BLANCO'S BLUNDER'S

Festival of Trees

2011-12-05T20:30:00.001-07:00

We have enjoyed going to the FESTIVAL OF TREES for the last few years. We enjoyed seeing all of the different things they do to decorate the trees. The trees are all decorated and sold to raise money for Primary Children's Hospital. I would love to know the price of some of the trees, but I know that many of them go for a lot more because it is for donations. Because we made gingerbread houses last week, we really paid attention to them this time and have lots of ides of next year's Gingerbread House Making Party with the Trop Family.

Little shredded wheat for the roof

Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry Wafer Cookies for the roof

WOW! Someone has a lot of time for house making.

I love the animals!

A Log Cabin House

A Disney themed tree

I love the ribbon threaded around the tree

Fun - a tree made of tires.

Such a cute wreath for the door

Such a fun day with the family! We treasure the times we can all do something together!

Gingergread Houses

2011-11-27T19:41:00.001-07:00

We weer invited to the TROP home to make gingerbread houses. I have tried to make them before, but can't seem to make them stay together. Well Kim Trop knows how to make gingerbread houses. She baked all of the pieces, and had them cut out for us. She made the frosting to stick the pieces together and frosting to put the candy on.

A CLEAN SLATE - where to start?

Richard and Rachael figuring it out.

We are really making progress

The master making it happen!

Our house is beautiful!

Every house was unique. It was a GREAT evening with old friends and new. Hopefully we will be invited back again.

WE LOVE YOU!!

2011-11-04T07:10:00.000-06:00

Rachael,

Mom and Dad love you very much! Thanks for being a part of the Color Guard, and enjoying it so much. Thanks for letting us help your group to be the GREAT group of girls they are!

Love,
Mom and Dad

Thank you - Tiffany Miller!

2011-11-03T07:07:00.000-06:00

Thank you Tiffany Miller, for the love that you give to our daughter, Rachael. You have taught her so much. Thanks for sharing your love of Color Guard with her. Thank you for all you do with all of "YOUR" girls. They are all better because of you.

Bands of America

2011-11-02T20:16:00.005-06:00

The Bands of America Regional Marching Band Competition was held on Saturday. It is a LONG day of volunteering at the event, helping our band, and watching the other bands. Richard and I voluntered to help with the judges and staff today. We were supposed to have a golf cart to run around the area in as we fullfilled our duties. But the golf cart was missing. I stayed with the judges and Richard used our car to run water, and other things around. It was fun to be up with the judges and hear some of their comments about the different bands. I learned a lot about how they do the judging, the things they are looking for, what is good and what is bad.

We got invited to join the judges and staff for their catered lunch. It was fun to listen to the stories of all of the judges, the backgrounds they bring to this event. We teased with the judges about being "sick" at 1:00 when it would be time for us to go help our band. We made sure that the judges and staff all had what they needed before we left to go be with our band.

It was a beautiful day for a competition, the sun was shinning, the day was warm. The excitement begins as I see the pit arrive at the track.

The pit always comes very early. It is hard to watch the band that is on the field performing because I keep looking for the rest of our group. I was also keeping my eye out for the BAND DAD Hug.

The Band Dad's surround the members of the Pit and give them a big hug before each performance. It is something that Richard looks forward to every week. The hug ends and everyone gets back in place to take the field.

The kids take the field and the show begins.

Here is a video from the Preliminary Competition

When all of the Bands had competed in Preliminary Competition, all of the Drum Majors are invited back onto the field and the awards are given out.

In the AAAA category American Fork got the award for BEST GENERAL EFFECT and SECOND PLACE.

There were about 40 different schools that came to the competition and the 10 schools with the highest preliminary score get invited to perform again in a FINALS COMPETITION. American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard was one of the 10.

It was fun to watch the best of the best compete again. They each did such a GREAT job, I am glad that I am not one of the judges, it would be so hard to rate each group.

I thought our kids did a GREAT job!

When it is time for the awards ceremony, they bring back in all 10 of the bands to the stadium, it is really neat to watch them all march in and take their place on the field. It was a proud moment as we watched Rachael take her place as one of th captains at the front of the group. Then they bring all of the captains forward to accept the awards.

American Fork received the award for OUTSTANDING MUSICAL PERFORMANCE and SECOND PLACE! The difference between first and second place was .7, so it was really close.

CONGRATULATIONS

AMERICAN FORK HIGH SCHOOL

MARCHING BAND and COLOR GUARD

on a GREAT SEASON!

State Champions!

2011-10-29T20:59:00.000-06:00

We went to Sunny St George for the Red Rocks Invitational Marching Band State Championship. It was a beautiful weekend, the weather was wonderful. We dropped Rachael off at the school to ride the buses to St George and Richard and I began our drive to St George. We got there and helped to mark a soccer field for the kids to practice on

Yes, that is Richard drawing lines on the field.

The kids arrived and practice began

First the warm ups

Then running thru the show - again and again and again

I have enjoyed watching Rachael practice. I have gone to lots of after school practices, and seen the girls do the same 16 counts over and over again. Then move to the next 16 counts and do them over and over again. I don't know how they do it. They work hard in the heat of the summer, the surprise rainstorms, in the cold of a first snow storm. I don't know that I could have done what I have watched Rachael do each and every practice. I am so proud of her, the leadership she shows as a captain, the persistence she shows as she does it again and again to get it right. At the practice today they changed something at the end of the show - looking forward to see how that looks in a performance.

After practice the band had an Awards Banquet Dinner.

Rachael and the other Guard Captains presented a gift to Tiffany and gifts for all of the Guard girls.

The next morning started early for Richard and I. Back to the stadium to help get things ready for the day. Richard was putting barriers out, helping to park buses and semi's, doing whatever he sees need to be done. He got do do one of his favorite things for part of the day, drive a golf cart around and take food and drinks to volunteers around the area. Me - I had a cush job. I got to sit inside the stadium and make sure that an area of seats reserved for the performing band directors stayed clear for them. It was fun to be able to just enjoy all of the shows. I was able to sign Mom and Dad up for a shift each of keeping the directors area clear, so we all got in free. It was perfect.

It is fun to see all of the shows. I enjoy the small bands and the big bands, they all put in a lot of time and practice to get here for the State Championships. I was able to zip over to the hotel and help Rachael and one of her roommates with their hair. All to soon the 5 American Fork High School Marching Band Buses arrived, the Guard already in uniform and the band members putting their's on as soon as they arrived.

Their 45 minute warm up begins, they go into their normal warm up routine. The next time I see them they are entering the field

And the show begins

Before I knew it the show was over. The last show of the Utah Season, it is done, and I'm not ready for it to happen, This has not been my of the show that American Fork has done, but I enjoy watching them each and every time, and I will miss it.

All that is left is the awards

All of the trophies waiting to be awarded.

AMERICAN FORK HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND and COLOR GUARD - recieved

FIRST PLACE

and was crowned

UTAH STATE MARCHING BAND 5A

CHAMPIONS!!!

Way to go American Fork.

Bring on the Bands of America Regional Championship tomorrow.

Davis Cup Invitational 10-18-11

2011-10-19T20:30:00.000-06:00

Thank you, to my Sister, Amy, her husband, Jay, and their boys, AJ and Jordan for coming to the Davis Cup Invitational Marching Band Competition to watch Rachael. It was fun to share the show with them.

Bad lightening in the stadium, and excitment in sharing the show with the Bagwells, translates to very few pictures from the show.

So here is a group picture:

This is a great group of girls. They have truly come together as a team, the veterans have been good to work with the newer girls. When someone is struggling, there is someone there to give a hug, an encouraging word, or to watch them spin and give them some help on getting it right. It has been a wonderful experience for me to show up at practice when I get off of work and watch them work together to make their show WONDERFUL!
My nephew AJ did the video today. So it is from a different perspective.

I was glad that tonight was one of the nights that Rachael got to do the Awards Salute, since Amy and her family was there to watch.

Rachael with the FIRST PLACE trophy. It is pretty BIG. Such a HAPPY smile on that beautiful face.

Rachael with Allison

Rachael, Erin, Marquel and Eryka

This was the last show of the regular season. Next up the State Championships in St George.

GOOD LUCK!

