Marching Band

If you're interested there is a picture of the AF Marching Band taken during retreat in Las Vegas at the regional grand nationals on the district website. The website is alpine.k12.ut.us.

Bartley

Twilight

Today I was so lucky! I was able to go to Twilight with Lindsey and Ashley and 2 of their friends.

I thought the movie was good, it followed the book well. I will say that the book is better, as always just because there is so much info in the book than can be covered in the movie. If you haven't read the book, you won't understand most of the movie. I read the book about a year ago, and it took me a few minutes to figure out some of what was actually going on.

It was fun to be there with the entire theater full of women. There were a few guys there who were obviously there with husbands/boyfriends, most of whom looked like they were bribed to be there.:)

We did still have to wait in line for over an hour, but it wasn't midnight, so I was happy to do it! I am glad Lindsey and Ashley allowed me to go, it was fun to spend some time with them.

I Am Still Begging for Money (for my classroom)!!!

I am still begging for money for an audio enhancement system for my classroom. The cost of the system is $815. $300 have been donated so far. Any amount helps. Go to donorschoose.org. On the left hand side of the window about half way down is a link that reads . This link will give you a list of the states. Obviously, click Utah. When the state window closes look in the same location for a link that reads District. On the pop up window click Alpine School District. Currently in the top position is a request titled "Could Ya' Speak There Up Sonny, I Couldn't Hear Ya?" This is my project. Any amount will help. If you have any questions talk to me. Tell your rich friends, neighbors, etc.
I am done for now.
Love,

Bartley

Lindsey's first Date!!!!

Many of you have asked for some pics of Lindsey and her date Shane...drum roll.....

They both clean up real good!

Halloween

This was hilarious! My sister Jamie and her husband Bryce were Cinderella and Prince Charming. When we went to their house it was funny to see the Cinderella Family! Abbey thought it was the greatest to have the same costume as Jamie!

Our "Cinderella" (aka Abbey)

"Dorothy" isn't she the cutest thing????

The NERD! Need I say more?

"Cindy"(aka Jamie) and Super Dodgers Fan (aka Linds)

My sister "Cinderella"and Spa Lady(aka Ashley).

A special and very big THANK YOU goes out to my sweet mother who sewed Maggey and Abbey's fabulous costumes! THANKS!!!!!!

My Mom and Sisters

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go out to lunch and do a little shopping with my mom and my sister, Jamie. I had so much fun! It was great to just hang out and relax with two of my best friends. It's amazing how after you grow up your family ends up being the best friends you have ever had. :)

The only sad moment was missing my sister Julie. Sometimes it is almost painful to do these kinds of things because we all miss her sooo much. We seem to miss her more when we are all together, I guess her absence is felt more then that at other times.

I just want my sisters to know how much I love them and how thankful I am that they are part of my family!

This picture of the three of us, was taken a couple of months ago in Mom and Dad's backyard.

Good Luck Lindsey!

On Thursday morning Lindsey (at 4am!) will take off to go to Indianapolis to participate in a national marching band competition. According to her band director they are ranked 3rd in the nation. No band from Utah has ever placed in this competition,in fact, American Fork went about 5 years ago and was in the top 20. This is a very prestigious event, and they all have worked very very hard to be there. I admire the band director,Mr.Miller for all of his efforts, getting 230 teenagers to all do the right moves at the right time, while playing perfect music. It is pretty amazing! Our only wish for the band is that they do their very best and leave everything they have out on the field,if they do that and come home proud of their performance, then we ask nothing else.

As a parent it is hard for me to send my girl across the country, changing planes, layovers etc. I know she will be fine, she is a good girl, and she will follow all the rules. I know that there are plenty of good people there with her, who will take good care of her, but it is still hard. I can't help but feel a little more sympathy for parents when they send a missionary out. I know a few days is not the same , but the trust in others and Lord must be similar.

The above picture was taken this summer during a parade,Lindsey is second from the left.

GOOD LUCK LINDSEY!

I am not computer savvy, I wish I knew how to get a link to this, but if you would like to see and sort of hear the marching show you can go to www.youtube.com, type in American Fork Marching Band, select BYU 2008, and then watch! There is another video from Fox 13 news, if you want more.....

ASHLEY

Hello Friends and Family.....

Some of you may be the second or third or fourth child in your family. If so, you might remember feeling like you always had to play second fiddle to the older child(ren). Ashley has expressed a deep need to be seen and heard above the roar that is Lindsey's super cool teenage life. So this post is dedicated to Ashley....

ASHLEY MICHELLE NICHOLES

Top Ten Reasons to Celebrate YOU!!!!

1-You have more natural music abilities in your little finger, than most people in the world.
2- You are the BEST babysitter in the world! (From sources other than mom)
3- You are gorgeous, your skin (flawless), your eyes (WOW!), not everyone is that lucky! (At your age I had more zits than teeth! Gross!)
4- You are smart (straight A's) again WOW!
5- You are kind and giving, you have a good heart. (think Lindsey and your "donations" and your choir concert that had you in tears.)
6- You are so stinking creative. Who would have thought to use clear nail polish and glitter, and then give all your sisters a BLING! BLING! pedicure. Your scrapbook ideas, WOW! Your handwriting, WOW! Don't forget your art projects that went way above the normal and average!
7- You make things happen. Ashley, you work hard to get what you want. again, WOW!
8- You are great at debate! In fact I won't be surprised if you become a lawyer or a politician. Maybe one day you will be President of the United States. :) ( Promise me that I can come for Christmas!)
9- You are great at being the boss. See #8
10- You are a good sister. You know every one's secrets and you won't tell a soul, even mom or dad.

If I have left anything out, please leave a comment! Ashley will appreciate any comments, especially from non-parent type people who are cooler and know so much more....