End of Year SHOWCASE

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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!

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

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

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

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 . . .

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.