Natalie’s Concert was at the “Theatre at Mountainview”

We hadn’t heard of this theatre.  It turns out the Auburn Symphony’s regular concert hall was being remodeled so they have rented this one in Kent for the year.  Then, we saw that it was in Mountainview High School – wondered about the name. 

Of course!

  

On Sunday, we were able to see why it was called that…A MOUNTAIN VIEW!!!

 Can you imagine going to a high school with a view like this? 

Later we went to our friend’s apartment in the Wesley Homes (a retirement center and one of the best we have seen), the Gardens Building in Des Moines (WA) and saw this beautiful sunset – from her room!

Good Friends Come to the Concert

Dear family friends joined us at the concert.   Shall I say “old friends”?  Well, they aren’t necessarily “OLD”, but we’ve known them for years!

Janice and Clare cared for Joan’s mother for 13 years after she contracted dementia, from 2000-2013 in the Angle’s Adult Family Home, the absolutely best care ever!  They knew all the family and Natalie when she was so little, so they were so happy to be able to see her concert.

     About the evening, Janice wrote us, “I cannot express my gratitude for sharing with us the last night’s event.  So proud of your family.  Praying and loving you guys.…”

 

         Joan’s friends Judi and Gerard from high school drove down from Camano Island.  They had looked up a photo of Natalie when she had visited their property when she was 2 years old .. (We will not share it now since Natalie might be embarrassed – no reason to, but such a “little girl” picture!)

     Beverly used to babysit Keenan and Andy when they were little so she was thrilled to come to the concert and to see Andy again.  She also had looked up “old” photos to share with him!

   So much fun seeing these friends again!

 

Happy Valentine’s Day Everyone!

Tonight is the date we have waited for over a year as Natalie has her big solo concert with the Auburn Symphony.  We canceled our usual Mexico trip in order to be here  -- she gave us enough lead-time!  www.auburnsymphony.org

     

Yesterday the Renton Technical College Culinary Classes sponsored a special Valentine buffet lunch and we went with friends.  They have a nice dining room separate from the regular cafeteria fare and it makes it a very nice place to eat, and very reasonable prices too.

Quite a menu

Fancy dessert table

Students served (and of course, had cooked the items too)

HS Solo and Ensemble Festival

The "Double-Decker Destroyers"
(Natalie, trumpet, Clayton, tuba)

Foggy and rainy as we head out this morning for the Northlake Regional High School Solo and Ensemble Festival at Redmond HS.  We saw our grandchildren play in the Eastside Brass Quintet, Clayton’s tuba solo by John Williams and a great Percussion Ensemble piece in which Clayton played the marimba.  We saw many soloists and groups play, as well as several other students from Eastside.  Thoroughly enjoyable and wonderful to see so many high school students serious about music and trying so hard.  The adjudicators were so positive with their comments for everyone. 

  Clayton will be going to the State Festival (Competition) in April.

11 were in the Percussion Ensemble

Joan likes this movement in motion