Winter 2005

This Christmas was busy and fun. On Christmas Eve day, Dad, Suzy, Brennan and I went to Suzy's parents' house for a big celebration. We ate and opened gifts and made the most of the day.  Then on Christmas Eve, Mom, Jan, Sofia and I went to Grandpa Paul's house, where I did more eating and gift opening. I also played "Let It Snow" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" on my trumpet for the kids' "pageant." 

Then it was back to Dad's house to wake up Christmas morning, eat more, and open more with Grandma Joyce. And at noon I went to Mom's, where we ate still more, opened still more with Grandma Joanie... and collapsed in a heap by late afternoon!

I had a great time not only receiving gifts but watching the reactions of people to whom I gave them. The biggest present I got this year was an X-Box from Santa for bringing home good grades. I also got a really cool speaker system for my computer. But I also really liked some more useful things, like a combination mute for my trumpet [right] and some cool new clothes (yes, I like clothes now).

I gave Mom a basket of lavender spa treatment products, and I gave Jan some electronic toys. I got Dad a poker chip set and the game Kerplunk. For Sofia, I "stuffed" and picked out clothes for a Build-a-Bear poodle, which is now on her shelf watching over her. I felt like this was the first year that I was really excited to have people open the gifts I gave them.

Jr. High Jazz Band, January

In January I started playing in the Junior High Jazz Band, which rehearses 1 hour before school Monday through Thursday. This is in addition to the 7th Grade Concert Band I play with every day. The Jazz Band has six trumpets, five trombones, six saxophones, two bass players, two pianists, two drummers, and two vibraphone players. We play jazz music like How about You?, Call Me Irresponsible, Boogie Down, and Days of Wine and Roses. I like them all. 

The first gig I performed in was February 4th. We played at the school's fund-raising auction [right], and we were actually auctioned off to play a private party in May!