10-15-11 Bridgerland Invitational Marching Band Competition

2011-10-16T19:43:00.000-06:00

October 15th we traveled to Logan with the Marching Band for a competition held there. The last couple of years when we have gone there the weather was AWFUL, so to have a sunny beautiful day was a welcome change.

The Color Guard has their own routine that they do to prepare for a competition, they stretch out, and then have a timed warm up. The timed warm up period is the same for every competiting group. They get 45 minutes to warm up. It is fun to watch as they practice some parts of the show. When their time ends they work their way to the entrance to the field and ususally have about 15 minutes that they wait there "in ready" to go on.

As I sit in the stands knowing that our band is on next it is hard to watch the band that is performing, I am looking to the edge of the stadium for the kids to arrive, and that is when I get excited. There they are holding their flags and front drops, wishing each other well for the last time.

Then they come onto the field and the fun begins:

I enjoy watching the saluate - each group of drum majors has their own unique saluate. They do their saluate when they win one of the caption awards or "place" in their category. When a "FIRST PLACE" band is awarded all of the groups do their saluate to say Congratulations. It is a neat thing to watch.

It is hard to see, but we won all four of the Caption awards and FIRST PLACE.

At the end of the awards, the drum majors return to where the band is waiting for them. They salulate to the band and then the band can started celebrating.

Gabi, Elizabeth, and RACHAEL, the Guard Captains admire the trophies.

After the band is done they load up into the buses and begin their way home. Richard and I along with the rest of the band dad load all of the equipment onto the semi before we begin our way home. Before entering Logan Canyon we decided to get a drink for the ride home. While we were stopped we got a text message from Rachael that bus 4 had gotten a flat tire and they were stopped off the road in the canyon. We found them and were very glad that everyone was okay. The first three buses had gotten way ahead of the last two so it took a while to get them turned around and back to the bus with a flat tire. By the time the buses had returned there were about 15 cars of parents waiting. They put as many kids as they could onto the good four buses and some of the kids went home with their parents that had stopped. They were able to get everyone home safe and sound.

Here is the Bridgerland show.

Great SHOW!!!

2011 Rocky Mountain Invitational Marching Band Competition

2011-10-12T06:48:00.000-06:00

Yes, this is our life, Marching Band Season, Winter Guard Season, Cycling Season. Begin, End, Repeat. But you know what?

WE LOVE IT!!!!!

The band competed at the Rocky Mountain Invitational Marching Band Competition on October 11,2011. It was a beautiful night. I still enjoy watching the show, it doesn't get old for me at all. Some people say "Oh, I say them at the Nebo Tournament, I don't need to watch them again." But for me, I can try to watch something different, it is hard to watch the WHOLE THING, each time I seem to pay attention to something different. I noticed that during the drum feature, the drummers put their drum sticks together at the end and it is AFDL. It looks really cool. There is always something new to notice each time

Each week Richard is helping with a different piece of equipment.

I really like the swing flags and am glad that they added this feature to the show.

As the band enters the field, the Color Guard has to "set" their equipment.

Rachael is in the far right of the picture.

Another GREAT show.

Mt Timpanogos Marching Band Competition 10-08-11

2011-10-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

The Mt Timpanogos Marching Band Competiton is put on by American Fork High School Marching Band. That means that the Mom's and Dad's spend the day helping at the competition and the kids get to sleep in, and then go on a date afterwards. But Richard and I had a lot of fun helping for the day.

Richard spent the day helping in the parking lot, getting the buses and semi's parked into the lot. I spent the first few hours of my day watching the far side of the stadium to make sure the people who came to sit there at a ticket. Since the crowds are very big during the first hours of the competition there is plently of room on the main side of the stadium, so all I did was watch the show from the back side. Cush job - sitting down and seeing the show from the back.

My next three hour stint was on the side of the stadium. The stadium is very open and people could just come stand there and watch. I had to encourage people to buy a ticket and go inside to watch. Most of the time I just sat and watched the show from the side. Worked perfect for me.

Then it was time to unload our semi and wait for our kids to arrive

By the time our kids performed it had cooled down and I was really glad that I had my coat. I had paid attention to the weather report for the day and knew that it was going to get cold, so I had picked up a case of hand warmers to share with all of the girls after they performed.

The girls all warmed up before the show.

Yup - That is all four caption awards

Best Music

Best Percussion

Best Visual

and Best COLOR GUARD

and,

FIRST PLACE

One of the traditions at the marching band competitions is that the band that wins FIRST PLACE, does an encore performance of their show. When we win we usually do it in the parking lot near our buses. We then just play the music in a concert arc. But since this was our home show the band did something different, the still played the music in a concert arc, but the Color Guard did their 'work' behind the band. It let me get up close to take some pictures.

What a wonderful day. We got to help to make the whole show a success and to watch our group of kids win. Days don't get much better than this.

10-01-11 Salt Lake Area Marching Band Competition

2011-10-02T21:13:00.000-06:00

The marching Band competed at a SALT LAKE AREA Marching Band Competition on October 1, 2011. It was held at Herriman High School. The day started out really nice, but by the time our band was to perform it was COLD and WINDY!

Richard helping to get the "PIT" onto the field.

When they are done, Richard helps to take the Pit instruments back off of the field. The whole show from the time they are allowed to enter the field until the time they are to be off the field is timed and all of the students, instruments, and band Dad's have to be off the field in the time limit, or the band will get a penalty.

It was so exciting to watch Rachael be a part of the Awards Ceremons Saluate. A proud moment for this Mamma!

American Fork received three of the caption awards, best music, best percussion, best visual. They also received FIRST PLACE in their division.

After the awards ceremony the Drum Majors and the Color Guard Captions go back to the band that is standing at attention. The Drum Majors saluate the band and then release them to celebrate.

Another exciting day with Rachael and the American Fork High School Color Guard and Marching Band.

Here is the show

The show gets better each time!

Three Months Away

2011-10-02T06:27:00.000-06:00

WOW! I just looked at the count down clock on the Blog. It is counting down to January 2, 2012 at 8:00am. Do you know what happens then? The AMERICAN FORK HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND AND COLOR GUARD will be at the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

Back in January when we were hearing rumors about the band going to the Rose Parade it seemed like such a long ways away, but it is coming up right around the corner. Won't it be a proud moment when we see our beautiful girl marching down Colorado Bld.

We can hardly wait!

Richard - the BAND DAD!

2011-09-29T20:27:00.001-06:00

Richard is a member of "THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF BAND DADS" with the AMERICAN FORK HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND and COLOR GUARD Chapter. So he gets to help the Marching Band by loadiing the trailer every week, then unloading it anthe competition, helping to get all of the pit equipment and back drops onto the field, then getting it all back off the field, reloading it onto the trailer, then unloading it back at the high school. To then do it all again for the next competition. The Band Dad's perform in a great service to help make the Field show a success. One of the things they get to do is perform at the Family Show. They put together their own rendition of something related to the show.

Here is their performance this year.

Richard, ready to take the field with his flag and rifle.

The Cheer

"AF BAND DAD's ROCK!"

Hey, do you notice any similarities to something that happens in the real show?

Did you catch in the video, that Richard threw a rubber chicken into the sky and they all shot at it?

The Band Dad's are a GREAT group of men, and Richard is having lots of fun being a part of the group.

Family Show 2011

2011-09-28T18:46:00.000-06:00

Every year the American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard host a Family Night at the High School. They have dinner and then do their show for family and friends. It is a fun night to for many to see the show for the first time. It is a fun night for me to be able to get closer to the show and take pictures. Grandma and Grandpa Anderson came down to see the show with us.

Is that the "My Mom is taking my picture look?"

I know that this is the My Mom is taking my picture again look.

The Best Band Dad in the bunch along with the Best Color Guard Girl!

One of the fun things that they do at the Family Show is to invite a member of the family down onto the field and they try to follow their student around for a portion of the show. It was Richard's turn this year.

Looks to me like he kept up with her pretty good. (I wonder if I can get him to take his turn again next year.)

It was a fun filled night. We are all looking forward to many more nights to come of watching Rachael and the American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard.

Mt Nebo Marching Band Competition 9-24-11

2011-09-25T18:48:00.000-06:00

Rachael and the American Fork High School Color Guard and Marching Band had their first competition on September 24 at Payson High School. The Competition was held on a beautiful day, the weather was wonderful. We had some new Band Dads who helped to load and unload the semi-trialer and it went really well.

