Eric's Eagle Court of Honor

Eric had his Eagle court of honor on February 18th.  It was such a great night!  And by the way, let me just say that it is SO much work to become an Eagle Scout.  How will I ever get through 4 more boys (and their projects?  UGH!) 

We set up a display table with things that represented his personality.

Eric received this framed picture for Christmas.  It says:  "An Eagle unendowed will never soar." We heard the quote from a member of our stake presidency (who was a quoting a former Stake President) and had it printed and framed.  I love this saying!  (Too bad that Moroni's head is cut off----it's just the frame that did it; it wasn't printed that way)...just saying....

Cool Eagle statue!  Ooohh, Aaahhh.....

The cake

Todd and I participated in the program.  We each said a few words.  At first when Eric asked me to speak, I didn't want to say anything because I get pretty nervous for this kind-of thing, but in the end, I decided that there was no way I was going to pass up an opportunity to essentially "brag" about my son.  It is my privelege and my honor as his mother.  So that's what I did.....

The program went really well.  Todd made a video presentation of Eric's growing-up years, scout activities, the family, and his Eagle project.  It was very touching and so cool!  We are so proud of Eric for his hard work and determination in achieving this great award.  We love you son!

1 down, 4 to go....seriously?

Eric and The Melodrama

Eric was in another play in January.  It was a melodrama called "Stop the Presses! OR: She's Not My Type!"  I'm not sure I could really explain what it was about, even the title was confusing.....I went to all three performances, but I still wasn't quite clear with the storyline.  I do know that Eric was the sheriff and his name was Jack Newsworthy....And he was AWESOME!  So who cares what the play was about, right?  I did all the proper gushing and praising that only a mother can do and I loved every minute of it!

Eric has very good facial expressions when he acts.....he's definitely got the "drama" in melodrama!   (Not sure where he got that from).  Here he is in the beginning of the play....what a cute sheriff!

The play was something about the Colorado Clarion, the local newspaper in Colorado, and The Four Corners in the US.....I'm sure you're getting the idea (NOT)....sorry.

Eric and his girlfriend, Aspen Print (aka Rachel Colby) in the play.  She was very good as well and they were so fun to watch.

The guy on the left was the bad guy named Sleazy Tab Lloyd (aka James Steur)....I can't remember exactly what he did. (I think he wrote some false newspaper articles.....yeah, we'll say that).  Eric had to arrest him in the end and of course, he saved the day.

Some random picture....

More of the group.  There were only 15 people in the whole play.  That guy in the hat on the left (who looks like a girl) played Granny Print (aka Walker Fritz)  and he/she was hilarious!  One of my favorite characters.....

This is a good shot of most everyone.  Do you see all that stuff on the floor in this picture?  It looks like sawdust, but if you look closer, you'll see that it is actually smashed cheerios.  Apparently this is a tradition at Cottonwood for all Melodramas.  The audience gets to throw cheerios at the actors (right in their faces, too)....It was funny, but wow, did it make a mess!  I also was covered in "cheerios" dust because I was on the front row each time, and some of those little buggers landed in my hair and in my lap.  Still fun though!

At the end, Eric proposed to his girlfriend....

....And they even shared a little kiss!  (walk away from my son, and no one will get hurt!)  :)

Eric did a fabulous job!  He really has some acting talent and it's so fun to watch him (I'm not prejudiced either).  Way to go son!  You were the best sheriff I've ever seen!  Good job!!

Brandon's concert January 2012

Brandon had a jazz band concert in January.  He loves playing the Alto Saxophone.  I'm not sure how I got a jazz player in the family, but I sure love it!

This is a picture of Brandon and his friend, Cy.  They are like two peas in a pod....fun times!  (They both play the flute also).



  Such professionalism!

Really concentrating on his music.....we've got a serious jazz player here!

Way to go Brandon.  You rock!

Epic Eric and Brandon Jan 2012

 Eric and his dramatizations.....crazy kid!

Brandon's first stake dance....I'm sure he was excited to go, you just can't tell it from his face! :)

Getting closer to a smile.....Brandon did have tons of fun, by the way! 

Old Spaghetti Factory Tradition--December 2011

At least once a year we go to the Old Spaghetti Factory as a family.  It's either during Christmas break or right after school ends in the summer....maybe both, actually.  Everybody loves the Old Spaghetti Factory and it's not cheap to eat there (for our whole family), but we always have a great time!  And this was no exception.....

Sweet Dallin (with bunny ears from, I'm guessing, Kyle)....

I love those dimples!

Cute Kyle, even though he's not smiling.  Look at those eyes!  What a heartbreaker!

 

I'm not sure why Jacob is frowning in this picture, but I think it's because the food hadn't come yet and he was starving....Still, what a cutie!

I can't really get Brandon to look at the camera very often....it has something to do with being a teenager, I think.  But side pics work too!

Even though Eric will LOOK at the camera, he won't smile.....once again, the age might be a factor! :)  (We really do have fun at this restaurant; don't let the pictures deceive you).

There's a smile (sort-of).....at least he WOULD be smiling if he wasn't stuffing his face....

Here is a half smile from Brandon.  We'll take it!

Dallin and Kyle

My mom usually comes with us.....she is game to go out to eat ANYTIME....just name the place and she'll be there!  We love having her come, of course!

We even got a picture of Todd.  Thanks for working so hard, honey, so we can do things like this together!  We love you!

Until next time......