Dallas and the National American Choral Directors Association Conference

In March Austin’s high school choir had been invited as one of three high school choirs to present at the National music conference for choir teachers, composers and conductors all over the world in Dallas, Texas.  I did not want Austin to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity, but with him being so sick wasn’t sure how to make it happen for him.  After speaking with his choir teacher, Mr. Iverson, we agreed that If Austin’s doctors thought it would be alright and I could accompany him, it would be okay for him to go on the tour.  Eric and I hurried and found tickets, the choir re-arranged chaperones and room assignments to fit me in and a few weeks later Austin and I were boarding a plane to Dallas.  I was so glad Austin didn’t have to miss this. 

Myerson Symphony Center

Winspear Opera House

He got to sing for some of the best composers and conductors in the world.  The Winspear Opera House and the Myerson Symphony Center were both beautiful venues and were packed.  The choir’s program was met with standing ovations and brought them world wide acclaims.  They were invited to come to the World Choir Convention in 2014 because of their performance, but had to decline due to the expenses and safety concerns of international travel with a large group of students.

These are the composers of the pieces the choir sang.  Throughout the year they had opportunities to have these composers come and help them work on their songs.

One day the group went to Six Flags.  I wasn’t sure how Austin was going to deal with that, but after throwing up a few times, I think his stomach got so confused on the rides that it didn’t know whether to be sick or not so he actually had a pretty good day.  

Downtown Dallas touring:

Don't Mess with Texas

The Subway System

The Bus System

The Spot of Kennedy's Assassination 

It was fun to be with Austin and his friends.  I am sure his first choice wouldn't have been to have his mother as a tag-along, but I will always have very fond memories of this time with Austin.

Easter

For Easter our family, along with Lani and Cathy, went up to the Heywood Hideaway  in Mossyrock, Washington for a little R&R.  It was a great weekend.

  McKenna played Easter bunny and orchestrated the best Easter Egg Hunt ever.  She sectioned the cabin property off into zones and assigned each of us a zone and a color.  We each hid eggs of all colors in our zone then Mckenna had us draw colors.  We would hunt all over the property for the color of egg that we drew. 

 Everyone was able to hide the eggs and everyone was able to hunt.  It was so fun.

Here are a few of the hiding spots:

It was really a tough hunt.  Can you find the egg in the following picture?

 Look a little closer...

McKenna even had prizes organized and had hidden a “golden egg” with a grand prize.  

Eric found the golden egg and got a blue ribbon and chocolate bunny for his effort.  

What a creative and talented daughter we have.  

We all had a fun weekend and enjoyed all the cabin had to offer.