Sunday, December 29, 2013

Emma's Concert Series


A record-setting crowd was on hand to see Emma's final performance of 2013, a year that saw her in all the major European capitals, dazzling heads-of-state and other dignitaries with her keyboard prowess. Here she performs the classic Ding Dong Merrily on High.

Congratulations, Emma, on a wonderful year.





Friday, September 20, 2013

A Child is Born

And so it was, that on the twentieth day of the ninth month in the first decade of the third millennium of the Common Era, during the reign of the last American President, in the largest city in the twentieth-eighth state admitted to the Union, a child was born.

A child destined to rule the Internets, the laser tags, and the boys at her elementary school;

A child who has demonstrated great skills as an author and an artist;

A child known throughout the land as the First Mistress of the Wii;

A child with a name above all other names (except for her sister's), a name that will be praised throughout all of history;

That child - our very own Claire.


Happy birthday, Claire.



Wednesday, August 7, 2013

There and Back Again

Our summer vacation found us on the road, from the greatest state in the union to the happiest place on earth, for a round trip of two thousand thirty six miles.

The keys to a successful roadie - lots of movies for the kids, a list of Chick-fil-A's, state welcome centers, and Coke Zero.

And a destination that is worth the effort.










Yes, it is a small world after all.

And we can't wait to go back.

Monday, July 29, 2013

The Concert for Uncle Matthew

All About Music and Arts

is proud to present

A Concert
Honoring the Birth of Uncle Matthew

starring

Emma Chestnut

Ms. Chestnut will be performing, in its entirety, Lunar Eclipse.

Please hold your applause until the end of the piece.


Saturday, July 20, 2013

Claire at VBS

Claire attended Vacation Bible School this week at the church. The camp ended with performances of the songs they learned. Claire is front and center -




For the grand finale, all the kids performed. Here she's lost in a sea of kids.


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

All Good Things

Emma's final game of the season with the Eliminators was another smashing victory, 8-3.

And it was also Emma's final soccer game. With this, she retires to a life of ease.

It didn't start well, however, as she allowed a first half goal.


She made up for it with several well-placed passes -


And more of her trademark stout defense.


In the second half, she stopped a number of shots -


And attempted several shots on goal. But alas, none found the net.




And with that, so ends the game, the season, and the career.

Monday, May 20, 2013

We Lost Count

Another blowout victory for the Eliminators on Saturday. The final was somewhere between 10 and 13 to 3. It was hot and we kind of lost count.

Emma started in goal, styling some borrowed goalie gloves. While effective, they were too hot. The next time in goal she went without. It didn't matter. Nothing got past her.


Just a random picture.


Emma had two assists on the offensive end, and she really shined on defense. 


Emma's so good she plays with her eyes closed. Just to make it fair.


Emma was team captain this week. That means she provided the post-game snack. And gets to wear the sticker. The coach forgot to give it to her at the start of the game. Probably 'cause it was hot.




Monday, May 13, 2013

Claire Makes History

On the first Sunday of May, Claire made Catholic history, becoming the first girl to not wear a dress for her First Communion.

Congratulations, Claire. You are one of a kind.


Mothers Day

The mothers on Mothers Day.


And the Tran boys. First Jake during a rare still moment. The boy is non-stop.


Little brother Max, in between bites of pizza.




Bounce Back

The Eliminators had a great game Saturday afternoon, trouncing their opponent 11-2 (not that anyone's keeping score). Emma did her part - scoring her second goal of the season and blocking two shots on goal.

First up, Emma on defense. This poor kid was trying his best to dribble past our hero, but she just waited him out and then removed the ball from him.


Emma breaks up one of the few offensive attacks by the other team.


A little synchronized ball striking - 


One of her two stops while in goal. This one was kicked from a long way with a lot of power, but Emma stayed with it. All were impressed.


Finally, Emma runs the pretzel play. Oh, to be young and flexible.


Sunday, May 5, 2013

The Bear

Sometimes you get the bear. Sometimes the bear gets you. Emma and the Eliminators were gotten on Saturday, dropping the match 8-5.

Emma did her best. First, using a well-placed leg to slow down the other team.


Then she stopped a few shots on goal (but did allow a couple through).


Then late in the second half she led a furious, but ultimately futile, rally to try to even the score.


It looks like she was taking on the other team all by herself. And she was.


Alas, her wily opponent used one of Emma's own tricks against her. Aye, foiled again.




Sunday, April 28, 2013

Eliminators Cruise

Emma and the Eliminators cruised to another blow-out victory, winning 10-3, on a cloudy, rain-threatening Saturday afternoon. Emma displayed outstanding defensive work and tended goal well.



While held scoreless, she led several breaks that resulted in scoring opportunities for her teammates.






Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Emma Spring Soccer

Emma's Spring soccer season has started and Saturday was her first game (she missed the season opener to attend the Aggie Spring football game).

Emma scored a goal, gave up a goal, and knocked down a boy. And her team won, 10-1. An all-around excellent day.

She models her uniform, once again green. Must be the Irish in her.


And they're off!



In this league, the ages range from 10 to 15. Emma works to get around one of the giants.


Always strong on defense.


Alas, the one goal allowed was a wee bit tall for her.


And finally, the part everybody loves - taking someone down.


Instead of the elbow, Emma was little more subtle. See how she strategically placed her left foot on his right toes. Smooth.