A.J.'s Recital

Disclaimer: I will just get out of my system now, that we had to rush our weekend, which was supposed to be a three day weekend, because Brad's boss decided Monday that he could not take a vacation day the following Monday, as he had previously "okayed" but not done the official paperwork for. (Which means they can get away with it, I guess. Guess he won't be getting any baked goodies at work from me...ever!) So, we felt it was a one-time chance and we were not going to miss the recital and we were going to drive back Sunday night. Needless to say it was not as relaxed as we would have liked for the weekend, but we are very glad we went and thankful for the quick time we had to visit. :)

Now, for the fun. :)

When we arrived Saturday, A.J. was just heading out to go play and march for the football game. The kids loved getting a chance to see him play a few notes for them first, and then play in the leaves. (Which we have none of yet at home...and not that many big trees, so it was quite exciting!) Lorelei loved finding a few bugs and watching them. Makin loved smashing them...so you can see the picture of Lorelei trying to keep him away from her precious bugs. :)


A.J. choreographed the second half of the bands half-time performance, so we were very excited that we were able to see that at the game. He got a good taste of what he probably has coming up teaching with the students not remembering it very well...and we were all bummed that they dressed in costume instead of uniforms. I was impressed by it and can't wait to watch more some day when he is doing this full time! :)



Lorelei did great at the game (for a three year old, with no nap I might add) and loved watching and cheering with the cheer leaders (Yay!), and also playing with another girl in front of us. Makin...lets just say I was quickly reminded the trials of toting a 1 year old to a game...grumpy and crying. I finally drove him around in the car in the parking lot for a quick nap. Then he was still not happy, so Brad decided to try a hot dog, even though he had been refusing the snacks I had packed. That finally worked until after half and his teeth started chattering. Brad and Dad stayed to finish the game and the rest of us headed to the hotel, where we all eventually enjoyed pizza and great visiting.

Sunday morning we enjoyed visiting A.J.'s church (where they even did hand-bells, yep we got to see EVERY job A.J. does around there!) and Lorelei had a nice chat with the pastor during the children's sermon. :) After nap Lorelei loved swimming with Brad, but it was too cold for Makin this time.

The recital was that evening.

The first half of the recital was A.J. performing and then he also did a duet with Mom playing piano (Heather, need a picture if you have one!) as well as one with one of his professors. The second half he did songs with various groups he put together. Have to say he had a pretty good crowd to watch, not to mention all the friends who performed with him. Can't say that I'm surprised, but I am a little biased. ;) So glad he has great support at school!

The kids did as well as can be expected. We were SO thankful to Glenda (some of A.J.'s second family who came to watch as well, she was also my first and second grade teacher if you would like that little info) who had downloaded special games just for Lorelei that she could play on the ipad! Makin enjoyed much of the performance as well, especially the big group!



We were so glad to see what an amazing job A.J. did! :) We are so proud of you!


Great to get a family picture.



After refreshments (Yay for getting to eat some of Mom's cookies!), quick hugs and changing into Pj's, around 10 pm we started driving home and dropped Heather off on the way back! Thankfully the kids slept pretty well, although got to bed very late and did wake up once when we stopped for gas. Brad had a couple energy drinks and we made it home at around 4:30 am, with enough time for him to sleep 1 hour before going into work.

Thanks for the great visit Mom, Dad, Heather and A.J.!