We just found out that our nephew, Bennett, was selected as one of the 15 finalists in the Piano Sensation Competition created by Jim Brickman. Each contestant had to send in a video of himself playing the piano. The grand prize winner (who will be announced on Jim's website
www.jimbrickman.com this Friday will be flown to Chicago and will get to play WITH JIM DURING THE CONCERT!).
For those of you who attended our wedding, you got a little sampling of how musically talented Bennett is!! He REALLY IS AMAZING!! Especially considering he is 14 years old.
We are so proud of you, Bennett!! Check the info below which came off of JB's website. Bennett is the first one named!! Whoo Hoo!!!
Here's a pic of Faithy with the famous, Bennett back in July....(the TX heat was a little much for our little one!)
Here's the info from JB's website....
PIANO SENSATION FINALISTS11/14/06
We were overwhelmed by the response to the Piano Sensation Competition. Almost 200 entries arrived at the office over the past few weeks. Hours and hours were spent listening to each one, reading the bios, and judging who will be "The Next Romantic Piano Sensation". This is not an easy task. Every performance was wonderful! Entries came from talented pianists ranging in age from 13 to almost 60 years old . They are students, teachers, church organists, engineers, truck drivers, doctors, nurses, - well you get the idea. They've been playing since they were small children, inspired to sit down at the piano a few years ago, studied with professionals, are self-taught, and some even play by ear!We hope this competition encourages everyone to share their talent and love of music. Everyone is a sensation! CONGRATULATIONS!
GOOD LUCK TO THESE SENSATIONAL FINALISTS
Bennett Burt, Texas Age 14
Amber Kaye Colangelo, New York Age 28
Alexis Cutting, Colorado Age 21
Elliot Dawson, Illinois Age 16
Chris Hogan, Washington Age 14
Partick Hughes, Kentucky Age 18
Noelle Kelly, North Carolina Age 16
Jason Klingler, Idaho Age 16
Kelly Koch, Michigan Age 15
Todd Lupher, Ohio Age 37
Todd McLaughlin, Indiana Age 18
David Naffie, Michigan Age 13
Dustin Provenzano, Florida Age 13
Brenda Usher, Washington Age 32
Kody Willnauer, Kansas Age 20
The winner will be announced by November 17, 2006
We had a full house this past week. It was SUCH an incredible blessing to have Nana, Melody, Michael and their families come stay for a week! We packed in as much together time as possible and made so many fun memories this week. Little Faithy was beside herself with so much attention. Now that she's gotten older, it's fun to watch her actually play with her cousins. Thank you all for making the trip up here. We LOVED every day of your visit!!
Look how big, Faith is getting!! I just can't believe it!
Nana and the grandkids. From L to R: Stone, Sterling, Briggs, Nana, Faith, Bennett
Faith wasn't too sure about the cousin stack.
Faithy and Nana. She ate up all the special attention and gifts from Nana. It's so sweet to watch her light up and recognize her loved ones!! She sure loves her Nana!!
Mommy, Daddy and I greeted her at the airport with some balloons!!
During Nana's stay, we discovered this little fox living under our back patio. He loved to come out and look around the deck. We even caught him napping. Nana and I could'nt take our eyes off him!
Here we are with The Young family. From L to R: Cole, Marca, Ken, Faith, Kelci, Jaime, and Murray. We had SUCH an amazing time of worship with them and the Hallal singers. Faithy felt right at home in the arms of so many beautiful redheads!!
Our friends, The Cullers, came to D.C. for a visit during their fall break. From L to R: Elisabeth, Deni, Catie, Bret, Brock, Jaime, Murray and Faithy. We had a blast reconnecting with them and dining at the Old Ebbitt Grill. What a treat it was to see them!!
This is Faith with our cousin, Cindy. She bought Faith the sweetest gifts during our trip to Memphis...a rainbow colored hedgehog and a book about the farm. Cindy and her husband, Jimmy Ray are dairy farmers. Faithy can't wait to visit their real farm!!
This is my Great Aunt Peggy & Great Uncle Terry! They were so sweet to me!
Eileen tells some REALLY funny stories! I loved listening to her and Eric tell all their tales!!
Sweet Rajah...so sweet I could just eat her!
I think I'll stick to just hugging her!
Last weekend, I made my first trip to Memphis. The main reason for our visit was Daddy's 20 year high school reunion!! He was a Memphis Harding Academy Lion!!! Go MHA!! Here we are at the Homecoming football game with Prowler! I had lots of fun visiting all of my Daddy's friends from "back in the day".
One of the first stops we made was Corky's BBQ. It's a Memphis fave (and my Daddy's fave too!). I didn't get to eat any BBQ but Granddad slipped me several bites of their yummy rolls! 
I also had a GREAT time playing in the grass at Granddad and Granlyn's house. I think it's Bermuda grass...not really sure but it was REALLY soft and fun!!
This is Granlyn. She was really good at getting me to laugh!!
Here's my friend, Nora Kate! I've been waiting to meet her! She is so pretty and so much fun. I shared some of my Puffs with her and she liked them!! Her mommy, Mrs. Angie, was really nice too. She's got a great office. She works at MHA!
My 1st piano lesson with Daddy!!
Alright, Daddy....I got it now....listen to this....
And now it's time to help Mommy with the laundry! I'm such a big girl!
Here I am with Erin. She's really athletic. She can do cool tricks on the trampoline. She is pretty quiet but is super-talented!
This is Luke. He's a GREAT guitar player. I could listen to him play guitar all day. He likes to get me laughing too!
