Natalie graduated from middle school (yes there were a lot of graduates in our family this month) which is the 8th grade here. She has made the decision to attend a different high school next year which means that she will no longer be at school with most of her friends. This decision was not easy for Natalie but ultimately she decided that a better music program would be advantageous to her. Not to mention the fact that Ms. Maucotel will be her orchestra teacher next year. This next pic sums up how Natalie felt the last day of school:
poor little thing. Just look at all these buddies she won’t see at school.
The good news is that these gals live in our neighborhood and go to church with us. Natalie will still have great reasons to see them 🙂
Cassidy-maybe Natalie will see her at dance next year?
Jasleen has been such a great friend to Natalie. Natalie says she’s the kindest person she knows, always willing to help her out.
The weekend of Stake Conference, my Aunt and Uncle (who are serving as missionaries in Tacoma) paid us a visit. Mom and Dad were in town for the girl’s dance recital and decided to stick around so they could attend conference and support Bryan. So glad they could all be there with us. Bryan did a great job, though he’ll never admit it. The Lord knew what Bryan needed to say and helped him in the nick of time.
The girls even got Max hooked on the filters.
Let this be documentation that Grandpa Bair will on occasion play games- though hardly ever, mind you!
After cleaning up from the boy’s grad/mission party, Erin and I sat and enjoyed the sun for a little while. It was fun to watch our adult boys play games in the back yard. Some things never change and it reminded me of all the times we did this when they were little.
Sadie was playing with the Maner boys one day. Weston came inside, upset because he could not find Sadie and Dylan anywhere. It took us a while to find them as they were up in our backyard tree. I’m so glad our trees are tall enough that they can be climbed!
Jenna and Natalie did a ballet intensive at Evergreen City Ballet for a week. It was so nice that Jenna could drive her back and forth. This was a great experience for Natalie as they learned MANY types of dance from many different, skilled instructors. Natalie even did hip hop- something she’s never tried before. You can see how her feet responded to all the dancing!
With Ms. Maucotel’s amazing help, Natalie performed a cello recital at our home. It was about an hour of many of her pieces that she’s learned throughout the year. It was such a big accomplishment for her to get all these pieces ready. I was lucky enough to accompany for her on some of them, which guaranteed that we spent a lot of time together. Her friend, Claire, also brought her violin and performed with Natalie. Natalie also played a cello duet with Ms. Maucotel by Vivaldi. Her final piece was “A Thousand Years” with Max. I am so proud of her. And so very thankful that she’s been able to take lessons as it’s made a world of difference!
Emily was one of Max’s first friends that he had to say goodbye to as she took off on an HEFY adventure. Sure love this girl and know she will love her time at BYU!
Katrina and Sadie took a week of swimming lessons. Katrina was the only student in her class which basically meant she got a private lesson. Check out her cool dives! They both love the water!
“Music of the Night” was perfected this month by Katrina. She’d even sing along which made us all smile. She’s really doing well with her new teacher.
My cousin Jake has a little daughter named Layla. Layla has been at Seattle Children’s Hospital this month with many health issues going on. I was so glad we have been able to connect with them a little bit and pay her a visit. Poor little thing is hooked up to so many machines. But thank goodness for modern medicine! The latest news is that her new treatment has been going well and that she’s making improvements.
Since we were at the hospital we had to go visit the memorial wall and find Mara’s name one more time before Max leaves.
Sadie and Katrina went to a camp out with their friend, Ashlyn. They had a great time and we loved knowing that they were literally right outside since Ashlyn is our next door neighbor.
Max and Natalie grabbed the Marshall kids and attended the temple to do some baptisms. I am proud of their hard work finding family names!
No need for anyone to look too closely at this calendar but it represents one of the craziest months the Adams Family has ever known. We are thankful for the sustaining power of prayer in helping us get through lots of events, big and small!
The end of June was met with the terrible news that our friend, Emily Stout, had passed away. Though Emily has not lived in Auburn for years, we have had the chance to rub shoulders with her on occasion. We just really, truly love her and her amazing family. Her death was tragic and sudden. I will never forget Emily and ache for her dear husband, 3 children, her amazing mom and sister, her brothers, and many others who adore and love her. Her funeral service was incredible as the Seattle Philharmonic and Ensign Symphony and Chorus performed. Emily was a member of each group from time to time and an incredible musician. I made a detailed list of memories I remembered with Emily on Facebook. Her passing reminds me how fragile life is. I love this woman and know that Heavenly Father must have truly needed her. I can’t wait to see why because right now I simply cannot understand.