Day 4 - Ghent & Antwerp Belgium

 We spent the morning with Team Zanconato exploring Gravensteen.

 In the afternoon we went to the BMC Bike Factory.

Team Bike Ride. So many nice people.

Friday night we had a Team Zanconato dinner

in Antwerp.  Fun day with fun people.

Day 3 Ghent, Belgium & Bruges, Belgium

We stayed at this beautiful hotel in Ghent, Belgium.

They even upgraded us to the Honeymoon Suite. Felt like a dream!

On Thursday we drove about an hour to the city of Bruges.

They call it the Italy of the North.

We were able to climb the bell tower and to see Michaelangelo's

famous "Madonna And Child" sculpture.

We spent the day with The Otterson's.

Such nice people and instant friends.

So. Much. Fun.

Day 2 - Europe ~ Amsterdam

 We had a 7 hour layover in Amsterdam.

We rode a bus to The Van Gough Museum.

 We caught a flight from Amsterdam

to Bussels. We had dinner at Grand Place.

 For dessert we had the yummiest Belgium waffle....ever!!

We drove to Ghent and checked into our hotel....

long 2 days of traveling!  So nice to finally get some sleep!

Day 1 - Europe ~ Flying to Amsterdam

We have been looking forward to this day for a LONG time!

Our 2nd trip to Europe.  James was invited to join Zoncanato

Cycling Team.  Their first race of the season was Belgium.

We flew direct from SLC to Amsterdam.

Spring Piano Recital

Ella, Kate & Abby did a great job at their Spring Piano Recital.

This was our first recital at The Bountiful Art Center.

The Steinway piano was amazing and made their pieces shine. 

Ella - Age 9 - 2nd Year of Piano

  Kate - Age 11 - 4th Year of Piano

Abby  - Age 12 - 6th Year of Piano

Love this family of mine!

Ella ~ School Spelling Bee

 I volunteered to help with the 3rd Grade Spelling Bee

this year. Ella was one of the the 3 top spellers in her class.

 Ella was able to represent her class in the School 

Spelling Bee.  What an amazing 3rd grader she is!

So proud of you Ella!

Mommy Allo - Brookdale

Mommy Allo is 99 years old!
We are so lucky to have her in our lives.

We have made it a family goal to visit her

twice every month this year.
We have made arrangements to have the girls

play the piano at her Care Center every other Sunday.
It is a highlight for Mommy Allo and her friends.
This has been such a blessing for our family.

We are grateful and cherish the time we have with this amazing Great Grandmother.

Jospeh Smith Memorial Building

 Abby is really excelling at music.

She asked if she could take longer piano lessons each week.

Every parents dream come true.

Grandpa & Grandma Smedley asked if Abby would play in their Sacrament Meeting

at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

She played a beautiful arrangement of, "Jesus Once of Humble Birth."

It was incredible.  Abby has a musical gift.

It was such a great opportunity for Abby.

Afterwards we visited Temple Square.

I am so grateful that families are forever!

Day To Be Pampered

BEFORE

AFTER  

 The girls had a day off of school,

so I set up a day at the salon.

They had their hair styled, makeup, and nails painted.

 Kate's pretty hair.

Gorgeous Ella!

Fun day with these 4 cute girls!

New Beginnings

 This is a big year in our family.

Abby will be a Miamaid in May

and Kate will be a Beehive in August.

 We had fun at New Beginnings getting

excited for a new year. Great kick off party!

So excited to have 2 Young Women in our family!

Band Concert

 Abby had 2 Band Concerts in March.

Her 8th Grade Jazz Band Concert was at Millcreek Jr High.

 Abby played the drums for one song.

 Abby played the piano for 3 songs.

 Abby's 8th Grade Concert Band participated in a Band Festival

at Muller Park Junior High.

 Mr King is an amazing teacher.

Federation

Piano Federation

The girls did great at Piano Federation.  

They each got a Superior Rating on Performance and on their Theory Tests.

 This was Ella's second year.

She has 10 points.

This was Kate's 4th Year. She has 20 points.

Last year she earned her 1st Gold Cup.

This was Abby's 6th year. She has 30 points.

This year she earned her Second Gold Cup

and her First Theory Gold Cup.

So proud of these dedicated pianists.

Marimba

Grandpa bought Abby a marimba!

We are so excited!