Nilsson News

I didn't post last week because it was a rather miserable week with Garrett being gone for a conference in Boise and three of the five kids ending up with the stomach flu.  No fun!  In spite of being sick but on the uphill climb, Addy competed in the local Sonatina competition (one of the judges was Kevin Olsen, one of Lauren's USU professors) and took first place in her division!  It was definitely a blessing among the trials of the week.
Yesterday, Addy, Emerson and Eliza had a neat opportunity to participate with their choir in filming a music video.  It was filmed in Frank Vandersloot's barn on his ranch.  He is the owner of Melaleuca and is the one who funds the 4th of July fireworks.  When we walked into the building, the kids looked around and said, "Mom, is this really a barn?"  Compared to ours,...um, no.  It was an awesome venue and the kids did great!  We will let you know when the video comes out so you can all see it.  Hopefully in time for Christmas!
They have broken ground across the street from us for a new subdivision (tears).  What would make it not so horrible of a thing is if some of you built a home there!  There will only be seven homes I believe and they will be on three acre lots.  Any takers?  Mannings?  Bellistons?  Flakes?  We would love you for neighbors but we wouldn't be in the same ward.  Think about it....the Harts make pretty good neighbors too!
We are super excited to see you guys  next week and for Thanksgiving!

 The sonatina competition

 We went with our homeschool friends to see the Darwin and Dinosaurs exhibit at the museum.  It was a blast!

 Look how much fun we have in Idaho!  We had a great craft day, making dream catchers and medicine pouches to go along talking about the Native Americans who lived in Idaho.  The kids went adventuring afterward and filled their pouches with all sorts of herbal leaves and remedies.

 Leaves!  We are just getting to our leaf raking.

 This is the Rexburg children's choir with the Fiddle Express singing "Stars Were Gleaming."  Addy is with the middle group and Emerson and Eliza are off to the right side.