I found a good spot to take pictures from in the stadium and got all set up, some people kept looking back at me, and finally asked if I was the "Band Photograper" I replied No - I am the photograper for the Color Guard. Then she asked if I was the "Blanco's Blunder's" person. How funny to have someone who has read my BLOG, recognize me. We had a good conversation, and I realized that they http://waveatthebus.blogspot.com/ people. I have followed their blog.

Ok - back to the Mt Nebo Marching Bad Competition. It was fun to see the whole show come together at a competition. I enjoy the two person toss that the guard does. I wish my daughter was more in the front. I think the girls hair was hard to do. I like the way they march on.

The flags lined up and ready to go.

The girls getting their last minute instructions from Tiffany. After this they had a few minutes quiet time to go thru the show in their minds. It was interesting to watch as some girls sat there moving their hands or their head as they worked thru the show.

Enjoy the show!

And so it begins for 2011 . . . . "Shades of Conflict"

2011-09-21T20:35:00.000-06:00

All of the hard work comes to a head today. The Marching Band's first performance is at the Weber Riview. The band is judged only against themselves, the judges critqued, so the band director can make adjustments before their first competition.

The band waiting to come in

Richard and the Band Dad's setting things up

I enjoyed seeing the show come together for the first time, the band uniforms, the guard uniforms, the music, the drill, the kids performing for the first time in front of an audience. It is always amazing to me to see the band pull up their boots and have the show become a performance. They did GREAT! I enjoyed it. Rachael was beautiful!

All it can do from here is get better and better. I look forward to seeing each time and looking for what changes will be made and the little twicking that will get done.

Here is the First show - WEBER REVIEW

It's a Beautiful Day - September 18, 2011

2011-09-18T19:59:00.000-06:00

It was too nice a day to stay home so we picked up some KFC and headed up the canyon. We arrived at Tibble Fork and found a spot to eat our lunch, then drove on over the top of the Alpine Loop, noting that there wasn't much color on the mountain yet. We headed down towards Cascade Springs and found more color on the mountain

It was one of those days that I wish we had two "fancy" camera's, Rachael and I both wanted to be taking pictures and we had to share the camera. Rachael took this great shot, it was just what she wanted to get, the shot with the sun burst

We enjoyed walking around the path at Cascade Springs taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful weather, the beautiful world that we live in and the beautiful family we were with.

If you look closely you can see the fish in the pond.

Look closely - Can you find the Caterpiller?

Is this caterpiller easier to spot? We saw quite a few of these cute little things around. I imagine there will be lots of butterflies in a couple of weeks.

It was a GREAT afternoon. Thanks Richard and Rachael for spending it with me.

Cougars vs Utes

2011-09-17T19:29:00.000-06:00

Richard and I got tickets to the BYU vs Utah football game on September 17th. We started they day by going to the Macey's Pre Game Party. They served a steak dinner for $3.00

I did the kiddie game and won a bag of potato chips.

We hung around until they did the drawings for all the fun stuff, tickets, shirts, blankets, etc

We left with a RED Blanket

Then it was off to the footbal game in LaVelle Edwards Stadium

AWESOME - the flag covered the entire football field.

Every year the Army ROTC from each school does a run with the game football, they start at one school and run the ball to the field hosting the game. This is the presentation of the game ball.

We were entertained by the BYU Cougar Marchiing Band

We had white pom-poms on our seats when we arrived, it looked really cool to see our half of the stadium waving them

That is the last of the pictures, because it was time to start watching the game. The atomsphere was electric, the crowd on their feet the whole time, the noise loud. We had a BLAST! The Cougars had a very rough night and lost badly. We called this day our Wedding Anniversary Celebration - 17 years of loving each other and doing the things we enjoy together.

Go Jordan Go!

2011-09-07T19:11:00.000-06:00

My nephew Jordan is playing football this year. He is on a Junior High aged team associated with the Viewmont Vikings. We went to a game where he played the team from Woods Cross.

Jordan is number 99

Ready - Set - Hike - Tackle

GO VIKINGS GO!

The half time pep talk

WAY TO GO VIKINGS!! You beat Woods Cross!

Jordan you were GREAT!

Deseret Star Theater

2011-09-04T18:46:00.000-06:00

My parents wanted to continue with their 50th Wedding Anniversay Celebrations while my brother and his family were here visiting so we all went to the Deseret Star Theater.

At the end of the play they announced Mom and Dad's name and that they were there celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Everyone in the audience sings "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" and they dance at their table.

Let's Celebrate!

2011-09-03T11:18:00.000-06:00

For Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary we all went to dinner up Ogden Canyon. It was fun that we had an area in the restaurant all to our selves. We enjoyed visiting with everyone and reliving memories of Mom and Dad.

My family

My Brother's family,

Ryley, Ross, and Gail - - - Mindy, you were missed.

My Sister's family

Jay, Amy, and AJ - - Jordan, you were missed

Uncle Robert and Aunt Jeannie

Uncle Dave and Aunt Nancy

Uncle Steven and Aunt Sue

Uncle Bruce and Aunt MaryLou

Grandma Pat

Mom's Best Friend since childhood. She was one of her Bride's Maids. Pat is just like a member of the family.

Fred and Jean

Good Friends of Mom and Dad

A couple of fun shots that were taken while waiting for everyone to arrive.

Happy Anniversary - 50 Wonderful Years!!!

2011-09-01T14:41:00.000-06:00

My parents have been married for 50 years. Congratulations, Mom and Dad, here's to Many more wonderful years!

Band Camp

2011-08-22T20:59:00.000-06:00

The American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard gets away for four days every year to work on their field show.

The guard is big enough that they get a whole bus to themselves.

And off they go . . . .

They go to the Intermountain Power Plant near Delta. There is nothing there, cell service doesn't work well, there is no internet. The kids eat, practice, eat, practice, eat, practice, and go to bed, get up in the morning and it starts all over again. It is hot there, no tv, no distractions, only band. The group makes great progress on their show and they come home as a "unit".

I took a day off of work and went there to help, watch, take pictures, and enjoy the camaraderie.

The friendship developed there are not only among the Band Mom's and Dad's who give of their time to help the kids.

Here's to hoping that next year that Richard and I are spending the whole 4 days at Band Camp with 250 high school kids.

Tour of Utah

2011-08-18T20:57:00.000-06:00

WHAT A FUN RACE!!!!!! Six fun filled days of officiating bike racing. I was lucky enough to be asked to be the Chief Judge.

Day 1 was a Prologue up at the Ski Park.

Day 2 - a Circuit Race around Ogden

Day 3 - a Road Race around Utah Lake

Day 4 - Time Trial at Larry Miller Motor Sports Park

Day 5 - Circuit Race around Downtown Salt Lake City

Day 6 - Road Race starting in Park City and finishing at Snowbird.

I had a GREAT time being a part of this event. I have been a part of TOUR OF UTAH, since it started as a 3 day stage race on the local level. It progressed to a Cat 1 only race, then to a Pro/Cat 1 race on the National Racing Calendar, and now a Pro Only UCI race.

Richard and Rachael were able to come to the Salt Lake City Circuit Race as guests of the event. They had VIP passes for the finish line. They were in the VIP tents, watching the race, eating lunch, having a good time.

On the final day, Richard and Rachael rode in the CHIEF JUDGE car. They don't get to see much of the race, but it is a BLAST.

Rachael didn't get Levi Lepheimer to look at her. He was the overall winner of the race. This picture was taken as he left the sign-in area.

I had to score the SPRINT line in Kamas.

Then we moved to the KING OF THE MOUNTAIN at the top of the Alpine Loop

We were able to jump into our car and get on down the road right after this group of riders. In between the first guy that came by the King of the Mountain and this group of riders, we had a tree fall down on the road. Lucky it didn't hit any of the racers.

Another picture of the race leader, Levi, as we headed thru Alpine. We worked our way around this group of 7 riders and headed to the top of Snowbird to prepare for the finish. The excitement is building, will Levi hold onto his lead or will someone else take it away from him. We got to the finish line to find. . . . . . .

Yes, that is CADEL EVANS - the 2011 winner of the TOUR de FRANCE. He was in the back of the Finish Line Trailer. He was there watching his teammate, Jeff Louder win the "Best Utah Rider" Jersey.

