McGary Year In Review Video - 2013

Semi-Annual Update

It seems that I only get on here once or twice a year lately.  Most of you know this, but I do more regular posts on my facebook page.  So, if you want to see what we've been doing, that's a good place to start.  That being said, I did want to update our blog, as it allows us to do a few more things.

Since our last post, which was the year end review video, quite a few things have happened.  First of all, Brianna turned 4, Rebecca turned one, and I turned...older (ok, 36 - who's counting?).  Dan, Jacob and Crystal's birthdays are all coming in the second half of the year.  It was especially fun to celebrate Rebecca's first birthday, she "dove" right into her cake.  We have the frosted pictures to prove it!

I also finished my first year teaching at Lava Ridge Intermediate School.  It was a good experience, and I learned a lot.  They have a great staff and I enjoyed working with them and the students.  I learned a lot and have many ideas that I want to try and implement next year.

Near the end of the school year, Dan had quite the "exciting" experience!  He fell from a playground zip line (about 6-8 feet above the ground) and broke his upper left arm, right below the shoulder.  Because of the nature of the break, and where it was located, they couldn't cast it.  So, he had surgery and had 4 pins inserted into the bone!  Neither Crystal nor I have had either a broken bone or surgery, so it was a new experience for all of us.  Now, over two months later the bone is mended, the pins are out, and all that remains visually are four mending battle scars!

I have also started yet another season playing in the pit orchestra at Tuacahn Ampitheater.  This season I'm playing for Mary Poppins and Thoroughly Modern Mille.  The music is challenging and fun.

Finally, the three older kids just completed a round of swimming lessons.  It was Brianna's first time taking lessons, and she loved it!  They all passed and are moving on to the next level.  They'll take those lessons later this month.

Well, that sort of brings us up to date.  We'll see if I can do a little better keeping things updated.  If I do what I normally do, however, be sure to check my facebook page for more regular updates.

Year in Review Video - 2012

Still Here...

Hello Cyberworld.  We're still here!  It's been a busy summer and transition to a new school.  To get you caught up, here's the Reader's Digest version.  I left Enterprise High School after seven years there and took a job at Lava Ridge Intermediate School, teaching 6th and 7th grade band.  It's been an adjustment, but I'm slowly getting more used to it.  Check out my band page, here.  The summer was mostly spent getting our house ready to put on the market, which we did at the beginning of July.  We had one offer right out of the gate, but nothing since.  With the market slowly recovering, we expect a long time trying to sell.  We'll see what happens.  In the meantime, we're still living in Enterprise, while I commute to St. George to work.  It's okay right now, but we'll see how we feel during the winter months!  Dan's now in 3rd grade, Jake's in Kindergarten, Brianna's going to Montessouri preschool, and Rebecca's starting to roll around a bit!  In the midst of all of this, our washer had a part break, so we're finding friends and family to do our laundry at while we try to get it fixed.  If I get a chance, I'll try and post a bit more of some specific things that have happened.  Until then - happy surfing!

Rebecca's Here!

Here's a collage of pictures that Crystal put together from the big day!

McGary Year In Review Video - 2011

Back in School

Well...just like that, we are done with summer and back in school. So much has happened since our last post. Here's a quick summary:

• Richards Family Reunion in Prosser, Washington (including a jaunt up to Seattle to visit Ben and Shara) - July (see pics on Nate's Facebook page)
• McGary Reunion at Bear Lake, Utah (see pics on Nate's Facebook page) - July/August
• Started playing "Crazy For You" show at Tuacahn - August
• Jazz Band played at Enterprise Cornfest - August
• Re-shingled roof!!!!! - August
• Dan turned 7 yrs old! - August 25th
• Jacob turned 4 yrs old! - September 8th
• Pep Band played at Homecoming FB Game - September

If I get the time, maybe I'll go back and share more details about some of those events. As of now, Dan is 7 yrs old, and in 1st Grade. His teacher is Mrs. Clove, and he has to be in school "all day," five days a week! Jacob is 4 yrs old, and going to Mrs. Bollinger's "Montessouri" Pre-school. Brianna is 19 months old and cute as ever! Crystal is helping me with the 6th grade percussionists two days a week and keeping the home in good shape. Me (Nate), I'm in my 9th year teaching music (6th year in Enterprise) and playing at Tuacahn three nights a week. We're both still in the cub scouts and Crystal and Dan are going to a Scouting Centennial Celebration in St. George this Saturday. Hopefully they'll report on that.

Life is good and busy. More later!