We are so proud of Abby today, who did very, very well at her first violin recital.

Giddy with pride is a good way to describe us parents right now!

She has been playing violin since February and in a mere 2 months she has learned some impressive techniques and many, many variations of Twinkle, culminating in the ability to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - the shining achievement for the group of primary students (3-5 year olds) who started around the same time as Abby.

This was a really sweet concert.  Ms. Judy's students vary in age from just 4 to 7, but primarily Kindergarteners.  Half of them have been playing for over a year and the other half has just started lessons.  And ALL of them did a fantastic job!

Ms. Judy is a perfectionist and for the last couple of weeks, she has asked that I figure out the piano accompaniment and work with Abby on following the piano and maintaining her rhythm.  I haven't played in years and without the music written out, it took several tries - and being all stressed out - before I figured out the accompaniment (with help from YouTube).  Our practices paid off, though.  Abby followed the piano nearly perfectly the night of the recital!

I am just amazed by these kids.  What they have been able to accomplish at such a young age is simply magnificent.  And, of course, I'm super duper proud of our Abby.

Abby playing her Twinkle Twinkle Little Star solo, accompanied by Ms. Judy on the piano.  She looked so pretty up there, too!

She played beautifully and followed the piano perfectly, something she's been working very, very hard at and succeeded wonderfully!

All the kids who have learned Twinkle got to go on stage to close out the recital by playing the song.

Amazing what such young kids can be capable of!

Group photo time

Taking bows at the end of the concert.

Karlee (center), is the classmate of Abby and Alexa (right).  She came to support both of her good friends at their recital, bringing them both a bouquet of flowers and kind words of encouragement.

Kayleigh turned 3 years old this past Saturday and we gathered with close friends and family for a casual celebration at Bison Park.

It was a beautiful day to run around the park and all the little kids had a blast.  We used to be concerned that Kayleigh did not care for friends, but she absolutely insisted that a handful of friends from school be invited.  Two of her closest buds from school were able to make it - Addison and Ronin.

A funny side note about Ronin is about his invitation to Kayleigh's party.  She was absolutely adamant that "Lodan" be invited to her party.  We asked the school director, assistant director, current and former teachers and couldn't figure out who "Lodan" could be!  There wasn't a Logan or Lauren in her class.  We all thought it must have been Landen, but when I asked Kayleigh, "Do you want Landen invited to your party?" She replied, "Yeah! And 'Lodan!'"  So, the next day, I talked to her teachers again and they guessed she must have meant Ronin, with whom she's pretty close at school.  Luckily, they were right and Ronin being at her party really meant a lot to her!

I can't believe my youngest is 3!  I can still remember so clearly when Abby was this age.  It's a great age when they start growing out of the baby stage and really coming into their own persons.  I'm really looking forward to the fun we're going to have.

Abby Lin

Gwen and the Abbys playing on the shark and dolphin see-saw

Cameron

Physics Experiment

Addison

Uncle Allen chatting with Grandma and Grandpa Newell

Abby and Gwen being adventurous in the sand box area

Garrett

Ronin, Kayleigh, and Addison - friends from daycare

Kayleigh and Ronin

Trey aka Budders

Po-Po and Gong-Gong

Birthday hug and kiss from Abby

Goodie bags and cake pops for the guests.

Singing Happy Birthday and cake time!

The owl birthday cupcakes I made.  She requested that they be blue!

Of course, she only ate the fondant and icing, never having been a fan of cake.  Next year she might get a cookie instead!

All the kiddos who came to celebrate Kayleigh's birthday with her.  From left to right: Garrett, Sage (Ronin's cousin), Ronin, Trey, Addison, Abby L., Gwen, Abby N., Kayleigh, Addison S.