Rooms With a View

PHOTO SHOOT OUT TAKES

All I can say is thank goodness for digital cameras. While trying to get a good shot for this years Holiday cards, I probably took around 50 pictures. Most of you should have received the card and newsletter in the mail so I can now share the ones that did not make the cut.

We thought it would be fun to do a Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band remake.

The class clown. Then we thought we might give the trampoline a go.

Not quite. Next up, the diving board.

This was actually the runner up.

Different tree. Then I thought it would be fun for them to jump.

My athlete could not get a good jump.

The jumping moved to the back patio.

Can you imagine if I did not have a digital camera and had to develop all of these? There are many more that I did not even share. I will post the winning photo later. 

Today is the last day of school for the kids!!! Cannot wait to have them home for a couple of weeks. Have a great weekend!

THE PARTY CONTINUES~

More photos from Mitchell's Better Late than Never party...

Vinny joins in the Wii Just Dance fun.

Dancing away. For my shy daughter, I was shocked that she got up and danced.

A lull in the activity.

Twister is a perfect game for a party.

Then Mitchell started dancing.

Crazy!

Patrick helped me chaperon. He was a great help.

Go Mitchell, Go!

Shocked that he could dance this well.

Just hanging out.

Some kids ventured out into the garage! 

It was a great party and the kids seemed to have a great time. Thank you all for coming.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER~

Mitchell turned 15 in October. Due to our crazy schedule, we never got around to having a birthday party. So, this past Friday, yes, the same night as Vinny's Orchestra concert, he had a few friends over to celebrate. Did I say a few? Okay, there were close to 40 kids here. Thankfully, they were very well behaved and sweet. Now, for the photos...

At first there were more girls than boys.

Some very pretty girls.

Slowly more boys should up.

Some girls did not like having their photo taken. I love the challenge.

There was some pool playing.

And some pool watching.

The young lady in the light blue jacket is very camera shy. I do eventually get a good shot of her.

More pool.

Then they broke out the Wii.

Cheering on the dancers.

Lots of chatting.

And a little being goofy.

Finally got a photo of Miss Camera Shy!

More birthday party photos tomorrow.

WHO KNEW?

We have known for some time that Mitchell had a nice voice. This past Saturday, we learned that he has an incredible voice! He had his fall voice recital and we were all blown away. I have a couple of photos and then the video.

The students after the recital.

Mitchell with his friend Kemper. Kemper has his voice lesson just before Mitchell's. They have become friends. Kemper is a Senior.

Okay, now, the quality is not the best since I did this with my camera. Enjoy!

 

SANTA SYMPHONY~

Friday night was Vinny's Winter Orchestra concert. I will share the two photos I took and one of the videos. The school has a new orchestra teacher and have lost quite a few students. You might hear the difference, you might not. Enjoy!

Tuning up.

The 8th graders listening to the 7th graders.

Looking a little bored.

And now for a video. This was the last song they played and my favorite. 

 

SANTA CAME EARLY~

Sometimes, it can be an advantage that my husband is over 60. He has been having some hip pain and the chiropractor suggested we get a new mattress. Our old mattress was around 15 years old. So, Charlie went to Costco and pick us up a new mattress.

A king size mattress came in this small box.

It comes in the shape of an M. Then it slowly unfolds and eventually becomes a 12 inch mattress. The first night it was a bit too firm for me but the second and third night were better. I think tonight should be even better.

Thanks Santa! Tonight we are having 30 or so of Mitchell's friends over for his belated birthday party.  Vinny also has her Winter Orchestra concert. Please, say a prayer for my house and my sanity.

NEW ORNAMENTS~

Every year, we buy the kids a new Christmas Ornament. When they get married, I will give them a box full of enough ornaments to fill a tree. Charlie and I also get one. We will need some ornaments when the last child gets married. Otherwise, we would not have any left for our tree. Here are the new ornaments.

Charlie found a cute little felt mushroom. His first ornament was a mushroom and we had it up until two years ago when it finally broke. 

I got another owl. I LOVE owls.

Patrick picked out a cigar ornament.

Maddy picked out a sparkly camera.

Mitchell found a Shepherd. He calls it cute little bearded man.

And Vinny found a beautiful red peacock.

Our tree is now overflowing with ornaments. I think next year we are going to have to keep some off. So sad. Oh wait, I could get another tree.

DECK THE HALLS~

The Sunday after Thanksgiving we put up the tree and decorated. 

We go in order. First ornament to the newest. Oldest to youngest. Charlie always hangs an angel that belonged to his mother.

Next up is Patrick.

Maddy joined us this year.

Then Mitchell.

And Vinny goes last. I am in there somewhere.

Then we sat back and marveled at the beauty of our living room.

The tree.

The mantel.

The piano.

Then it was time for the tree skirt.

We are running out of room. I think I may have to make a new one since my kids refuse to stop growing.

We added Maddy's hand this year.

Happy Tuesday!

USC vs CLEMSON

In Utah, the big rivalry is between Utah and BYU. Here in SC, it is between the University of SC and Clemson University. Two weeks ago, the big game was on so we invited a few friends over. Mitchell, Patrick, Maddy and Charlie are all USC fans. Vinny and I are Clemson fans. Actually, Vinny and I could not care a less.

Miss Yordy teaches Spanish at our High School and is from Wyoming. She is a USC fan. Luke (plays Lacrosse with Mitchell) his dad Rod, and his mom Jo are Clemson fans. Leah, a friend of Patrick's is a Clemson fan.

Maddy coloring with Anna Kate who belongs to the Murphy's.

Charlie, Mitchell, Maddy and Patrick.

Anna Kate attacking Vinny.

Not sure Vinny will ever want to babysit.

For dinner, Jo, who went to school at LSU, made Shrimp Creole. During halftime, we attempted to make Beignets.

Miss Jordy on Powdered Sugar duty.

Anna Kate helping her mom, Jo cut out the beignets.

They weren't too bad, not like the real thing but edible.

Patrick & Maddy waiting for the second batch.

Vinny finishing a beignet.

After I burned a batch due to taking pictures, Miss Jordy took over the cooking.

Did you know that hot oil can melt a spoon?

Well, it can.

Patrick, Anna Kate, & Maddy. 

USC won. I cannot remember the score not that it matters, it is just a game.

LAXIN TURKEY~

After dinner and before dessert Mitchell, Jordan and Vinny went outside to play a little Lacrosse. I of course followed with the camera.

Miss Vinny aka the beast.

Mitchell making a jump catch.

Jordan catching a ground ball.

Another jump!

Vinny catching a ground ball.

Vinny making a great jump catch.

I found this in a tree in our yard.

The inside. Birds are the most amazing architects! Have a great weekend.