HMS Christmas Band Concert

Dallin getting ready for his solo part in the "Bugler's Holiday".

Part of the trumpet section ready for their debut.

His band buddies after the concert. Carter, Jesse, Julie, Dallin, Best and Miguel ready to head out for their icecream celebration.

Dallin had his Christmas concert last week. The 8th grade band played a mix of Christmas tunes and band music for their song selections. Dallin loves the band, playing the trumpet and his band buddies.

1st Piano Recital

Gretchen started taking piano lessons in April of this year. She absolutely loves to go see Ms. June and I never have to remind her to practice. She plays a great Jackson 5's ABC and we love to hear her play Rocky Top. She had her 1st piano recital this past Friday. She seemed a little surprised when she found out people would be watching besides us, but I assured her it was everyone's families. She played the Star Wars theme song and O Christmas Tree (which was a last minute change up). She decided on Monday to switch songs so its a little slow. She did a great job and we are so thrilled that she is growing a talent.

What October Held for the Hopfer Gang

October is ALWAYS our busiest month. It always has been and if it ever slowed down, I honestly would not know what to do with myself. We have had 3 out of town gymnastics meets, 3 out of town band competitions, 4 football games, 6 birthday parties, Halloween festivities, 5 showings on the house-(which clearly was not enough but enough to make me clean it ALL the time), a jam packed work travel schedule for Richard and all the regular practices, hw, meetings, cleaning, cooking that comes with a family. We managed to squeeze in lots fun and laughs, family pictures by our bestie, Neal, and lots of photos of the events. I blogged a little today, so catch up with us.

Fall Break Fun at Gentry's Farm

This is one of my favorite places to go with the kiddos each year. Something about it makes for a super laid back, relaxing fall fun day at the farm. My kids never get tired or too old for it either, which makes it even more fun. This time we went for Fall Break with our buds and made some more great TN memories.

My favorite 10 year old

The boys waiting for the hay ride.

One day I am going to buy a cow...and not to eat, just like a pet cow. So, I guess I should get out of a neighborhood., huh?

The gang enjoying another perfect fall day in TN.

Every hay ride must end in a pumpkin for my biggest pumpkin head....and the little pumpkin heads too. Gentry's has the a great selection of pumpkins: big, med, small, super tiny, orange, white, yellow, green and even flat. Love It!

Bandmaster's Championship

The band earned a spot to compete at the Bandmaster's Competition this year in Memphis. So, we loaded up and followed the buses and 18 wheeler to the University of Memphis for one fantastic show. The band did a great job and it was really cool to see them playing in such a large stadium. We stayed for a while to watch the BIG bands put on some amazing shows.

My favorite trumpet player is in the front of this line.

Marching out to play "A Native American Story"


Dallin has loved every minute playing his trumpet this season at the 3 day a week/3 hour practices, 17+hour competition days and long nights of football games.

The IHS band waiting to take the field at the Bandmaster's Championship held at the University of Memphis-Liberty Bowl.

Dallin has a couple more weeks of practice, a couple of Christmas parades and then he will be one sad trumpet player...waiting until next year's marching season to begin.

This time in Florida. :)

Music City Invitational

It always helps to have a good luck bestie to cheer you on!

Gretchen is my most dedicated kiddo. When she sets her mind to doing something, you better hold on to your hats because she will not hold back. She has had a great season so far but was really wanting to increase her beam and floor scores. She kept telling us and her coaches all week, I am going to do it this meet. I am going to go big and stick it. I am proud of her for working hard and for being a great sport all along the way!

Gretchen did a super job at the meet this weekend, which was hosted by our home gym, Let It Shine. She scored 9.500 on floor-2nd place, 9.450 beam-2nd place, 9.475 uneven bars-4th, and 9.450 vault-4th place. She took 3rd place All Around-37.875 total score! The whole team did outstanding and completely blew away the competition. 1st place with a team score of 116.125

Great friends, great meet and great fun! One more meet to go....

TN State Championship here we come!

Hard Work Pays Off!

Warming up with the team. She is the first gal in the front helping to lead the warmup & stretches.

Beam routine beginning.

Looking good....nice and tight.

Floor routine

More beautiful floor routine.

Heading into her vault.

Handstand into landing.

Pep talk from Coach Matt before uneven bars.

Glide swing.

Middle Circle.

Cast.

Front Hip Circle/Shoot Thru.

2nd place uneven bars! 9.550

4th place floor and 4th place vault. 9.400 and 9.050

3rd place All Around!

WAY TO GO GRETCHEN! We are proud of all her hard work. She is a wonderful example to our family of dedication, perserverance and team spirit. She is a great cheerleader for her fellow teammates and is one of the first to give them a big hug of congratulations. We are so happy to have an amazing start to her gymnastics season. (Her level 4 team won 2nd place.)1 meet down.......5 to go.

P.S. Last year, we referred to the uneven bars as her dragon to slay. She worked so hard at the skills and would often come home with the worst rips and tears on those sweet little hands from all that dedication. Well, she definately slayed that dragon yesterday! I was so excited when she finished and even more when they posted her score....I screamed, which scared my sweet cheering companion Angie to death. :) Funny! I was just SO excited for my girl.

Who's Ready for Some Gymnastics?

Every gymnast needs some pixie dust to keep her "flying" and sticking to the beam.

These are the leos from our gymnastics meet we host. The team wore these since it was a pre-season meet.

Cheering for her fellow teammates on floor.

Handstand into front forward roll during her floor routine.

Look at that leap!

A pep talk from Coach Matt before the bar routine.

This girl has some serious upper body strength.

Even while working hard she finds a little time for some fun with her buddies. Gretchen has made some great friends on the team.

We are excited for meet season to begin to watch Gretchen show off those gymnastics skills she works so diligently on each week. She never complains about those long hours of practice, rips on her hands or tired muscles. I am proud of her dedication and true love of the sport and her teammates.

Friday Night Lights in TN

Dallin was invited to join the HS marching band this year, as an 8th grader. He will be marching at the football games and band competitions. So, we decided to head out for some good old American Friday night fun. We even had some burgers & fries to kick off the evening.

We loaded up the gang and our best buds to head over to the 'Boro. We watched some exciting football....

heard the "PERFECT" cheer..........

got some great shots................

had some good laughs thanks to the fans and tons of inappropriate teens..................

had some great girl talk.................

saw one of the cutest trumpet players..................

watched the back of the band perform.....................

(they were being polite to their hosts :) I guess)

remembered the good old days of being in the band...............

had our hair get a little crazy from the humidity...............

danced so much to the band's pep music that we got thirsty..................

All for our favorite trumpet player! I am so grateful that he is increasing his music skills, making new friends, and having an awesome time! So, come out & join the fun!