Mark received his acceptance letter from BYU the day after his 18th birthday. He has another semester of high school left, and he needs to keep his grades up for possible scholarship opportunities, but he can breathe a little easier knowing that his first big grown-up hurdle is over. He's going to the university of his choice!
Scott and Sue Family
Mark finishes his Academy Project
One of Mark's desires this year was to earn an enhanced diploma by completion of the Lone Peak High School Academy Program. This required a research paper. a senior project, community service, and a presentation to a committee. Since Mark wants to go into sound recording, he decided to do a sound recording project. So he purchased a mixer that would connect to the computer, learned to use the accompanying software, and recorded 5 songs himself. They included Mark playing an electric guitar duet of "The Star Spangled Banner", singing a John Denver song to his guitar accompanient, a cello piece, and a song where Mark played the piano, cello, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and sang. Mark is one of about 30 in his graduating class to get this honor. He did a great job and is glad to have this done!
Joyful Christmas Sounds
Tonight, our family is singing in Alpine's annual "Joyful Christmas Sounds" a community concert that has been a tradition for over 25 years. Conducted by Marvin Payne, this is the fifth year that someone from our family has participated (Sue-5 years, Scott-3 years, Mark-3 years, Brian 3 years). It's always been a treat to learn from Marvin and sing with all the incredible talent that is here. This is the first year that all of us have participated in the adult choir (sometimes they have a children's choir and Mark and Brian did that one year). Brian is also playing viola in a string quartet that is accompanying the choir on "For Unto us a Child is Born". In addition to the choir numbers, other local talent performs solo or small group numbers.
Brian’s Eagle Court of Honor
Some pictures from Brian's Court of Honor (I'll get more added later along with descriptions)
Brian is describing his Eagle project, where he made gifts to be sold in one of the gift shops at the Festival of Trees.
Brian is taking the Eagle pledge, given by one of his Scout leaders, Scott Hardy.
Scott, Sue, Brian, and Scott Hardy, just after Brian received his Eagle award and the parent pins were given.
Tuacahn 2006
This year we had an adventure at Tuacahn. We went down to see “South Pacific” and there were some wildfires going on in Southern Utah. We had a little bit of rain and there was some smoke but we didn’t think it was going to be too bad. But the fire was in a nearby canyon and the smoke increased steadily during the pre-show dinner and pre-show on the plaza and we were getting a little concerned when we started seeing ash fall on us. The show started but the smoke was getting worse and worse, and finally during the first act they called off the show because it was getting too dangerous and the actors couldn’t see very well. That’s the first time we’ve gotten a rain check there.
We had a busy rest of the summer and couldn’t go again until early September and Mark ended up not being able to go with us. We were all sad about that, but they gave us a gift card to use next year for the price of his ticket. We found out it’s very pleasant weather at the end of the run. Note to self. The show was great and we loved it!