This guy continues to grow taller & older & cooler.  He’s still busy with all things band & attended an eighth-grade band festival this week at a local high school.  Several weeks ago, parents attended a short concert to hear the pieces they’d prepared for the festival.  James is playing bells – the hard, metal mallet instrument you’ll hear.  

James continues to enjoy making various types of artwork.  He has made some fabulous paintings with spray paint and enjoys spray painting many of his retired drumsticks too.  He also enjoys using alcohol markers on various projects.  We really enjoy seeing each new creation he comes up with. 

James’s favorite drummers

James and I recently had an evening to hang out together while Kenny & Anna attended the Dad/Daughter Dance, and we so enjoyed our time.  We started with some shopping for James, then found some snacks for our movie night.  We picked up amazing tacos from Torchy’s for dinner and settled in at home to watch Top Gun: Maverick.  I loved it more than the first Top Gun, and after talking about the similarities & differences, we decided to watch the first movie too.  These memory-making evenings with the kids are some of our favorites!

James is just getting into track season now and we’re looking forward to attending track meets again this spring.  We recently registered James for fall freshman classes and can’t believe we’re already talking high school!  He’s planning on participating in marching band next year, has two school band camps on the calendar for the summer, and is hoping to audition for drumline.  Exciting times ahead!