I don't know how many times, one of my National Officiatiing Assignments will include the Tour of Utah, but I'll take it any time I can get it. Officiating one of the best races in the United States right here in my back yard, how lucky can I get!

He just keeps growing up.

2011-08-16T05:40:00.000-06:00

Another Birthday!!!!!

Our Grandson, Sean is growing up. We had a BBQ to celebrate his 9th birthday.

Sean got to eat his dinner on the "Happy Bithday" plate.

Of course there was presents.

Grandma wants to see him in his new clothes.

The smile on that face has to do with the money he got from Grandma and Grandpa Anderson. He also found money in the pockets of his new pants,, and he got some money from the Keller's. Lookout Walmart - that money will soon be burning a hole in those new pockets.

Of course there was cake

And blowing of candles.

Sean then ran in the house and washed off his special plate so that he could have his birthday cake on it to,

Happy Birthday, Sean! We are so glad that you are a part of our family. We Love You!

Our Summer Obsession

2011-08-15T21:35:00.000-06:00

Our friend Kathy has a beautiful family. A boy named Tommy, and little girl, named Kyla and a baby girl named Macy. Macy was born with a little something extra, Trisomy 21 Down Syndrome. We follow her family Blog and enjoy seeing a small glimpse into their life. On day on her blog we saw a post that didn't make much sense to us, but got us interested and wanted to find out what she was talking about.

That lead us to THIS. The Cox family in the Ukraine adopting a 4 year old girl with Down Syndrome. Rachael and I were instanly hooked. We checked this blog every day, multiple times waiting for an update on their daily visit with Mia Kareen. Rachael would call me at work and say "New Post" and I would be trying to pull it up on my cell phone or run home at lunch to check it out.

From there we went to the "Blog's I follow" on Kareen's page and have followed some of the other families who have a child with down syndrome. Rachael has always had a soft spot for children with down syndrome, when she was in Head Start a little boy in her class had down syndrome and she wanted to learn sign language to communicate with him. We picked up a basic sign language book and learned some sign language.

This is the best video ever - Mia Kareen - one less orphan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbUo3F-t8GM

It is great that Rachael and I have such a fun thing to share with each other. We don't know any of these people, but are so thankful for the love that we feel for them and the children that they have brought into their homes.

Many of these families have shared this story on their blogs and it is one that we now treasure:

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,

“Well, I made a difference to that one!”

Thank you to the Cox family for making a difference not only to Mia Kareen, but to us. We are better because of you.

The Farmers Market

2011-08-10T17:01:00.000-06:00

You never know what you'll find at the Farmer's Market.

Yes, this piano is on wheels and hooked to a bicycle. Have piano - will travel.

They even have a person "monitoring" the bike area, to keep them all safe. You get a "ticket" when we leave your bike, and turn the ticket in to get your bike back.

All I know is that we had a GREAT time wandering around.

STEEL DAYS PARADE 2011

2011-07-08T16:15:00.000-06:00

The highlight of the American Fork Steel Days Parade is having their very own American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard march. This year was no exception. So while Richard was hard at work in the parking lot of Fresh Market being the man in charge of the Steel Days Pancake Breakfast (a fundraiser for the band), I was with Rachael at the park getting ready for the parade.

I helped to change silks of some of the flags, and figure out what to do with all of the secret sister gifts.

Help the nurses get medical forms filled in for band camp coming up soon. Put all of the flag bags in the trailer and then enjoy a fun little song. The girls sometimes get to sing "You are my Sunshine" with their director Tiffany, if was fun to watch as they sang and did some finger motions to relax them and get them ready to perform.

Then it was off to perform for our best fans, our hometown families and friends.

Grandma and Grandpa came to watch and brought Ozzie and MissyMae along

(Thanks Tim Osborne, for letting them sit under the shade of your awning)

Don't they look great. It was fun to see a different formation with the Guard today. The sabors and riles mixed in with the flags. I wonder what they will do for the Rose Parade, they can't use the rifles and sabors there. More flags and some dancers?

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for coming,

A House and Yard to Die For . . . .or only in my dreams.

2011-07-07T21:10:00.000-06:00

We got invited to a fun 4th of July party held at an "if I told you I'd have to kill you" person's home. It was one of those nights that we just walked around with our mouth's open clear to our chest, not believing the house and yard.

HUGE house. I know that you can only see 4 garage doors, but they are two cars deep, for a total of 8 cars being able to fit in the garage. Right now the family doesn't have kids old enough to drive, so I don't know why an 8 car garage.

They have one of these in the back yard . . .

The pool in the left hand corner, is a kiddie pool, umbrella's to shade the little kids. The big pool looks as if it just drops off, it had a beautiful view of the whole valley. Next to this pool was a

Yes, that is a HOT TUB!

After getting your food from the OUTDOOR KITCHEN next to the Pool area

You could take it here to eat

or maybe here

They even had all the fixings to make your own smore's sitting near the fire pit.

For the kids they had all of these

If you wanted you could do some putting

The band entertained people all night long

You could have your face painted

or eat popcorn, or maybe have a snowcone.

You could put on some of these fun accessories

then have your picture taken in the photo booth

Needless to say, we had a GREAT evening! Plenty of food, fun and it all ended with a FABULOUS fireworks show. Here's to hoping that we get invited again next year . . .or maybe we will just crash the party if we are not invited.

Provo Freedom Festival 2011

2011-07-06T20:48:00.000-06:00

The Parades are so much fun. I enjoy watching Rachael each time. It brings a smile to my face watching her spin her flag.

The American Fork High School Color Guard Captains: Gabby, Sabrina, Rachael, Elizabeth, Elisha, and Erin.

What a GREAT group of girls that Rachael gets to be a part of.

The Lehi Parade

2011-06-30T20:47:00.000-06:00

One of the things that Richard and I love about watching Rachael and the American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard in parades is following them on the motorcycle. We ride the motorcycle to the staging area and enjoy watching them warm up.

We found Grandma and Grandpa Anderson,along with MistyMae and Ozzie waiting to watch the parade.

Then I take pictures as they begin the parade, then we hop onto the motorcycle and drive down the road next to the parade going 4 or 5 blocks. We hop off of the motorcycle and take some more pictures,

then get back on the motorcycle and ride a few more blocks away and take pcitures,

we do this the whole parade route. Sometimes I walk along side them for a few blocks and then get back on the motorcycle. We see only the band in the parde, but have a wonderful time.

I do enjoy seeing the whole parade, but right now, I enjoy seeing Rachael lots of times in the parade.

The First of Many

2011-06-20T19:12:00.000-06:00

The American Fork High School Color Guard has a man named PONCHO, who is in law school, who also is a Color Guard expert. He comes to American Fork every year to work with the guard, he teaches them the moves they do for their field show. This year Poncho is scheduled to come many times. This is from the first of the many PONCHO CAMPS.

It was a LONG day, they had to be at the school at 8:00 am and stayed until almost 9:00 pm. Rachael was exhausted, sore, and still smiling when she came home. We are so glad that she had a GREAT day!

. . . .And so it begins . . .

2011-06-03T19:49:00.000-06:00

The practices have begun, basics are being taught to new girls, girls are learning rifle and sabre spinning skills. The parade routine is being updated and taught to everyone. Blisters are being taken care of, flags are being put onto poles, rifles are being taped. Money is being earned.

COLOR GUARD IS IN FULL FORCE!

Painting the Field

2011-06-02T19:37:00.000-06:00

Last fall the school created a field for the band to use for practice. They took out the pavilion and the sand volleyball courts out. They extended the grassy area, put in sod, and now the band has a field for them. It is not quite the size that it should be, but it will work for the early season practices. It's had all winter and spring for the sod to grow together and now it is time to be used. Before the band uses it for the first time we had to make the field. First we had to "square" it off. Then we painted markes every 10 yards, then some marks at the five yard lines. Plus some "cross" marks in the middle. It took longer to do than I thought it would, but was a fun project with all of the GREAT people who came to help.

CAPTAIN RACHAEL

2011-05-31T22:06:00.000-06:00

Rachael was chosen to be one of the Guard Captains for the 2011- 2012 Guard Season.

CONGRATULATIONS! Rachael - We are PROUD OF YOU!!

