Ethan and Ehlana:
We’re home from Maple Valley to pack overnight bags for our respective sleepovers with Naomi or Aiden; so this is going to be a quick update and we’ll go with a weekend report tomorrow night.
Our school dance adventures started with setting up our band gear; we stayed at the school for Pizzeria pizza and helped with other dance set-up work; and then we used the locker rooms to change in time for the start of the dance. We didn’t hit the stage right away – there was a half-hour or so of social time with canned music after the doors opened; and then we played two sets with another break for music videos between the two hours and change of ‘live’ music. We went with a mix of Christmas and pop songs that included ballads and dance tunes; and our fellow teens and tweens had a blast and appreciated our contributions to the holiday fun. We had fun too; and really loved sharing our music and doing that with our four best friends. We had some dance time too during the break and some chat time with our friends too; and then we dealt with the clean-up after the dance ended. That’s why we didn’t get home until well-after midnight. Naomi, Aiden, Sophia, and Aaron came home with us; we stayed up too-late watching a Christmas movie and talking until well-past two; and then we only had time for a nap before we needed to be up early to get ready for the trip to Maple Valley for their Christmas parade.
Mom and Dad took care of the hot breakfast for us; we cleaned up; and then headed to the school for the bus ride. We were entertained during the ride – including teen drama stories from the dance; and then we were busy for a while once in Maple Valley getting everything set up on the trailer our band was using for the parade; we had time after that for hot drinks and some social time with everyone in the staging area; and then our band was placed at the end of the parade this year – right ahead of Santa and his sleigh. It has been cold today with a chilly wind issue too; so while it was Christmassy it was also challenging to play and stay warm – especially when we had the extra wait in the staging area before we headed out onto the route. The band time was great even with the weather challenges; and we had a lot of hometown support – including from our family. Cassie and Michael brought all of their nieces and nephews with help from Mom and Dad; we had aunts, uncles, and cousins there too; and they cheered us on when we passed their location near the end of the route.
When we got to the end of the parade route, we had to pack up our gear and haul it to the bus; and then we had a couple of free to enjoy the Christmassy fun going on all day around Maple Valley. We did a group picture with Santa; had some treats and hot chocolate; played some games; and watched a short show on the main stage. We spent some time with our families too while sharing the adventures; and then we were back at the bus on-time for the trip home. That ride was entertaining too with everyone chatting about what we each did with that free time. When we got back to town, we were kept busy with putting band gear back into the music room; and then we split up and headed to our homes.
Ehlana and I got here before Mom and Dad because they still needed to drop kids off at Cassie and Michael’s house. They weren’t far behind us; so we had time for a quick chat before Ehlana and I came upstairs to do this update and other computer checks while getting packed. Mom and Dad are looking forward to their kid-free night ahead of Dad’s week in the city; and we will not write about their plans at all. This isn’t ending up very short and we do need to get to the Drapers or Seagers homes; so we’ll wrap this up and do that. Our Christmas video pick is still a favorite version of a classic; and this video synchronizes the song with a Christmas lights show – one of a handful of displays we’ve seen set-up to this song. Enjoy the music and lights while we get back to having fun with our best friends!
Until next time, live with love, fellow Magi of the Light!
