New York it is

It’s official. Derek, Shelby and Zoe will be moving to New York in August so that Derek can attend the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY and earn his PhD in music theory. Derek and Shelby went for a quick trip back to check out the area and so Derek could meet with the faculty, advisors, etc. Zoe stayed home with Grandma Ostler. Derek was impressed with the faculty and felt good about the program. Shelby had made a few contacts before they left and went for an interview at the local YMCA where she was hired on the spot as a personal trainer. This will be great for them. Derek really doesn’t want her to have to work outside the house but she’ll need to until he’s out of school. Once Zoe turns 2 she’ll be able to go with Shelby to the YMCA and attend a preschool program there which will be a good experience for her.  I’m already sad at the thought of them leaving but I’m proud of Derek for his work ethic that’s allowed him to be accepted into one of the top music schools in the country. This will be a good experience for them and it will give Doug and I a chance to visit a different area of the country!

In other news this week we went to see Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Centerpoint Theatre with the Wingets on the 28th. We had planned this several weeks in advance. Derek did the musical direction for this show and we like to support him when we can. Of course, planning things out in advance usually means that there will be complications. Well, Devan and Cindy’s new baby girl decided to be born early in the morning on the 28th! She’s a pretty little girl named Lilly Rose and she looks a lot like her big sister Daphne, at least from the pictures they showed us.  She came early enough that they were able to spend time at the hospital and we still had time to go eat out before the show. It was a fun night.

Dave came for dinner tonight. I figured since March had five Sundays that Kathy needed another break so invited him again. We were all in kind of a laid back and lazy mood so didn’t really do anything (puzzles, games, etc) but just visited a bit. Doug always goes all out and makes a nice dessert though.

Anney sent us Finley’s official soccer picture. I have to laugh at the cheesy smile but it’s still a cute picture. He had fun playing soccer and I hope we can make it to one of his games next season.  With everyone living out of state we’re going to have to make a schedule to remember who we’re visiting with and next.