One of Tessa's "Lasts"

Tessa is the violinist in the front to the left of the conductor, Joe Shurfro,
Lissie is just to her left. Jaynie is one of the cellists.
However, my photography skills were poor last night,
and I don't have a clear photo of her. 

Tessa, who began playing the violin when she was six, has been a member of the Siouxland Youth Symphony Orchestra for 3-1/2 years. She has truly LOVED the opportunity to play with the Youth Orchestra and has felt that the experience was especially enhanced by having Joe Shufro as conductor. Tessa has been honored to have been the orchestra's Concert Master for the past 2-1/2 years.

Last night the Orchestra had its mid year concert, and it was Tessa's last as both a member and as concertmaster because of getting married in March. I felt a bit choked up as I watched her enter the stage and tune the orchestra before the concert knowing that this is just the first of the many "lasts" that will have to happen before she moves to Cincinnati with Aaron after their wedding.

After the concert, our family and a number of others went to McDonald's for our traditional ice cream cone.



We adopted Tessa at birth and have been blessed by God to have
had a great relationship with her birthfather's family for the 20 years.
Larry and his mother, Mae, drove three hours to listen to the concert they
then joined us for ice cream.

Alexander and new sister, Lissie, waiting for ice cream



Tessa and Oksana waiting for ice cream

Oksana's first-ever McDonald's ice cream cone

Everyone finished the evening happy.

Lindsey, one of SC Youth Symphony flute players, and Natasha