THE NEWTON'S

We got back from Indianapolis and the marching band was still playing at football games... they school made the first round and won their game in the playoffs while we were in Indy.  So we had two playoff games I think after we were back.   Ashley was able to come home for a few days the week of thanksgiving and I still had a couple shows at the pavilion I was finishing up the 2019 season with, and at the same time the color guard started gearing up for their winter season, and the band kids were auditioning for region band.  Alyssa tried out for Region Band and made the first call back, and then did her second part of the tryout's and made the region band!  It was a great accomplishment for her and validated all the practice she had put into her audition piece.  We had fun going and watching her play with her region band.  The same week- the Color guard had their auditions to split into the World Guard and the A Guard.  World Guard is the ...

Rich and I were able to make the trip out to Indianapolis this year to support the band and for the National competition.  We booked our hotel the previous February, before anyone knew where the highschool band would be staying.  We found out in August that the band was staying at the same hotel as we were.  When we went to check in and then checked in with the girls... imagine our surprise that they were on the same floor... and same hallway as we were!  lol!  crazy how things work sometimes.  Hey if I'm going to be in a hotel with hundreds of highschool kids... I'd rather be in the one with the kids I know. :) We had a great time watching and supporting the band- even though we both were sick and fighting colds for the entire trip... so we went and watched, then went back to the hotel and napped, and repeat, for the three days we were there. :) We flew home on Rich's birthday... with abou...

Our Fall of 2019 was busy again.  Alyssa and Angela started Summer Band Camp before school started.  Alyssa turned 16 and got her drivers license.  Ashley and Rich went and picked out a car that Ashley is buying (with some help from us) so the kids car she had been driving could be passed down to Alyssa to use.   Ashley and I flew out to Utah and attended my sister Susan's wedding.  It was a beautiful day and we had a very busy but fun trip out there.  We were able to squeeze in a few visits with friends as well.   School started, and after last year's full crazy schedule, this year I found I had a lot more free time with both Angela and Alyssa ending their days at the same school.  Ashley moved from the dorms into an apartment in San Antonio.  She loved being able to have a full kitchen and more freedom over food/meal choices.  Ashley started a new job as a medical coder at the hospital and continue...

That summer we had quite a bit of fun planned.  Alyssa and Angela went with the youth of our Stake to Nauvoo for a week long Youth Conference.  While they were gone to Nauvoo  (pictures from the stake  http://thewoodlandsldsyouth.org/nauvoo-pics  ), Rich and I took a Cruise in the Eastern Carribean.  As soon as we all got back, I had one day to turn around and repack for Girls Camp!  Then we had a couple of weeks at home before Alyssa, Angela, Rich and I went on a summer road trip through Ohio, and New York.  We ended the trip in New York City.