Piano Recital

Max had his first piano recital this week. We were getting nervous because sometimes at home he can be so lazy, rushing through songs, playing incorrectly. He had 3 songs to perform. 2 songs he learned from piano and the other is his arrangement "Fight and Steele". We were so proud of him. He probably played better than we have ever heard him. I will see if Jeff will post some of it on youtube. Lexi and Max are both really learning to become quite the pianists (sorry, I hate to brag).

Max and Ashlyn with Max's piano teacher

Turkey Creek Fesitval

One of my fondest childhood memories is going to the Turkey Creek Festival. I remember either being in the parade that kicks off the festival or watching it every Spring. It has been fun to recreate the memories for our kids. Every year we go to the morning parade and then on the the festival. Usually a lot of the cousins and of course Grandma and Grandpa Rowe are there to hang out with. Grandma Rowe spoils us, bringing her yummy hoagie sandwiches and other goodies. The kids always have so much fun. There are blow up bouncy things all over, pony rides, train rides....you get the picture. Festival festivities.

Our good friends, The Larsens met up with us for the parade. The kids can't wait for the candy.

It was fun to see Grandpa Rowe in the parade as part of the City Council

Fun Memories!!

Deals

So, I get so excited when garage sale season starts. There's nothing like finding a steal and the invigorating feeling that I get from it. I don't know what my problem is. I like to find good deals and can't pay full price for anything. So, I wanted a KitchenAid for Christmas. I just couldn't bring myself to let Jeff get one for me when there were several other things I could get for the price of a KitchenAid. Well, my steal for the year is this KitchenAid I found at a garage sale at a neighborhood across the street.

$10. You read that correctly. I seriously got this for $10!! I was like, "Does it work"? The lady said yes. She just never bakes, that it's been in her garage for a while. I used it the next day to make cookies. It looks and works just like new. Woot!! (woot.com, great website by the way)

Utah

I was lucky enough to visit with many family and friends while I was in Utah. Unfortunately, no matter how long I am there it is never enough time to see everybody. If I had been better at blogging I could go into more details of the trip. For now pictures and captions will have to do.

My good friend Amy D and I at her house

Katie Graduates with her Masters in accounting! I am on the left, my brother Spencer is on the right.

Another Grad photo with Spencer's family, Katie, myself and my mom and dad

Reese with her cousin Benjamin. I hope he still likes her, they are only a few weeks apart and Reese wouldn't stop attacking him. I guess she is learning from her big sis, Ash.

Reese with her cousin Tanner. I had so many cute photo ops of those two!

We met up with Jeffs sister Jodi and Jeri Anne for Cold Stone. Here is Jodi with her daughter Andi. Obviously, Jeff has Reese.

We were fortunate to be able to visit with Marianne Lloyd for a bit. Here is a pic of two of Rich Lloyds boys. James and Josh. Good buddies of our kids.

We got to stay with the Geddes's for a few days. It helped us to feel right at home. Here is Reese with Kate, Lauryn and Ali

Reese with her future husband Blake Geddes (if we could only choose)

We flew home on the same flight as Brian and Mary Bishop. Jeff couldn't pass up this opportunity.

Sad times

Unfortunately, our good friend Rich Lloyd passed away on Friday, April 25th. We were so sad to hear the news. I had been in Utah visiting and Jeff was on his way so we could make a visit to Rich. We were fortunate enough to be able to extend our trip to attend Rich's funeral. We were so blessed to have known Rich. He is seriously one of the most perfect human beings I knew. I have no question that he is fulfilling a greater calling where he is now. If you have a second to visit his blog, take a minute. He is quite inspiring and reminds Jeff and I daily to "Live Rich".