their pajamas for the performance - Carter & Parker thought this was pretty cool.

Carter - they sang "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

 Parker

 Tanner

Johnathan - he sang "The Twelve Days of a Hawaiian Christmas"