Orchestra and Choir UIL

 Annmarie and Eliza had back-to-back UIL performances for junior high choir and high school orchestra.  This was Eliza's final UIL for orchestra, so I had to go.  I love being able to go to the kids' events that happen during the school day and purposely did not accept sub jobs for these days so I could go.  

Nathan is TEN!

Nathan turned ten while we were on our cruise, so we celebrated when we got back.  The baby is in double digits!  Time is going by way too fast.  He loves baseball and video games and playing outside with his friends.  I also went and had lunch with him at school, and In-N-Out was his request.  


 

Caribbean Cruise

 

Corey and I were able to go on a cruise in February to celebrate our 25th anniversary which is happening in June this year.  We went to Roatan Honduras and two ports in Mexico (Costa Maya and Cozumel).  We went ice skating on the ship and went to some really great shows.  I loved the ice skating shows the most.  The food was fantastic and the views were beautiful.  I am sold on cruises.  Now I just have to find some good deals!

The Amazing Shake

Annmarie participated in a program called "The Amazing Shake", in which the students learn to be business like and assertive.  There was a competition to finish off the program, which she attended.  She wasn't too thrilled about the program as she got into because she thought it was boring, but I think that she will utilize the skills throughout her life (hopefully).

Orchestra Concert and Symphony Field Trip

 

Eliza had her pre-UIL orchestra concert this week.  This is when they perform their UIL music for parents.  UIL is at the beginning of March, so they always do a concert before it.  Eliza is in the 6th period orchestra, which is basically a freshman class, and she is the only senior.  She did not audition for the chamber orchestra because that is during 4th period and she was hoping to make Tempo for choir, which is also 4th period.  She couldn't do 3rd period orchestra because of choir or 5th period because of Black Box theatre.  It hasn't been her favorite year of orchestra as a class, but she does enjoy spending time with her friends from orchestra.

Nathan went to the Plano Symphony for a 4th grade field trip.  He really enjoyed the symphony and was glad to go.  

Final Pep Rally

Annmarie had her last pep rally of the school year for the last game of basketball season while Corey and I were in San Antonio.  Fortunately, Stefanie Zeltner was there and able to get pictures.  I asked her to send me any she might take of Annmarie and she did!

TMEA San Antonio

My parent orchestra went to the TMEA (Texas Music Educator's Association) convention in San Antonio for a clinic. It was similar to the clinic that we attened in Chicago in December 2024. Corey came with me to San Antonio and we stayed in a Holiday Inn separate from the other orchestra members. Most of them stayed at a Hyatt near the airport, but a few stayed in other places. Some drove down just for the day and then drove back after the clinic. We had a fun time. We got there and then went to dinner at a Mexican restaurant, La Tierra, with the other orchestra members. The food was great. 

The next day, we just ate breakfast and hung out until the clinic. Corey dropped me off at the convention center and I walked around until it was time to perform. Then we did our performance and clinic and afterward, Corey picked me up. We went back to the hotel and then met up with the orchestra members for dinner at Ida Claire's, southern food.  I thought it was delicious.  I'm so glad that we went and I love performing with the orchestra.