End of Year SHOWCASE

2011-05-30T20:57:00.000-06:00

At the end of the school year the American Fork High School Color Guard puts on a Year End SHOWCASE. They reprise the Parade routine, the Field Show, and the Winter Guard show. The girls are divided into small groups and put together their own show to highlight the things that they have learned. It is a fun reminder of the GREAT year that the girls have had. The show ends with the seniors who put together something highlighting all of the shows they have done over the years. As a parent it is a night full of pride and happy tears.

Rachael is 16!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-23T20:06:00.000-06:00

It is OFFICIAL! Rachael Anderson Blanco is now 16!!!

There was cake for both Rachael and her cousin AJ who turned 18 the day after Rachael's birthday.

Rachael's "friend" Briggs came to the family party at Grandma and Grandpa Anderson's.

Aj's brother Jordan.

Grandma Pat also joined us.

Grandma Anderson

Uncle Jay

Missy Mae relaxed and enjoyed the party. Grandpa Anderson and Aunt Amy were also there. But I would be in big trouble if I put up the pictures that I took of them, they are both not very good pictures of them.

The kids had a good time playing games.

Rachael got presents.

The biggest box came from Briggs, it had lots of smaller presents inside.

Dad and Mom took Rachael and Briggs out to dinner for her birthday. We went Texas Roadhouse, yes they made Rachael sit on the saddle and they sang to her.

I look at my beautiful girl and wonder where the time has gone. It seems only yesterday that she was just a four pound baby in my arms, so tiny and dependent on us. Now she has grown up into a beautiful young woman. So many things in store for her, dating, drivers license, fun times in High School, College . . .

I love my little girl! Happy Birthday, Rachael, may this year be a GREAT one!

PASADENA OR BUST!

2011-05-10T19:27:00.000-06:00

Why are all these Color Guard girls lining the hallway holding roses in their hands? Who are the people with Mr. Miller at the end of the hallway

Why are they giving this woman roses?

Why is Rachael performing with the Guard and the band?

The answer is: The AMERICAN FORK HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND and COLOR GUARD has been invited to march in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

Way to go! Let the excitement and planning begin. Pasadena, January 2, 2012!

Amy, Clarissa, Richard and Deborah Jackson,(The President of the Rose Parade) and Rachael.

Saying Good-Bye

2011-05-04T21:37:00.000-06:00

All too soon our time with family was coming to an end. Richard had to say Good-Bye to Cousins, Colleen, Terry, and Bridgette.

Megan (Regan's daughter) and Richard

Richard, Shyla (Regan's widow), Emily, (Regan's daughter), and Ryan (Regan's brother)

It is too bad that we waited so long to get together with all of the family. Let's hope we can get together in happier times.

Love you all!!

Fun in the Pool

2011-05-03T21:26:00.001-06:00

Most of the people in for the Memorial Service stayed at the Hampton Inn. We enjoy staying at Hampton Inn's when we travel, they usually have a pool and always have a GREAT breakfast. We all took advantage of the pool for some "marco, polo", shooting water pistals, and just having fun.

All of the younger kids had lots of fun playing in the pool and the adults hung out on the deck reliving the "Old "days.

Family and Friends Celebrate Regan

2011-05-02T21:05:00.000-06:00

After the Memorial Service for Regan we all headed back to Shyla's for lunch. It was a great time to meet cousins, nieces, and friends who all loved Regan. It was fun hearing stories from "back in the day".

. . . Until We Meet Again . . .

2011-05-01T20:41:00.000-06:00

In April we made a quick trip to Deming, New Mexico for a Memorial Service for Richard's brother Regan. He was laid to rest in the Fort Bayard National Cemetery in Silver City. It is truly a beautiful cemetery. The flag flies at half mast every day that someone is being laid to rest. A very peaceful feeling was there along with a great deal of love for all those who have served our country.

Richard's Mother, Bonnie and his Step-Father, Harold are in this cemetery also.

Richard and his brother Ryan said a few words.

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars unit was there to complete the Military Burial. They take a great deal of Pride in the Final Service that they can do for their fellow service man.

They played a couple of Patriotic songs and they performed a 21 Gun Salute. What an experience to be a part of that in person.

Regan's widow, Shyla was presented with a forever memory of the love that Regan had for his Country and the Service that he gave. Regan's best friend was able to be a part of giving Shlya the Flag of the United States of America.

One last goodbye, from his older brothers.

Now his final resting place. Regan Lindsay Blanco, forever is our Hearts.

April is Autism Awareness Month

2011-04-29T21:53:00.000-06:00

My friend Lexie is a beautiful girl! She gives me hugs, she holds my hand, we walk with our arms around each other. She dances like a princess when she looks in the mirror. She loves the Disney princess. Her favorite movie is Toy Story. She loves to play in the swimming pool. She enjoys RED candy.

Lexie is just like most girls her age.

Thank you Lexie, for loving me, and letting me be one of your friends. You have taught me about love and friendship, about patience and understanding. You have let me be a part of your life. You bring joy to me every Sunday as we go to Primary together!

I am the lucky one - I get to feel of your love for me every week, as you give me your little mischevious smile and run down the hall, wanting me to chase you. I get to feel of your love as you stop walking and wrap your arms around me, giving me a GREAT BIG BEAR HUG. I feel of your love for our Savior, as you walk up to a picture of Him and say JESUS. I feel your sweet spirit as I remind you to fold your arms as we pray in Primary. I feel your love as we walk by our classroom and see our names on the door and you read mine and I can clearly hear you say "HOLLY"

Thanks to Lexie's parents, Michael and Elizabeth, for allowing me to spend a few hours with her on Sunday helping her to learn about her Heavenly Father. Thanks to Ethan and Jilly, Lexie's brother and sister, for the friendships that we share.

Lexie may have Autism, but I have a GREAT friend!

I Love you, Lexie!

Such a Cutie and her Friends

2011-04-19T18:53:00.000-06:00

The Color Guard had some professional shots taken of the girls. I took some myself. Now it is up to you to decide who took which picture.

So tell me in your comments who took which picture?

The rest of the pictures I did take. It was alot of fun taking these shots of the girls.

I have had a GREAT time taking pictures all year long. The girls have gotten used to me hanging around with my camera and I think I got a few good shots this year. I am looking forward to doing it again next year.

April 2011

Our Little LION

2011-04-10T18:17:00.005-06:00

Rachael,

You are a beautiful LION and we all loved watching you perform. Now when Grandpa says "Lions, tigers, and Bears" we will think of you and your show, "WELCOME TO THE CIRCUS"
Rachael with Grandma and Grandpa Anderson.
Rachael with her very PROUD Parents.

The whole group wearing their FIRST PLACE Medals.

Rachael with her FIRST PLACE Medal and the Plaque for American Fork High School Winter Guard, all of the name plates for FIRST PLACE at each of the competitions held in the State this year. WAY TO GO!

THE FINAL SHOW

2011-04-10T17:58:00.002-06:00

We have enjoyed watching Rachael and the American Fork High School Winter Guard team compete all season long. It has been fun to see how the show has changed from week to week. But all good things must come to an end, and end the Winter Guard season did. Here is Rachael's last show from the State Championships held at Riverton High School on April 2nd.

Rachael's group took FIRST PLACE and was named State Champions! It has truly been an amazing season.

The FUN continues.

2011-03-19T07:22:00.003-06:00

Since Rachael's first competition at West High, they have competed at Lone Peak High School, Bear River High School, and American Fork High School. Rachael's Winter Guard has gotten FIRST PLACE at each one. It has been fun to watch how their performance has changed. Each time there has been a change. At the last competition each of the girls had a tail to go with their uniform. They also added a red and white circus tent at the beginning of the show. Some day I am going to start their first show on one computer and their last one on another one and see how they have changed.

So you can see how it has changed, here is the video of their most recent competition held at American Fork High School.

WOW! That's all I can say - WOW!

2011-02-10T18:18:00.002-07:00

After 3 months of practicing, early mornings (Guard practice starts at 6:00a.m. on "A" days), too many to count "Guard Camps" - the day finally arrived. The first Winter Guard competition of the year.

Rachael had to be at the school by 1:45, Richard and I there about that same time to unload trailer of mirrors from the field show. (Yes, we left them in the trailer since November) Then we had to reload the trailer with 4 floors from American Fork Guards and 1 floor from West Lake. Plus the cages, plus the back drops, plus the balls. The first time loading everything is always the hardest as we try to figure out the best way to keep everything from moving all over while we travel.

