Tragedy at the State Fair (We are all fine!)

While we were at the Fair yesterday for the girls to perform, we had left by about 3 PM. The collapse of the Grandstand stage occurred at about 9 PM. It was caused by a 70 mph localized wind gust.

Unfortunately, 5 people died and 45 were injured. Please keep those people and their families in your prayers. The Fair is close today and will reopen tomorrow with most activities occurring.

We won't be returning to the Fair until Sunday, August 21.

State Fair Talent Contest, part 2

The contest was to begin at noon, today. Since the girls were in the last group, they didn't perform until after 5 PM!

They didn't place among the 12 vocal groups, but they did their best and had fun. We couldn't ask more of them.

Two of the judges had some really positive comments and suggested that they both continue with their singing. One judge even stated that she could see real potential in the girls. Both Jules and Kitty have decided they want to compete again next year. So, after a bit of a break, we will begin looking at duets for them to consider.

Brava, girls, brava!

State Fair Talent Contest, part 1

The girls are entered in the State Fair Talent Contest in the Senior Vocal Group division. They are performing "What Is This Feeling?" from the musical WICKED. At 11AM, we will find out their performance time today. Unfortunately, we will not have access to the Internet at that time, so we cannot post an update about the schedule until after the contest is over.

The girls are able to participate in the talent contest, due to them winning in their division in the county contest.

While we are not expecting the girls to win, we do want them to do their best and to have fun. Regardless of the outcome, we are very proud of both girls for attempting this.

Please, wish them luck.

A Spectacular 4th

We spent a lovely holiday weekend at Grandma's and Papa's. We had our own mini-fireworks show, including sparklers last night. We also watched some movies and generally relaxed.

Since Grandma and Papa live a few hours away, we were traveling home tonight. For about the last 50 miles of the trip, we were treated to a "moving" fireworks display. Local radio stations were playing music that went along with a suggested list of fireworks, so many neighborhoods had personal displays. It was really cool to have fireworks accompany us home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!
May God continue to bless us

Swirls of Color

This afternoon, the girls have a 4-H meeting and they will be making tie-dyed clothing. We know we will be making shirts and possibly socks as well. Once the colors are set, we can post pictures. We're also going to be discussing some of the science behind the dying process and what has been used in the past to make dyes. The clothing they make can be entered into the county fair.

The Easter Bunny is going to bed, finally.

May this Easter remind your heart of the gift given to us by our Savior's sacrifice and His triumphant return. Oh, would that we all could see his Glorious Appearing on the morrow.

We pray that G-d abundantly blesses you, those whom we dearly love.

A break from the white stuff

It finally stopped snowing. We have over 5". So much for the Farmer's Almanac prediction for this winter so far - dry and very cold. Not that we want it to be right. We really don't want it cold enough for the pipes to freeze.

One of the best things about snow is how it changes the look of everything. The landscape is so much more interesting and prettier than without.

Simple winter pleasures

It's snowing - big, soft, fluffy flakes. Falling snow can be so pretty, especially if you can watch it from a nice warm place. Now, outside won't look so dreary and the girls will be happy as well. If we get enough, they will ask to go outside to play. Then it will be back inside to sip hot cocoa by the heat vent. The only thing missing would be the cosy fireplace. Such simple pleasures of winter.