Last Tuesday night we sat in the drizzling rain and watched my 15 year old son’s high school marching band perform at a regional competition. They were awesome. Their formations were tight, their knees were not bent, and their pants were hemmed to the appropriate length (high enough to not get wet in a flood).
You could see the performance for yourself, since my daughter filmed it, but I’m not sure how to load the video onto the blog. And anyway, rather than filming the entire band, my daughter focused in on my son. There’s about 10 minutes of him moving left, then right, then to the front, then to the back, then right again, then left….I find it riveting because my son is just that adorable, but it might be a little much for some people.
You’ll have to be satisfied with this picture:
It’s my son’s hat.
Now imagine a really cute kid wearing that hat (and the rest of his uniform), marching in formation, and playing cool music. That’s exactly like my son’s performance!
His high school took first place in their division.
You know who else took first place in their division? The American Fork High School Marching Band. They were awesome as well. They swept all awards. The only awards they didn’t win were 2nd and 3rd place, but only because you can’t win 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place all at the same time (although the teams that took 2nd and 3rd place were really good, too).
The music AF performed was a tribute to veterans, and it also included a tribute to Heather Christensen, the teacher who died in the bus crash over the weekend. I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the stadium. It was well worth waiting in the rain to watch.
I would show you AF’s performance, because of course I’ve got footage, but remember, I don’t know how to load the video. Once again, you’ll just have to use your imagination. I just wish I had another picture of a hat.
I do have a picture of a pan:
It’s not for wearing on the head. I’m showing you this picture because I want you to notice how clean the pan is. Back when I was cooking all that apple stuff, I burned a batch of apples. The bottom of the pan was covered with caked on, burnt gunk. It would not come clean. I soaked it and scrubbed it, but the black remained.
I thought that the only thing the pan was good for now was to turn it upside down and make it into a drum to be used the next time the marching band performed.
My husband had a better idea. He recommended cleaning the pan with a certain soft drink that starts with a “c” and rhymes with joke. I tried it. It worked. We did have to scrub, but all the black came off.
Makes me wonder what the soft drink that starts with a “c” and rhymes with joke does to the lining of the stomach.
I will never drink that stuff again.
Of course, I don’t drink it now.
One bad habit kicked, 35,000 more to go.
My daughter is going into marching band next year and I am hoping that she will never have to wear THAT hat. I am sure her head will fall off from the weight of it.
Btw – such a funny post.
Since you are willing to give up that soft drink that starts with a “c” and rhymes with joke, I’d be willing to give up the one that starts with “p” and sounds like epsi.
Oh, wait. I don’t drink that either.
You’re right. It is easy to kick bad habits.
This is the first time I’ve ever responded to a blog, ever!
I just couldn’t resist. Your writing is great. You do have an adorable son…in fact you have three. It’s nice to be related!
Congrats to the 15 yr. old.
Keep up the good work.
Royce–Somehow they do manage to hold their heads up while wearing those hats. Don’t ask me how. And thanks for the complement.
Louise–I gave up that soft drink, too. Or, maybe I don’t drink that either. Now if only I could give up chocolate.
Nancy–Thanks for commenting and for the complement. It means a lot. (And it did make my day!)