January 2013

January was a cold, snowy, bad air quality, long month that we are glad to have behind us.  We did have a few fun events – here’s a look:

Autumn continued with dance.  She is now in the final countdown to dance competition season, which for Autumn, is the biggest reason she does dance.  She loves to compete and be on stage.  This year, she will compete in 3 dances with her team and also compete with 2 of her best dance friends, Nyah and Halle, in a jazz trio. This picture is of Nyah, Halle and Autumn after one of their trio practices.

We visited the BYU Art Museum and had a good time taking in the exhibits there.

The Holloways came from San Diego for a visit for my mom’s birthday, and while they were here, my mom and Bernie invited us over for a stir-fry night.  The kids all had so much fun cooking with Bernie and we all enjoyed the delicious fruits of their labors.  We loved having the Holloways stay with us for a few days and happily celebrated my mom’s birthday as well as her completion of radiation treatments for a brain tumor.

Devin competed in his first and second fencing tournaments and is learning a ton as he competes against kids who have been fencing for years.  He won his first tournament bout at his second tournament and looks forward to improving as he continues to go to classes and tournaments.  He is wearing the orange socks in the pictures.

Seth acted in the Jr. High play, “The Death and Life of Sneaky Fitch”, a western comedy.  He was cast as a school boy and did a good job playing his part.  Although he really enjoyed being in the play, he is excited to have his after school time free again, at least until track season starts at the end of this month.

As you can see from the last picture, we were also privileged to enjoy a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Ririe for a few days who came to town so that Grandpa could ordain Bryce to be a High Priest since he was called to serve as the 2nd counselor in our Bishopric.  We loved having them visit, and were glad they could take in Seth’s play, one of Devin’s fencing tournaments, Seth’s basketball game, and for Grandma, “Phantom of the Opera” at BYU, for which we were lucky enough to score tickets.  It was a really great production – I was glad that Megan was in town for the weekend so she and her roommate, Crystal, could tag along as well.

Well, February has begun warmer than January, and way less polluted, so we can endure the snow for a few more weeks.  Here’s hoping for warmer days ahead! :)