The show was at West High School. We got there just in time to unload everything and get ready for our first guard to perform. We have 5 guards representing American Fork this year. Wasatch Academy is for kids from 8 to 12. (They didn't perform today). Then we have an "B" Guard which is 7th and 8th graders. The "A" Guard is girls who have some experience. The "Open" Guard is the High School Guard - that's the one that Rachael is in. The last guard is called Wasatch Independent - they are out of High School up to age 26.

I found a spot on the top row of seats so that I could set up my tripod to film our guards and be out of people's way. I enjoy watching all of the other guards perform, I enjoy clapping when they have a cool move, or feeling for them when they drop their equipment. The show starts at 4:00 each time and the last guard will perform about 9:00.

I take my Digital SLR camera and take pictures of all of our groups and then have posted them onto my facebook account, then the Guard Directors can access them for their guard kids. I enjoy using my camera and sharing the pictures.

I also take my video camera and film all of the American Fork guards and put them on You Tube. It is always fun for us to watch them numerous times.

Richard helps as a "Band Dad" ( I know this is Winter Guard -but the name sticks from helping the Band/Guard at Field Show). After each group performs the American Fork Band Dads help to get the floor out of the competition area. Then they help the guard refold their floor. So they are folding up to 30 floors in a night. HARD WORK!

The anticipation for Rachael's show just kept building, I was getting so excited. I cheered really loud when they were announced and the girls started coming onto the floor.

Here is the show and see for yourself:

I am sure you said the same thing WOW !

LIONS, TIGERS, GIRAFFES, and ELEPHANTS

2011-02-09T19:15:00.009-07:00

The excitement for Rachael's first Winter Guard competition just keeps building. I got a sneek peak at the uniforms on Saturday

Yes, that is Rachael, the LION

Melissa - the TIGER

Amy - the GIRAFFE

Sierra - the ELEPHANT (you should see her when she puts her long hair up in swept up pony tails to make elephant ears)

Yup - that is a whole room full of LIONS, TIGERS, ELEPHANTS, and GIRAFFE 's- OH MY!!

And the PROPS - Animal Cages

The FLAGS
Multi-colored
Orange-Yellow

Purple (also sabors and rifles)

I can hardly wait to see the whole thing come together.

First BBQ of 2011

2011-01-26T19:45:00.003-07:00

I enjoyed our fire pit so much last year that I didn't want to wait until summer to have a fire out there again. Sunday the sun was shining, it was a beautiful 32 degrees, snow on the ground and I wanted to be outside with a fire.

We had Austin and Sean here so we got the fire going, cooked Hot Dogs, and ate S'mores. It was a successful BBQ - even better that it was January 23rd - I still love the fire pit!
It is great that we have such good neighbors who want to come enjoy our fire pit. Thanks Fran and Gary for bringing the S'Mores fixins.

Here's to another great year ahead of enjoying the fire pit!

The "CIRCUS" Begins

2011-01-26T19:19:00.007-07:00

Saturday was the Evaluation Show for Winter Guard. Each Guard in the state comes and does their show for 5 judges who give their opinions on what needs to be done to make the show better before their first competition.

Richard and I were at the High School by 7:00 am to put down the Association floor. Then we watched Rachael's guard at 8:00 am. I spent the whole day at the school timing the different guards in the warm up room. None of the guards came with their uniforms - they all wore just wore black shirts and shorts/pants. Some guards don't have their own floor, some don't have all of their props ready yet. Some don't have their flags to match the show yet.

Our guard has their floor painted

They have one of their three flags ready to use

Some of the Mom's (and Grandma's in our case, - thanks GRANDMA ANDERSON) spent a few hours at the school today sewing flags.

And hopefully the uniforms will come in soon. The first competition is on February 5th.

I enjoyed the show and am excited to see it all come together. The judges had some suggestion that the Guard will work on in the coming weeks and hopefully they will have a winning show.

Here is a sneak peak:

The AUTO SHOW

2011-01-23T19:55:00.003-07:00

The three of us went to the Auto Show at the South Towne Exhibition Center. We had lots of fun wandering around looking at all the different cars and trucks.

Daydreaming of this one
for Richard.

Or maybe this one for Rachael

And this one for me.

It is fun to go look, daydream, and wish. If only we had the money for all three. So if any of you win the lottery . . . you know what is on our wish list.

PAINTING the FLOOR

2011-01-23T19:34:00.003-07:00

The Winter Guard performs their show on the basketball court at the school. Each guard paints their floor to tie into the show. Today was the day to paint the floor. We have to lay the floor out on the court, and use duct tape to cover any holes that might be in the floor so that the paint doesn't go thru to the court. Rachael's guard's floor was easy to paint this year. A big white circle with purple all the way around it. We had lots of "band dad's" and guard girls there to help. So even tho it is a big project it went well.

Another of the "mysteries" of the show is now unveiled. (Next week flags)

Winter Guard - January 15th

2011-01-23T19:13:00.001-07:00

With one week to go until the Winter Guard Evaluation show, the Guard added a Saturday practice. I get by their practices every couple of weeks and it is fun seeing the show come together. But . . . each time I see it something has changed, a section didn't come together the way they wanted and so it gets changed. the show will continue to evolve each week and as they start to compete, things get changed based on the comments that judges give them. It is always fun to see if I can spot what has changed. I saw the show from start to end for the first time today, and i liked it. I can hardly wait until they have the floor painted, their costumes on and the flags sewn. It doesn't fully come together until all the pieces are there. So I must continue to be patient to picture it all in my head and wonder what it will look like in the end. Until then I can dream about it while watching them practice.

HELLO 2011

2011-01-01T17:59:00.002-07:00

WOW! Is it really 2011? What happened to 2010? (I guess if you really want to know just look back thru the Blog). This past year has really gone by fast.

2011 has already created a lot of excitement for us. We watched the Rose Parade this morning and talked of the 1998 Rose Parade. We were there along with our daughter Jessica and the American Fork High School Marching Band. We had bleacher seats to watch the band as they marched past us along the 5 mile parade route. It was an exciting time.

We also talked about the 2012 Rose Parade, we will again be there with another daughter, Rachael and the American Fork High School Color Guard and Marching Band. We wondered what kind of things the band will do during their trip. I know that the bands in the parade all perform on one of the days before the parade. The band will perform at Disneyland one day. The excitement is already building, as you can see by the countdown clock now at the top of the blog.

Grandma and Grandpa Anderson are again planning to join us on the Rose Parade trip.

It will take lots of planning by the Staff of the High School, all of the parents involved, and practicing by the colorguard and band members to get 250+ students, staff, family members and fans there. We can hardly wait!

Zoo Lights

2010-12-30T20:12:00.008-07:00

I've wanted to go to Hogle Zoo to see ZOO LIGHTS for a couple of years now and finally made it there this year. The Coke rep for Harts brought by some free tickets so now was the time.

Rachael and her friend Briggs joined me.

I was disappointed that I didn't get to see the elephants, especially Baby Zuri, they weren't out. But we did get to see the triplet tiger cubs. They are as big as their Mom
We watched the giraffe's eat from a Christmas tree.

The Christmas lights were fun and enjoyable.

We did the "Do You Measure Up?" check

I think they both measure up just fine.

I didn't see the real elephants, but did have my picture taken with one.

It was a COLD night, but Hot Chocolate from Starbucks had us warmed up in no time at all.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-29T19:34:00.004-07:00

It is interesting how Christmas has evolved at our house. Early in our marriage, the kids were up and r eady to see what they had gotten from Santa, VERY, VERY early. Then a couple of years later, we had to drag them out of bed when Rachael woke up. Now the older kids are all gone, and Richard and I have a leisure morning waiting for Rachael to get up. I am sure a few years down the road things will change some again.

Santa did find his way to our house and we all got things from him. We had fun opening our presents from each other and enjoying our surprises.

Richard got the family a new waffle iron for Christmas and it was a BIG hit. He made us waffles for breakfast. I didn't realize how much I've missed having them since our waffle iron died a while back, until he cooked them for breakfast. It was a GREAT gift.

We spent the afternoon at my parents in Bountiful, opening presents from them and playing a card game called "Five Crowns". We had a lot of fun, I think we may need to get that game for our house.

