These American Girls are Heartbroken

RIP Tom Petty.

1977

That's when Tom Petty released the song "American Girl."

KT covered last night in her school talent show, and while it seemed to play a little more to the grown ups in the crowd, I think she did great (but I am her mom).

It was so dark I wasn't able to video it -- we are getting a video later apparently.

In the meantime, here she is at the dress rehearsal.  KT singing Tom Petty's "American Girl" on her uke...


Note:  YouTube has different screen dimensions than what I recorded it in, and I have no idea how to compensate for that, so excuse her head getting cut off from time to time!

seven

My intense little uke-playing, fast-talking, cold water-braving, sparring partner and mini love of my life will be seven tomorrow.

We may push each other's buttons, but I have to admit, she's pretty awesome (I know, I'm her mom -- but still).

Self-portrait

She impresses me repeatedly and often.  For example, her strumming has been coming along quite nicely.  Here is a little sample...

 

She is a crazy little puzzle of a girl -- scared out of her wits during a Disney movie one day, then charging into 50 degree surf the next.

I love the whole package.

Happy Birthday Babygirl!

music monday

KT and her uke are still at it almost daily.



playing Taylor Swift's "Mean"

the band

Katie and her friend Parker have been talking about starting their band for awhile now.

They've discussed playlists, literally drawn out who will be playing what instruments and where they will stand.  A litany of friends will hypothetically be "in" the band in any given discussion.

They've done just about everything except actually play together.

The other night they test-drove some instruments at Parker's house.

"I think I should still play the ukulele and Parker play the piano though," Katie told me later.

Can't wait for the first time they "play out."

In the meantime, here are some "performances" for you fans (a.k.a. uncles, aunts and grandparents) out there.

Father's Day song.



Video from her school's variety show.

performances galore

This year has been filled with a number of stage performances.  (This post will probably be most appreciated by the grandparents).

Most recently Katie played Annie (again) in a talent show.

Unfortunately she didn't wear the wig during the performance (she thought people would laugh at her).



In a milestone performance Katie actually talked her sister into performing with her which was huge as Maddie seems to shy away from the stage.

Here is their rendition of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" from the Lion King.



I also realized I hadn't posted her talent show performance from earlier this year for those of you following Katie's career closely...

uke school

Halmoni was gracious enough to give us some spending money for our vacation last month.

With her permission we decided to buy ukuleles -- one for Katie and one for me and Papa Wickie.

Ironically, we bought our ukes from this guy (below middle) whose picture we saw at the nearby Kaliua music store.

Later we bought his album which is pretty good!

We purchased a soprano uke for Katie and a concert uke for the grown ups.

We have been having a ball with them.  We've been trying to get Katie to strum with her pointer finger, but she's intent on doing it her way for now.

Our friend Will has promised to give us some actual lessons soon which we are looking forward to immensely.  But until then...