So! I've really done it now. I'm currently laid up with severe sciatica, have been to the ER, on a cocktail of regulated substances, etc. I'm getting bored with the whole story and very frustrated with being flat on my back. Anyway I can't get to last months photos at the moment but I can update y'all on a few family goings-on.
Esme won an art contest - a statewide one no less - and was presented with an award certificate and a $100 check at a lovely ceremony at the Grand Rapids Art Museum last month. You can see her artwork (and the other winners, too!) at http://gallery.me.com/newman.mark#100074.
Esme also participated in the West Michigan Musicians' League sonatina festival at the Saint Cecilia Music Society in November. She was confidence itself and played her piece note perfect. The judge gave her an "almost excellent" rating, citing some grumbly bits about dynamics. ;) we are very proud of her.
Aidan might actually be over his sinus infection, which was causing him (and the rest of us) no end of trouble. His first band concert last month was a joy and I shed a few tears for the whole proud nostalgia of it all. He complains less about practicing now that his head doesn't hurt so much anymore. He continues to make good strides with his guitar, having added "Pretty Woman" to his repertoire this week.
Both children had beautiful report cards and admirable conferences. They continue to be good students and good friends to their classmates.
We had a good Thanksgiving with our Lowry family and a good Saturday After with our Hollopeter/McEowen family. The after-dinner McEowen band was a hoot as always, and we were so happy to welcome a new generation of musicians this year - Aidan on trumpet, Annah on clarinet, and Sylvia on violin. Clayton even helped out with drums and Esme on keyboard, until they got bored and went outside to play. ;) Before everything got packed up, we even had a quartet playing Amazing Grace: Jerry on piano, Travis on guitar, Juanita on clarinet, and (drumroll please)...Jim on bagpipes. It was really quite beautiful, if somewhat unique!
We wish you the merriest Christmas yet and hope you have much time to spend celebrating our Saviour's birth with your family and friends. And may 2012 bring you joy in all good things!