Solo and Ensemble

This was the first year Chloe got to participate in Solo and Ensemble.  This is where you rehearse for weeks ahead of time either as a soloist, or as a small group and perform for a judge.  Chloe performed on her oboe in an ensemble along with Kaitlyn Ludlum on clarinet, and Presley Whitehead on Flute.

These 3 ladies rehearsed for weeks and performed the piece "Lift Thine Eyes".  The judge praised them for their hard work and they received a "SUPERIOR" rating.

Chloe also accompanied on the piano 4 other soloists earning her some fun cash to spend on her plane ticket to Las Vegas.  Great job Chloe!

Happy Valentine's Day

Ahhhhh!  My favorite holiday AND I got to spend it with some of my favorite people.  The Richard's came down for President's Day weekend, and lucky for me.....it was also Valentine's Day weekend.  They have a tradition that they do every Valentine's Day and so I thought the Shupe Family would start incorporating it as well.  You make a Valentine's mailbox...here's how mine turned out...more like a Valentine's Treasure Box.

 Then each person in the family has to write a "LOVE" note to all the other members of the family and place it in the mailbox.  Since we did it among the 2 families we said they could be "LIKE" notes.  (A little awkward having the 2 twelve year olds writing love notes to each other.) It was such a fun activity and the letters were hilarious....I can't wait to keep this tradition up in our family!

 Paul bought all the kids small boxes of chocolates which was a huge hit.

 Rob and Janelle- sweethearts for almost 18 years. (Let's not forget we set them up on their first date).

 Paul and Katherine - sweethearts for 18 years and 2 months.

Of course, there can be no Valentine's Day Celebration without frosting heart shaped sugar cookies!

 It was an amazing Valentine's Day and we are so glad we got to spend it with people we love!