Dinner at LaCaille

If you haven't been to LaCaille before, it is an amazing experience! My second cousin and his wife (just met her for the first time at Grandpa's 90th) Wendell & Amberlee invited us to a gala for a great cause they are part of. They are trying to raise awareness about the children in Utah (250 children/year in Salt Lake County alone) that age out of the foster care program without any family--left to take care of themselves without anyone to turn to for guidance, love and support. Lou and I enjoyed an amazing evening in the most beautiful setting (20 acres developed to look like 1700 France with several different beautiful buildings, a vineyard, ponds, fountains, bridge, gazebos, rabbits & peacocks roaming free, etc. . .--absolutely charming!). The food was amazing and the cause is heartbreaking. They had a silent and a live auction to raise money for these children. It's a bit frightening to be in the same room where things are being auctioned off for thousands of dollars (at one point, Lou noticed that I had scratched my face and was afraid that I had bid on an item). I would love to donate to the cause, but my circumstances wouldn't allow that kind of money to come from me! I'm hoping to have Lou's business sponser a table at their function next year.

I feel a bit stupid posting these pictures of myself, but if it were you--I'd want to see you too! Right? Right! We're usually posting pictures of our children, so I thought I'd post one of myself in a suit that I've never had occassion to wear before. When I got all dressed up and came out of my room, Emma took one look at me and said, "BEEEAAAUUUUTTTIFUL. . .," as only she can say. Gehrig told me, "You look nice Mom." And Damian said, "You look skinny." Isn't it great to have kids that compliment?!!

Beethoven's Ode to Joy

Lou and I were given tickets (last minute) to join my parents and Smith family for a concert at Abravenal Hall this past Friday. It was spectacular! Lou said he enjoyed 5-10 minutes of it! :) We had a great time! Thanks for thinking of us!

Keith Lockhart, conductor

Garrick Ohlsson, piano

Lori Phillips, soprano

Mary Phillips, mezzo-soprano

Robert Breault, tenor

Alfred Walker, bass-baritone
Utah Symphony Chorus

Ushering in his final season with the Utah Symphony, Keith Lockhart returns with two of your favorite music icons. Pianist Garrick Ohlsson will perform Beethoven’s most admirable and artistically complex piano concerto (no 4). Then the Utah Symphony Chorus will join the orchestra for Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9.