You would think they would be better behaved for photos by now 😜 Ah, my beautiful boys!

The boys took part in the music school's spring recital this weekend. They both played beautifully! They have come so far in their musical skills. We are very proud of the effort and progress they have made, and it was a treat to hear them play outside of the house.

I'm a nurse again!! I got a job at a local hospital on their Orthopedic/Surgical/Trauma floor. I'm working PRN, so that should give me a lot of schedule flexibility after orientation is complete. I think it will be the best fit for our family. So far I'm feeling very positive about it. Applying, waiting, negotiating, and waiting for the job to start earlier this month was very stressful. Now that things are settled and I'm easing in, I'm very excited!

Last week was my first time on the clock. Monday was corporate orientation. T-Th was hospital-specific orientation and a LOT of computer training (I'm not even done! But I have a long time to get all the modules completed). Everyone I've met on my unit has been very nice and welcoming. The floor seems chill - a good fit for me these days. I'm looking forward to getting some solid med/surg experience. I spent a few hours following the PT, taking patients down the gym and talking about how nurses can coordinate and support their PT work. Late next week I'll start my actual shift orientation with a preceptor. I'm looking forward to it!

Sam had the final orchestra concert of the year. It's all the elementary classes, orchestra and band, combined into one giant concert. His assigned seating didn't give me the best view - I chose high up on the opposite side so I could see him facing me. Closer down he would have been hidden by others, and the other side would be behind him. So in these videos I tried to point him out each time. That explains the giant blurry finger that pops in and out.

He did so well!! He's excited to join the middle school orchestra and continue studying the cello.

Jack has finished the spring musical Guys and Dolls. Once again he was a part of the build crew - constructing the sets. He also got on the running crew - doing the set changes and acting as usher before the show.

It was a busy busy two weeks leading up the show. The last few days he didn't even have time for dinner between school and show, so I met him in the parking lot to say hi and get food.

The show was great! The sets were beautiful and the scene changes smooth.

Here are some of his photos from friends after the show.

Sam has been working hard and growing his music skills. In orchestra, they had the chance to perform a song of their choice. Sam worked on the Godzilla theme for his cello. He performed it as a solo in front of a packed auditorium! I wasn't able to attend, so Ben took this video for me. He did amazing!

On the piano, Sam has been practicing a piece called "Village Dance:"

Lastly, his whole 5th grade had to perform a mini musical. It was a very corny musical about zombies. Sam did a great job! He put his costume together and did the choreography very well. He had a featured part where he "tangos" with his friend. I took some close-up videos of him:

If you want to watch the whole 30 minute show, his teacher uploaded it here:

Here are lots of photos of other moments this year so far. Ugh, it loaded them in reverse-chronological order. Oh well! We'll go backwards in time, and I'll mix some up to match photo orientation, so it's totally out of order!

Just a quick post to share our quiet birthdays at home.

Ben celebrated his 43rd year with cake and presents.

And I did the same for my 42nd! We also went out to dinner at Red Robin - hot fries and burgers are a special treat! I busted out a puzzle gift and worked on it all week.