The grandsons were here when we got home so we watched them open some presents and then played games on the WII with them the rest of the evening.

Christmas was GREAT!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T07:49:00.002-07:00

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord:

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-25T07:27:00.004-07:00

We've had a GREAT Christmas Eve. Grandkids here, Reitz family party, working with Rachael on her "Closet" in the basement (More on this to come in the future). Richard cooking a wonderful roast for dinner.

Opening a present on Christmas Eve.
One my favorite things to do on Christmas Eve is to drive to Alpine and see the Luminaries lining the streets.

Then a bit of a drive to look at Christmas Lights.

.75 for a cup of Hot Chocolate

2010-12-24T21:51:00.002-07:00

Austin, Sean, and Bryton had a HOT CHOCOLATE stand on Christmas Eve. They set it up on the corner of our street. They had a good time and earned $35.00, so they each got $11 and gave the rest to Richard because he made the Hot Chocolate. The boys spent their hard earned money on lunch at McDonalds. Oh to be young again.

Winter Guard begins

2010-12-24T21:33:00.007-07:00

Rachael is a part of the American Fork High School Winter Guard.

Winter Guard is what the Color Guard does during the winter. They perform with their flags, rifles, and sabers inside the gym. Tryouts were held in the middle of November and Rachael will again be a part of the Open Guard. The Guard Director - Tiffany Miller - brought in someone to help the girls learn their show. They spent a Friday and Saturday one weekend and then a Thursday, Friday and Saturday the next weekend working with Poncho Torres learning the show.

I only saw a rough 2 minutes of their 5 minute show and already can hardly wait until it is all put together to see the whole show.

I wonder how they will use the big pole in the show??

This is the kind of pictures I get when someone doesn't want her picture taken any more.

Regan Lindsay Blanco

2010-12-24T09:18:00.003-07:00

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
“Come to Me”

With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
he only takes the best.

Regan - We Love You! We Miss You!

Rest in Peace - Until we meet again.

A Day with Ryan and Tammy

2010-12-22T20:33:00.008-07:00

We spent the day after Thanksgiving with Ryan (Richard's brother) and his wife Tammy. We had breakfast together at a little Mexican Restaurant in Deming, New Mexico. For me it was a little weird having chips and salsa at 9:00 in the morning, but Richard, Ryan, and Tammy ate them right up. Then we drove to Silver City and visited the Military Cemetery where Richard's Mom and Step-Father are. We left a Christmas wreath as a reminder of the love that we have for them.

There is something about a National Military Cemetery that truly makes one proud to be an American. All of those white headstones for those who have served our country - who have to maintain the freedoms that we enjoy. I am so thankful for those who have served, My Dad, Richard's Dad and Step- Dad, Ryan, Regan, Regina and many of my uncles. THANK YOU!

With Silver City being about 1000 miles from our house, we know that we won't get to the cemetery often so we are glad that even after the long drive to Deming, we went ahead and drove another 50 miles. Mom and Harold, we miss you! We Love You!

We then went to Old Town Silver City and walked up and down the Main Street. We watched a horse drawn wagon go up and down the street and when it came by one time Rachael and I jumped on. It was a fun little ride.

We ended our day back at Regan and Shyla's for Thanksgiving Dinner leftovers. Yummy sandwiches and pie for dinner. We had a another nice visit with Regan and Shyla.

Here is a picture of the three boys

( I just couldn't win with the pictures - Ryan has his eyes open, but his tongue out, then Ryan and Regan have their eyes closed. There is probably a friend out there who could teach him how to photo shop and get a good picture)

Thanksgiving in Deming, New Mexico

2010-12-20T06:09:00.009-07:00

We did the "over the river and thru the woods" thing for Thanksgiving, and headed to Deming, New Mexico. We went thru the snowing roads in Utah, to the wet roads of Colorado, spent the night in Cortez, Co. Back onto the snow packed roads of Colorado, into snow packed roads in New Mexico, finally onto dry roads of New Mexico and arrived in Deming. We checked into our Hotel and changed our clothes and made the mad dash to Regan and Shyla's just in time for Thanksgiving dinner at 2:00.

We got to met Regan's daughter Emily for the first time and her cute family. We'd met Bethany years ago, but she also had a family now. Richards brother Ryan and his wife Tammy were there also.

Shyla

Regan

Aunt Tammy with Aaron and Hannah (Bethany's kids)

Uncle Ryan with Trix

Zak (Emily' son)

Bethany and Emily.

Rachael had lots of fun playing with the young cousins.

We had plenty of Good Food, Good Company, Good times and Good Memeories. Thanks Regan and Shyla for putting up with all of us. We had a GREAT time!

Sushi night at R C Willey

2010-12-15T20:46:00.003-07:00

While eating dinner on Wednesday, Richard told me that he had heard on the radio that R C Willey was having a Sushi demonstration and asked if I wanted to go. I have not eaten Sushi, but he has it on a regular basis at his work. I thought it might be fun and when I looked on R C Willey's website to get the details it said they were also giving away TV. So we dropped Rachael off at Young Women's and headed to Orem. We found where they were doing the demonstration and watched while they made some Sushi. It looked much easier than I expected, Richard tried lots of different kinds, I had some with shrimp and some with cucumber. It was better than I thought it would be. We found the box and entered our names for the TV, then wandered the store, day dreaming and wishing. Lots of fun things I would buy if I had unlimited money, but since I don't I found a massage chair and sat down. What fun . . . just enjoying the massage, it even had a piece that you put your legs in and it massaged your calves. I think I was in heaven!

The drawing for the TV was going to be held after they verified that there was only one entry per person in the box, so we finally came home. We'd been home for about an hour when my phone rang and guess who it was . . .YOU ARE RIGHT . . .R C Willey telling me that I had won a 32 inch flat screen Coby TV

Richard picked our new TV up the next day on his way home from work, it sure looks GREAT in our bedroom.

Thanks R C Willey

November 17, 2010

FINALS - Bands of America Regional Competition

2010-12-14T21:29:00.010-07:00

It all comes down to this. All the summer practices, early mornings practices, after school practices, band camps, bruises, jammed fingers, fund raising. . . the final performance.

The band gave it their all. They looked great - but so did 9 other bands, they all gave it all they had. In the end the 10 Finalists bands returned to the stadium.

Medals were given to each of the division champions.

The American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard received SECOND PLACE.

What a fun group of girls!!

Mom and Dad are so proud of Rachael and the time she has put into something she enjoys so much! Rachael - WE LOVE YOU!!

November 6, 2010

Bands of America Regional Competition

2010-12-14T20:44:00.011-07:00

The final weekend of Marching Band 2010 continued with the Bands of America Regional Competition. American Fork High School Band Parents helped to host the event so Richard and I again had a volunteer position to fulfill. We were Road Monitor's. We stopped traffic from coming onto one of the roads that the bands took from the practice field into the stadium. We had about a three hour time there, then began the preparations for the preliminary competition. Unloading the band equipment, getting out the uniforms, putting the mirrors in order and laying out the flag bags
As it was all unloaded, it was a little sad, to be doing it for the last time, knowing we would load it back up at the end of the night and not do it again. It has been a lot of fun getting to know the other Band Dads (and Moms), being a part of such a GREAT group of people has been a wonderful experience.

The kids arrived, uniforms were put on, instruments taken out of their cases, flags out of their bags and the warm ups began.
Rachael had Grandma and Grandpa Anderson come to watch.

Jessica was here also.

The band took the field, the crowds cheered and we watched our band perform their hearts out. They did a GREAT job and got this

FIRST PLACE in their division and the opportunity to move to the Bands of America Finals Competition to be held later in the evening.

The kids headed to have their pictures taken and they got a little crazy.

Rachael has made great friends in Color Guard, we love Clarissa and Amy.

One more performance - GOOD LUCK tonight!!

November 6, 2010

UTAH STATE MARCHING BAND CHAMPS!

2010-12-05T20:58:00.001-07:00

Here is the performance at the Red Rocks Marching Band Competition. The Band Received FIRST PLACE! State Champs again.

The Last Weekend of Marching Band 2010 - Part A

2010-12-04T17:10:00.008-07:00

It is hard to believe that the 2010 Marching Band season is drawing to a close. The band is down to it's last performances. They traveled to St George, Utah for their final weekend. Rachael and the band left on Thursday morning, they practiced on Thursday afternoon then had their band banquet and a dance with a couple of the other bands in town.

