School Events and Spirit Days

On Emily's birthday, Alice had a concert band competition on the calendar.  School was out for them that day, and when I dropped her off, the roads were not awful.  She would hop on the bus with the band for Charlotte, and we were going to drive down to see her.

Billy took the day off, so that he could see her play.  As the six of us drove down to Charlotte, the roads were getting worse and worse.  Even so, many came out to support their band, and Alice even waved to us! = )

It was nice to hear the entire band play the piece that she works on at home each night!  And they got some really good advice from a visiting judge during the 'sightreading' portion of the event.

They 'shortened' the event to end at 6, even so, the roads were slick and awful.  We slowly made our way back to the school to collect her, then very slowly made our way home without incident.

For the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, the big girls' school had a spirit week.  Both dressed up every day, but I only managed two pictures of just Emily*! 

Plaid day was early in the week:

"Lucky Charm" day was later in the week.  I think this was her favorite, since she was able to pull off the snacks to share with her friends after they took the participation count for the team 'competition.'

Snow piles are like a beacon to my children (or really all the children.)  "Take our picture Mutti!"

The twins, doing twin things on "dress like a cool kid" day!

William dressed up too, and even got called up to help 'lead' a song in the assembly, but by the time I thought "oh, I should take a picture**" all the students were standing, and I couldn't see him.  He did dress up in Spartan gear and a Scooby Doo baseball cap! (which is why, in my mind, he was selected = ))

I will do my best to take more pictures the next spirit week, maybe it will be warmer and we can do some outside pictures without having to suffer!

later days

*In my defense, Mornings are hectic around here, and Alice is usually one of the last out the door, bringing the brush along to brush her hair in the car because she's out of time!

**I was working, and so my mind was more on my work duties than on my mom duties.

Charlotte Aquatic Center

I could have included these in so many posts, but adding all of these pictures here makes me the happiest. = )

Our first time was on a Monday, so it was just Emily, Grace and Juliet.

Emily passed her test so that she could swim in the deep end and go off of the diving board.

The next time we went, we met up with Zoey, later that week actually.

Alice took the test, because she was collecting wristbands this summer, sadly, she lost some of them at Jellystone in their salt water pool.

Then, we went while Grace was in Texas, and Alice stayed home, since Billy was working from home.

Then, while Leah was here, we met up with all of the Pritchard girls!  Alice came, but didn't get in.

While Juliet was travelling, we were able to meet up with Jack's family to swim!

While Coyt, Cali and Elizabeth were here, we went twice!! The first time we took the EaTran and everyone came, we brought a lunch to enjoy while everyone dried off and we waited for our ride.

The second time Coyt, Alice and Elizabeth chose to stay at the house, so we were able to take just my car.

The very last time of the summer, completing our goal of going once every week until school started, everyone went. While they swam, Alice and I went thrift store shopping, and out for happy hour shakes at Arby's.

It was a fun summer of water play! I found out too late about most of their summer programs, but next summer we will be on the lookout for all the fun activities that they plan!

later days

Emily's Ballet Recital

I enjoyed Emily's ballet day, because she was always so excited to go. William and Alice worked more efficiently while I was absent, and I was able to work two on one with the twins.

However, by the end, I was so, so, so ready to be done.  We were getting 4-5 emails a week for the month leading up to the recital, then we had to download an app (for something?)  And then I got a message that she needed a headshot* of Emily for the yearbook.  Luckily, Emily is patient and happy, so it was much less of a hassle than it could have been.

The rehearsal was the only time that we were "allowed" to take video and pictures.  It was on a separate day from either of the performances, which meant three separate trips to Charlotte, and three days of hair and makeup.  

Emily sure looked beautiful though!

After her rehearsal, we were able to meet up with Zoey and her mom and go swimming at the Charlotte Aquatic Center.

And for many, many months Abby, her mom and I were able to keep a surprise for Emily!  Abby came to watch her performance the night I went.  She was so sweet and even brought her purple flowers!!!  Emily was surprised and delighted.

On Friday, Billy took his turn to watch Emily.  Since she was in a single dance (and it was the very first one) the performance felt very long, almost 2 hours, and was becoming a chore to watch by the end. (The older dancers were phenomenal! But the competition solos of the younger girls interspersed throughout the recital felt unnecessary and just made it too long.)  Emily was sad that she couldn't go out and watch once she was done, but they didn't want anyone leaving during the recital.

For me it was an unnecessarily stressful time, but I think overall it was a good experience for Emily. So, we'll label it a win, and know better in the future.  I guess I'm done whining now. lol.

later days 

*She sent us the 'professional' pictures via a group link, with only one of each child (or family) and I was disappointed by the one of my Emily. = (  So, I'm glad that at least the headshot was one of our choosing!

February 28th, Eatran Adventure

The expected high today was 27F.  It was very cold and windy, but the sun came out after it snowed lightly for about and hour.

Grace with her sparkly clip this morning!

After taking my sweet children to school, my mom and I embarked on an adventure.  We took the Eatran (a local public transportation service) from my house to downtown Charlotte!

There were two other patrons on the bus when we boarded, but we only made one stop before arriving at our destination.

We had originally planned a Tuesday trip, so we were very disappointed when the courthouse museum we intended to tour was not open. = (  The outside was pretty (and cold.)

We walked down a block or so and had breakfast at the Eaton Place.

We were kept company by a wild crew.

I felt like we were the only pedestrians out wandering the town. We saw some corporate art.

Warmed up by a public fire installation. And we shopped the thrift store until it was time to meet our return bus!

We read the plaque posted in front of a church built in 1886!

The window for the bus is 20 minutes, and they only have to wait for you for 3, so we arrived early and were thoroughly chilled by the time we boarded.  We were the only ones for most of the trip, but picked up one other passenger close to home.

It was very pleasant to not be responsible for driving, and super cheap to ride.  Only $2 for each leg! And I was able to purchase some tokens in advance for a slight discount. = )

Now Billy is ready to take it up to Horrocks and my mom and I have started discussing summer trips with the kids!

For dinner we had fish filets and fish sticks with mixed vegetables.  It was a fun day, but I'm a little worn from all the cold.

later days