Christmas 2016 and a birthday

A few weeks prior to Christmas, Grandpa N and Sharon came to visit. 

They took each grandchild out for a special date. 

Everyone working on their gingerbread house. 

Some had the philosophy--the more candy the better!

 And Miss B. thought she could get keep getting older on us by turning 19! We celebrated with birthday donuts and a trip to the mall where she got her very own phone!

We love our B!

 Christmas rolled around and I forgot to take the kiddos' pics in front of the tree like we usually do. I guess I was too excited by the gift they got me--a selfie stick! Now everyone will "fit" in the photo.

Christmas morning right before church--trying out the selfie stick. 

These are some of my favorite folks in the whole world. 

The Sound of Music--Meet the Bassuba Brothers

In November, X-man had the opportunity to compete in the All-Region band competition in our area. The top musicians from several schools in the region perform selections of music in front of judges. Those that score the highest move on to be in an All-region band made up of members from all different schools. X-man practiced his tuba-playing skills for months, handled the pressure of multiple rounds of playing in front of judges and peers, and made it into the All-Region Honor band! He was thrilled; we were thrilled!!Yippee!

After rehearsing for a weekend with a director and musician that had never played together before, the Honor All-Region band put on a concert for their parents. Impressive!  And X-man did SO well. Way to go, Tall Man!

 L. has also been busy developing his musical talent, playing the piano and bassoon. In December, he played his piano pieces at a retirement home. He did really fabulous.  One of the residents kept saying "Wow! Wow!" while he was playing and then clapped loudly when he finished. He beamed. His teacher, Leah Williams, has been fantastic also.

What do you have when you have two brothers playing a bassoon and a tuba? 

Why, you have The Bassuba Brothers! 

I love that they love music and keep our house alive with the Sound of Music!