December fun

The first two weeks in December are always busy, busy.  We have lots of Christmas concerts that we participate in.  It is just what we do.   We started off the season with a terrific piano recital.  This was Mark's first!  He did a great job.

 Mara rocked the house as usual!

Hayley missed the recital (she was supposed to perform too) because of the Sadie Hawkins dance.   Her fun group of friends came to our house for dessert and games.   She is with a nice young man, Jacob Gover.

The next evening was the Centennial Children's Chorus concert.  This is a wonderful concert.  I look forward to it every year.  It isn't the kids favorite because the music is more classical and difficult to learn, but they really sound like angels!  This was Mark's first year in the choir.   He looks pretty adorable in the tux.  

Hayley and Emily were in the Fort Collins High School Christmas concert the following evening (yes, this is 3 nights in a row--actually 4 because they did this one twice).   This is a new favorite for us.  The high school concert is very impressive.  Hayley performed in 4 different groups, Women's Jazz Choir, Symphonic Band, A'cappella Choir, and Jingle Brass.  Emily was more sensible, in the select Women's Choir. :)  

We finished our season with Jennifer's Larimer Chorale concerts, the Ward Christmas program, a RS Christmas program, the Stake Christmas program, and a dance recital.  It was actually an easier concert schedule than last year!



I had to include this picture.  No, Neil is not converting to Islam!   He has many Islamic grad students though.   A man from Libya gave this to  him as a gift.   The Libyans love Neil.  They are impressed to meet an American with similar moral standards to Islam.   They didn't expect that.