Richard and I left as soon as he was done with work for the day and drove down. Grandma and Grandpa Anderson came down for the weekend also.

Friday morning things started early with the band having their final practice starting at 9:00 am.
Some last minute repairs were needed to Rachael's mirror.

The repaired mirror is working GREAT!
Rachael and the rest of the girls were giving it their all right to the end, knowing it was now or never.

The girls received their last words of encouragement, inspiration and love from their director Tiffany Miller.

Mr Miller, the Band Teacher, tells the students "This is it! Give it your all. You are the returning State Champions - lets do it again."

And with that, no more practices, it is time for lunch and to get ready for the first of three performances in the next two days.

Bridgerland Competition

2010-12-03T20:43:00.014-07:00

On October 30th the band headed way north to Logan and the beautiful campus of Utah State University for another marching band competition. The weather held off while we loaded the trailer, but not for the unload. It was pouring cats and dogs by the time we were unloading. We put up lots of awnings, and tarps to try to keep things dry, Richard and I were both wearing Rain suits

Time for the band to take the field and the rain stops, so off comes their rain jackets.On come the band DAD's with all of the pit equipment

Now here is RACHAEL

And let the show begin . . . .

As I have said before I like the ending to the show and I like it even better when they don't drop Tabitha, tonight they did not drop her.

The show ended and the band left the field and the rain returned, the band had all of their rain gear very close and put it back on to sit in the stands and watch the remaining bands. Richard and Greg Carter hurried back to the buses to find some rain ponchos for the girls.

I don't know how much the rain poncho helped by the time they got them, the girls were soaked. When it was time for them to leave all three of the blankets that I had in the car went with them on the bus hoping they could warm up.

That smile makes all of the practice, travel, early mornings, late nights hard work, rainy and snowy competitions and money involved PRICELESS! Thanks Rachael for enjoying what you do and allowing us to be a part of it.

October 30, 2010

Pumpkin Carving

2010-12-03T06:40:00.003-07:00

The counters are covered in newspaper. Knives and big spoons to get out the inside gunk

Markers to draw where to cut

The computer for a picture to follow

The finished products!

Mt Timpanogos Marching Band Competition

2010-12-02T20:27:00.003-07:00

The American Fork High School Marching Band is the sponsor of the Mt Timpanogos Marching Band Competition held at Mountain View High School in Orem. It is quite an endevor to make everything come together for the competition. We loaded the semi early Saturday morning and headed over to help get things up and going. We put up tent awnings, and marked fields and hoped that it wouldn't rain. But that hope wasn't to be, the rain started about the time the first band took the practice field, the rain came and came and came, the temperature dropped and dropped and dropped.

The weather didn't get any better all day, it was cold and wet, the volunteer room ran out of hot chocolate. We were really glad that we had some "hot hands" to help us stay warm.

The band again did a GREAT job performing in the rain.

The band again received FIRST PLACE in the 5A category.

After the awards were over, the band again takes the field and does an encore performance, because of the cold, the Color Guard girls wore their warmup suits.

The kids then got to load up and head back to the school, while we got to do cleanup. Picking up trash in the stadium, putting away tent awnings, loading up all of our band equipment. It was a really long and tiring day. But as the commercial says "PRICELESS"

2010 Davis Cup

2010-12-02T19:59:00.007-07:00

The band traveled north to Kaysville to Davis High School for the DAVIS CUP. Grandma and Grandpa Anderson came up to watch the show and saved me a great seat at the top. It was cold and windy sitting in the stadium, we sat there huddled in a blanket and watched Rachael

She performs to her best and smiles even if she is freezing.

I think the show gets better and better each time (watch the ending - Tabitha gets dropped - OUCH). The show ends and the anticipation begins. Did the judges like the show, how was the music, did it all flow together? Why is the wait for the awards taking so long? Then it begins . . .

The drum majors come back onto the field for the awards.

The band waits patiently

to hear this . . . .

Austin and Sean play football

2010-12-02T19:25:00.009-07:00

Richard and Rachael were able to go watch Austin and Sean play on their city league football teams. The boys had a great time as you can see.
Austin has some tricky hands with this ball behind the back move.

Sean makes a good center.

Both boys are WINNERS in our books - and they have the trophys to prove it.

WE LOVE OUR GRANDSONS!!

Rocky Mountain Band Competition

2010-11-30T19:27:00.005-07:00

The American Fork High School Marching Band and Color Guard's next competition was held at LaVelle Edwards Stadium on the campus of Brigham Young University. I got off of work early and went over to watch all of the bands. I've helped our band at all of the competitions and haven't gotten to see all of the others, today was my day. I had my blanket and camera and sat back and enjoyed. ( I did sneak out during the judges break and run over to help our band for a few minutes and to have dinner with the Band Dads). Our band came early to the competition and got to sit and watch a couple of the other bands.
Here is Rachael with her friends Clarissa Lowe and Amy Ostler. All made up and ready to go.

In all honesty when I watched the band practice and saw them do a complete run thru of the show, it didn't really do much for me. Last year's show had a theme ("The Greatest Generation" ) and I didn't see a theme with this show. But as the kids put on their uniforms and take the field - the show grew on me. I enjoy the enthusiasm the kids bring to this show. The expressions on their face, the bounce in their step. I look forward to watching the show every time.

I enjoy watching to see what has changed from week to week. Things continue to evolve and change based on comments from the judges, something gets added here and something removed there. I like the way the ending to the show has changed. (especially when they don't drop Tabitha)

Hope you enjoy watching the show as much as I do!

October 12, 2010

Competition at ALTA HIGH SCHOOL

2010-11-28T20:27:00.010-07:00

The Band Dads are amazing, you never know when one of their many talents will be needed. The drum major podium had a break and needed to be fixed, so Ernie, got out his tools and got to work.
Richard is in charge of putting up the Color Guard screens - the black screens that the girls hide behind when they aren't part of the show. As they finish he is right near Rachael and they do a high five as he leaves the field.

I love all the different poses the girls do in this set. (Rachael is the one in pink , in the back)

I love the TUBA feature

I also like the yellow flag impact

and when all the Color Guard is out spinning a flag

Rachael had lots of fans who came to watch her today, Grandma and Grandpa Anderson and JESSICA, was here from Arizona. Jessica played the clarinet in the band when she was in High School and it is fun for the two of them to share their love for the American Fork High School Marching Band. Jessica brought along a few of her High School friends to watch.

Watch for the new ending in today's show.

October 9, 2010

THE NEW BBQ area

2010-11-28T20:04:00.006-07:00

We have been working on creating a new BBQ area in the backyard, earlier in the summer we tore down a shed, and found under it a wonderful cement pad. We put up wood panel fencing and laid sod, added a fire pit

and now we have a fun BBQ area.

The grandsons were here for the weekend so we had a BBQ and invited the Kellers over.

Richard used our dutch oven and made a peach cobbler,

it was a fun night!

Even Chloe wished she could join us.

October 2, 2010

MT NEBO MARCHING BAND COMPETITION

2010-11-28T19:11:00.015-07:00

The band had their first competition on September 25th. Richard has been made an "OFFICIAL" Band Dad - they gave him a card and all. There are about 10 Band Dads ( and some Mom's ) who come every week and load and unload the trailer.

It is fun getting to know lots of new people. Once the trailer is unloaded they have a Band Dad dinner.

The Color Guard has 45 mirrors that they use as props. Each mirror has a number of the back of it, the girls move the mirrors around the field, pulling off a different flag to spin, or a rifle or sabre to use. The girls know where they will find their needed mirror on the field when they need it. But before the performance the mirrors have to be put in numerical order, so they can put their equipment on them.

The Band Dad help to get all of the equipment out onto the field and the show begins.

The show finishes and the band takes a seat in the bleachers to watch the other bands to perform.

After the last band performs, the American Fork High School Marching Band lined up on the track to wait for the announcement of the awards.

The Drum Majors for all the band come back onto the field and the awards are given.
The girls anxiously wait for the drum majors to return to where the band is,

they do a salute to the band and then they are released to celebrate their win.
Rachael has a very big smile, on the band winning all of the caption awards and FIRST PLACE in the 5A Division.

Here's hoping we see smiles this big all season.

September 25, 2010