Wander With Wayne

Before Christmas, a neighbor in our ward asked us to look for a good, small piano that they could buy and put in their little town home. Noell began looking on KSL.com and immediately asked me if I knew anyone who wanted a baby grand piano. Someone had a baby grand piano that had some problems, they were giving it to the first person to pick it up. I contacted Jason and asked if he felt that his family would like one. A baby grand was larger than our neighbor wanted We went that night to Centerville and picked up the piano, with Riley and Kaneesha's help. During the Christmas holiday, we took it to Idaho and set it up in Becky's living room. I spent several hours repairing and tuning it. This week we went back to watch Becky and Jason's children, as well as Clint & Kim's daughter perform in the play "The Little Mermaid, Jr". It was so fun to see them perform. Clara was a mermaid, Martha was Flounder, Sara was a blue fish, Hyrum was a sailor, and Emma w...

I'm currently scoutmaster in our ward. A few weeks ago we decided to camp in our backyard. When I realized that this would be a winter camp, I knew we needed a fire. Noell and I discussed it and decided it was time to purchase a portable fire pit. Before we invited the scouts over, Tanner and I decided to try it out. It was a cold night, but we had a excellent time sitting around the fire, roasting marshmallows and making s'mores. Noell and Myranda were happy to join us -- eating s'mores, not cooking in the cold!

On Thursday we had the opportunity to see Myranda perform with Nebo School District Honors Orchestra. Students from seven different junior high schools participated. The students took part in two different days playing together. This video illustrates part of their great performance. I love hearing Myranda play her cello. It adds such a beautiful spirit to our home! Thanks for the great work from the teachers and a special thanks to special guest conductor, Andrew H. Dabczynski, professor of Music Education at BYU.

After church, I had several things to take care of. Because it was Fast Sunday and our meeting ends at 4:00 pm, the family was anxious to get home. Noell and Myranda waited for a while, then went to the van. Tanner waited, then went to the chapel to play the piano. After he played some hymns on the beautiful grand piano, he decided it was time to begin to play the organ. As today was Super Bowl Sunday, and I was very slow, the church was basically empty when he began to play. When I was finishing my visits, Noell sent me a text, asking when I would be coming. As I heard Tanner play, I decided it would be fun to spend time with him. It was a beautiful afternoon, so I sent Noell a text to let her know that she and Myranda could drive home. Tanner and I would walk home. I then went to the organ and taught Tanner all I know about organs, and how to play them. My great organ wisdom was shot in just a few choice seconds. He then took my knowledge and began to play. Here is Tanner playing...