re·viv·al /riˈvīvəl/ An instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again.

We are attempting to revive our blog.  It has been ages since we have last posted.  Not to fear, we are still here, alive and well.  It has been a big year for us.  Ava started Kindergarten and James started Middle School.   Two very big and very exciting transitions for them.  To add to the excitement, Andrew started a new job as the CFO of a small company, DGS.  He is very busy and very happy busy.  I will give a more detailed update on each of the children in a later post, but here is their most recent piano recital.  We are proud of the work that they all did in preparing for this latest recital.  The practice is neither easy nor fun (for anyone involved), but they all (eventually) do it and (begrudgingly) appreciate the results. 

Ava performing "Cuckoo"

Jory performing "Minuet" by Mozart

Joshua performing "Ecossaise" by Beethoven and "The Wild Rider" by Schumann

James performing Minuets 1 and 2 by Bach

The Outside of Our Home (and Jory's Teeth)

Jory lost his front tooth...he's very excited...

Relatives in Germany wanted to see the outside of our home and our backyard and our dog....here it is!  I'll post a picture of the front later.

Winter Recital 2010/Science Fairs

All three boys had their winter recital today.  For some reason, the blog will not support video anymore, you can check my facebook page to see video of their performances.  James and Joshua also participated in our district science fair this morning and both had honorable mentions.

Air Andrew

Andrew was so happy to be done preparing for Christmas morning....

James' favorite christmas bingo gift... our neighbors, Sara and Noel, came for dinner, carols, and our traditional Christmas bingo game.

Kids in their Christmas pajamas...thanks Grandma Hill!

Fall Piano Recital

Jory participated in his first piano recital.

Ava decided to try to pull the camera out of my hands while I was taping Joshua's performance...

James played Arietta by Mozart...I missed recording his introduction :)

Birthdays, Princesses and Penguins

Joshua celebrated his 8th birthday! He was thrilled to get a skeleton for his birthday to decorate with for Halloween since he feels we are woefully unprepared to present a spooky enough environment for our trick-or-treaters :) He is looking forward to getting baptized in November! We can't believe how old he is...and what a "spec"tacular boy he is (note the new glasses - RED no less)!

We attended a Star Wars party....Ava...ever the princess

One step closer to her life's ambition....Thanks Grandma Duddi for finding the costume for her!

Ava is 3... and Fond of Dirt

Thank you Duddi for Ava's lovely birthday gifts! She adores them. The book is the new nightly favorite and the dog purse accompanied her to church this Sunday :)

...some pictures of the rest of the delightful birthday day....

Ava was playing outside by herself this afternoon for no more than about 5 minutes...but this was the result...