Lil' Dean Fam

I had the privilege of chaperoning Ryan's Concert band group as they attended the Utah Music Educators Association State Band Festival at the Libby Gardner Concert Hall.  It was a really cool experience to be able to go with the band all the way from the school (they arrived two hours before school started) as they were greeted by their administrators and counselors who were all so proud of their accomplishment, all the way up to the concert hall in downtown Salt Lake City.  The kids earned the spot by being among the top 15 bands in the state.  Their director, Brian Cox is an incredible Middle School Band instructor and he's taken the school from a 10 piece brass section to this robust program in a short three years. When we arrived at the concert hall it was hard to keep the kids (all 75+ of them) quiet as they could hardly contain their excitement.  We shuffled in to the concert hall and watched three other bands perform ahead of us.  Then they we...

We didn't get much snow this year and so when the snow fell on a public holiday, EVERYONE went to the slopes.  I mean, everyone in the entire Salt Lake Valley headed for the hills.  So many, in fact, that there were MAJOR slow downs and a lot of accidents.  UDOT reported over 50 slide offs and fender benders that morning between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.  Luckily, with a little persistence we were able to make it up the hill.  Jess and Cole had a little harder time with Cole being called into work TWICE!  It was pretty crazy.  By the end of the day, Jess only got like three or four runs in.  The kids continue to amaze us with how quickly they pick up the sports and they all did a great job.  No one got hurt and we all stayed warm as we were prepared for the sub-zero temperatures.  And that's it!  Just one day of skiing this year.  ...

Ryan's Christmas Band Concert He's playing French Horn for the second year in a row.  He really enjoys it and usually practices without much grumbling.  The band sounds so good when they play all together.   If you only choose one, watch that last video ;)

The rest from November. Spent some time shopping at Scheels.  Colin bought a hat and of course I had to steal it from him.   Evan passed off all his math facts and threw a pie in his teachers face as a reward!  I painted my office.  I've always wanted to and I'm glad I did, I love it!  I made a quilt for a cute baby.  Finally went to lunch with Colin one day.  The boys tried holding a lizard and decided it was way too fast!  Thanksgiving with my family.  Driving in the Taco And of course, pack meeting!