Spring String Thing

For the second year in a row, Soph participated at the Spring String Thing at JMU over Memorial Day weekend and we all went down to Harrisonburg on Sunday to hear them play:

KD Spring Formal 2024

Pictures from Abby:

Happy 23rd Anniversary!

We had our dinner (which I won at an auction!) a few days early since Alex and Steph were coming for the long weekend. We didn't actually take a picture of ourselves, but here are a few snaps from the meal:

Bacon End-of-year Bash

Benji isn't much for sharing photos, but luckily I can sometimes crib them from Instagram feeds:

Evans Orchestra Final Concert 2024

They only played two pieces this concert, but they were both long and difficult:

Since winds are seated at the back, you can really only see Benji when they stand for applause (he's in the dead center of this picture, all the way in the back). They received a standing ovation from the audience for the 1812 Overture

This concert was titled strings and sneakers and they were asked to wear their orchestra t-shirts and sneakers instead of usual concert attire

UVA Baseball Game

UVA gave CCS teachers free tickets to a game, and we got to go on Saturday, which was the last regular season game:

Green Key Weekend 2024

 Abby sent us some photos and videos -- looked like a fun time!

Band Banquet 2024

I agreed to coordinate the band banquet this year, which turned this into a far more stressful night than last year, but everything went well:

Benji receiving his varsity star

I handmade 40 of these centerpieces, and was glad they were well received

I knit a CHS music themed gnome to go with the gift I picked out from the boosters

In addition to his star, Benji received his all-district pin and certificate and was recognized for being one of 11 students (and only clarinet) to score high enough to receive an invitation for an all-state audition (marking him, in Mr. Hackworth's words, as one of the very top on his instrument across the whole state)

Post--AP Exam lunch

Continuing the tradition. Benji and I grabbed lunch at Noodles and Company after he finished his AP World History exam:

National Buttermilk Biscuit Day

 

Northern Lights in Virginia

We were told we might be able to see them, so we ventured outside (but were not confident enough of a sighting to head to an actual dark sky area). It was crazy to be able to see them so well just in our neighborhood!

Mother's Day 2024

We had a very quiet day at home, only venturing out for the reunion brunch at the law school. Benji was studying for his AP exam today, we've all been a little under the weather, and we had no place we had to be. Abby called to talk twice, though, and sent this sweet card:

Benji's 16th Birthday Poster

Pop-pop made him a Rome-themed one this year:

Mud Pit and Kona Ice

Abby sent us a video from Hanover of sliding into a mud pit with friends. Shortly after, she sent us this selfie with Clair, so apparently that was followed by shaved ice:

Spring Band Concert

This was a fun one, and Benji had an awesome solo:

Benji sharing a high 5 with Jayla, the other soloist

Soloists being recognized

Paintball up North

Abby shared pictures of her adventures in paintball with some of her engineering friends:

Before

After