Loving Cousin Dexter

While we were in California we were fortunate to spend time with Matt's sister Heather and her husband Brandon and son Dexter. Dexter is 9 months old and is getting pretty mobile. He is absolutely adorable and has the biggest blue eyes. Abby and Dexter are already having a great time together. We went to their new apartment and walked around Fullerton College where Brandon will go to school in the fall. We love spending time with them and are excited to only be 2 hours from them pretty soon.

Matt and Brandon

Abby pushes Dex
Dex pushes Abby
Abby and Aunt Heather

Abby has a wonderful playgroup on Thursday's and she really enjoys all of her friends. I also enjoy going because the Mom's are all amazing women. We will really miss them when we move. Here is Abby in her new swimsuit I found at the huge Disney store sale a couple weeks ago. She picked it out herself!

Abby at the Tempe Beach Splash Park
When I was in Provo years ago I had some unforgettable musical experiences with my friend and fellow musician, Rob Gardner. When I moved to Tempe I found he had moved back to his hometown of Mesa and was able to work with him again. He has written some wonderful works including, "Joseph Smith the Prophet," "He is Jesus Christ," "Saints and Pioneers" and many more. He recently wrote a new work called "Lamb of God" and went to London and recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. He asked if I would come and help him with the choir for the recording. I jumped at the opportunity to work with Rob again and knew I would be working with a marvelous choir (I wish I could have them as my choir). So on the evening of July 16 and all day July 17 I worked with the choir. But I was in a different role than usual--clinician instead of conductor. So Rob (conductor) and the choir each had headphones of the LSO recording and I was listening to the seemingly unaccompanied choir and giving ideas on how to improve things and make the best recording possible. Saturday was a very long day, but it was quite an experience. I just love working with choirs and it was great to know I contributed to what will be an amazing recording. The work will be premiered on September 10 in Gammage auditorium in Tempe.
I was out in front of the choir and giving advice and critique after each recording.
Rob Gardner and Jen after a long day of recording.