Senior spotlight

I've been so busy with Halloween preparations that I skipped posting Emma's homecoming pictures. 
Doesn't she look beautiful?  

I'm so proud of how well Emma is juggling cross country, marching band, executive council and a zillion other student committees, in addition to being in the National Honor Society.

With all her amazing organizational skills, I have no doubt she will do well next year in college.

We are so proud of you, Emma!

A senior moment...

It's official.

 I have a senior!  

Emma left Sunday with Grandville's high school marching band for marching band camp. 

 She'll be away for the next six days, living in a hot dorm at CMU and getting ready for her final high school marching band season. 

I couldn't be more proud of my senior. 

Congratulations are in order!

Over the summer, Emma attended weekly band practices, as well as spending a week away at CMU to prepare for this year's marching band season.  All fall, they've been busy with  evening practices and weekend competitions. 

It all came together last Saturday when nearly 50 high school marching bands from across Michigan competed in the 34th annual Michigan Competing Band Association State Championship at Ford Field in Detroit.

The bands, were split into four categories based on the size of their school and competed for an overall score and a spot for “Best Music,” “Best Marching” and “Best General Effect” in their categories.
Last year, Grandville came in 8th and this year moved up two spots to rank 6th in their division.  

We're so proud of all your hard work, Emma.

In a few weeks, Emma's band will head to Orlando Florida to play at Disney World!!

Congratulations, Emma!!

Exciting news!!

Emma and the Grandville Marching Band will be heading to state finals for the Michigan Competing Band Association Championship contest at Ford Field.

 They've worked so hard this year and are ranked 6th in the state for their class size. Here's the article that appeared in today's newspaper.

 We're so proud of you, Emma!
 

Happy Homecoming Weekend!

What a weekend it’s been starting with the homecoming football game Friday night.  We couldn't have asked for better weather.

 Although our team lost, the marching band looked and sounded amazing! Yes. I'm a bit biased. 

Emma's homecoming dance was Saturday night.  This picture was taken before Emma's hair was styled by our college niece.

Doesn't she look beautiful?

The girls went in a very large group where they were meeting up with other groups of students.  I'm all about group dating at this point.  

We took them downtown for a photo shoot outside one of my favorite antique malls.

Later this afternoon, I'll be digging out the Halloween crates which officially commences with the Halloween tree in our sunroom. 

I'll be showing if off on Monday.  Are you READY for all things Halloween!?  Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I’ll see you back here tomorrow!

Welcome home Emma...

For the last week, Emma's been away at Varsity Marching Band camp at Central Michigan University.

As a sophomore, Emma isn't the new kid on the block anymore.

It's been a week of working extra hard and having lots of fun.  

As you can imagine, Josie missed her big sister quite a bit.

 On Saturday, we went to CMU to watch them perform and bring Emma home. 

 Welcome home, Emma.

You've been missed by everyone, including your little furry sister. 

XOXO
 

So very proud...

Ever since July, Emma has been heavily involved with our high school varsity marching band. 

 An intense practice schedule, including that infamous week away at band camp, all leading to this past weekend's state competition at Ford Field in Detroit.

Our hearts were full of pride watching their 163 member band culminate in this 12 minute moment.  Extended family from West Michigan, as well as Detroit, all sat in the stands cheering the Grandville marching band.

This was by far their best performance of the whole season.


They were just waiting for this big stage.


Lots of new friendships have been made, upperclassmen looking out for the freshmen and welcoming them into their unit.

They placed 8th in their AA school division...two places higher than the previous year at competition.

Marching band has been such an enriching experience for Emma.We're already looking forward to the 2013 marching season.  PS.  If you'd like to see a short video clip of their performance, here's part 3 and part 4 of their set from an earlier football game.  In part 4, they all set down their instruments and perform a dance routine.  You will hear my husband cheering LOUDLY in the video.  

Go Grandville!!