One of my favorite annual activities is attending the Houston Symphony's free summer concerts, called "Sounds like Fun!" We try to get their early so that the kids can participate in the musical instrument "petting zoo." Tyler enjoyed showing off his trombone skills- playing Darth Vader's march and getting a round of applause from everyone in line. This year, we went to a beautiful Presbyterian church for the concert, instead one of the local high schools. The acoustics were incredible! Since there was a smaller crowd, our kids were able to interact with the conductor more. I loved being three rows away from the musicians. There is no better listening experience than sitting in an intimate atmosphere- engaging your eyes, your ears, even your heart which seemed to keep time with the music. This year, they played one of my favorite pieces of music- Stravinsky's Firebird Suite. On the way home, we tried listening to it in the car. All of the kids agreed that it didn't sound anything like what they had experienced live.
On another note, I have to say that my little "field-trip" was so enjoyable for another reason. I think this is the first year that I was able to take all four of my kids out in public without suffering from any form of anxiety. Not only were they perfectly behaved in the concert, but I also knew that all four of them- Randy included- would stay with me and not wander away at the smallest distraction. Tyler and Emily are old enough to be a huge help to me. And- bonus- I didn't have to haul a diaper bag or worry about any potty accidents! In previous years, we would have to do trips like this on weekends or when Dad had time off. Now, I can picture myself taking all the kids to our favorite museums, movies, maybe even- gasp- the beach on my own. Actually, Daddy was sad he didn't go to the concert with us, so maybe we'll wait for him anyway.
Since my dad was in the military, my family moved a lot while I was growing up. Kim, just a couple of years younger than me, was a great source of comfort when moving to all those new places. We would enter Primary together, and could hang out when we didn't know anyone else in the neighborhood. Although I am the oldest, Kim has been my pioneer- helping me cope with a son diagnosed with autism. She is far more mature and responsible than me and I love her very much. Susan is a lot younger than I am, but the 
My brothers married fantastic women- far better than they deserve, in my opinion. I love hanging with them whenever I get the opportunity- shopping, eating, playing games, laughing. They are each so talented and amazing. I wish that I was closer geographically so that I could be closer to them. I hope my brothers know how blessed they are and that their wives remind them of that fact often. 
While in Utah, I was able to reconnect with a few more of my "sisters"- companions from my mission. I don't think it's an accident that we call each other "Sister" while we serve together. The relationship I formed with my companions is definitely more than friendship. These amazing women shared one of the most remarkable chapters of my life with me. Not only did I learn so much from them, but I had a blast at the same time. I was only able to see Sis. Grant, Sis. Staples and Sis. Parks. (It's still so weird to think of your first names!) It made me miss all of the other sisters I knew but haven't been able to see even more- Sis. Owens, Sis. Wengreen, Sis. Matthews . . . It was amazing how we were able to pick up our friendships even after years of being apart. I marvel at the struggles they've endured and the remarkable wives, mothers and women that they are now. 
It was fun to watch the girls pick out new stuffed friends. I think everyone had a good time. I know I did. Lucy has carried her new rabbit, Cinnamon, every where- getting her dressed in the morning and putting on her PJ's at night.
