Around last Thanksgiving Jason was asking me what I would like to have for Christmas. I had been really missing my family, so I told him that all I wanted was for him to fly my siter down from Wisconsin where she lives with her husband and three boys.
By the time Christmas came around I had already forgotten our conversation, so Jason was able to surprise me with his gift. He was flying my sister out on our shared birthday, March 6th, and my brother-in-law had agreed to take time off to watch his three boys.
I had a wonderful visit this past weekend with Petronella. It has been almost two years since I have seen any of my family. We talked, walked around in Historic Distric of Boulder City, watched some of my kids' sports event, watched movies, baked...and just hang around. To top her visit, our contractor worked extra hard to get our sauna done so Petronella was able to enjoy sauna on Saturday night, before returning home on Sunday. It was a perfect weekend!
Petronella had come here from the snow in Wisconsin, so she absolutely wanted a picture by a palm tree.
Maija is in third grade this year. As part of her schooling, she is learning how to make a power point presentation and present it to her class mates.
Their assignment was to reserach an African American who has made a difference, somebody who has made history.
Maija worked hard on her presentation, and once it was done, I went to listen and watch her.
This particular morning there were four presentations given.
Maija was the fourth one.
The first presentation was about Condoleezza Rice, who served as the 66th United States Secretary of State, and was the second person to hold that office in the administration of President George W. Bush.
The second presentation was about Barack Obama, the 44th and current President of the United States.
The third presentation was about Robert Lee Griffin III, an American football quarterback for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League.
And then it was Maija's turn.
Her presentation was about Nicki Minaj, rapper, singer-songwriter and television personality. Yikes!
I tried to persuade her to choose somebody else, but this is what she chose. Oh well!
If anything, she did do a great job with her presentation...even though the topic was less than desirable...
This was Kai's third year in a row when he made the CCSD (Clark County School District) Honor Band. Around 700 kids tried out, and 100 or so made it.
Last few weeks Kai has had practises in Las Vegas Academy as well as in UNLV. Last Tuesday the Middle School Honor Band performed at the Ham Hall at UNLV.
It always amazes me how great they sound...most of kids, like Kai have only played few years of thier instrument.
We were very proud of him.
The following night we attended a concert at Foothill High School, where both Markus and Kai performed. Kai played with Middle School Wind Symphonic Band, and Markus played with High School Wind Symphonic Band. During the concert Kai was also recognized as the only one who made all three years in CCSD Honors Band in his middle school band.
I was able to record one of their songs, before my battery on the camera ran out.
Saturday was another busy day involving music.
Maija participated to the annual Jr. Festival at the UNLV.
She had to memorize two piano pieces and play them to the judges. She did great job and earned a Superior Rating.
Here is Maija before playing her song...a little nerveous.
Here she is after receiving her Superior Rating.
She was so excited!
To top our week of music, The Foothill Wind Symphony (with Markus) performed in the CCSD Advanced Band Festival at UNLV. They received "Superior" Ratings from all 4 judges.
