Brian and the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade!

This past fall has been a remarkable one for my brother Brian. He just turned 18 on November 16th and has been filling out college applications like mad! But the biggest reason I'm writing this blog is to urge everyone to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday! Now if you're like me, you usually end up turning it on when you wake up around 10, not really caring that you missed half the parade. Well this year there is cause to set your alarms and wake up early, cuz at 8am Central Time Brian will be marching in the Macy's Great American Marching Band as one of the representatives from Minnesota. There are reps from all 50 states and the District of Columbia marching in this band and they'll be kicking off the parade! You probably won't be able to recognize him because he'll be in the Macy's uniform and not his own. But if you are clever and use your wits you just might be able to spot him! He'll be playing baritone (a marching baritone, so it looks like a cross between a mini-tuba and a trumpet) and he'll be lean. You can also watch for his chin, which juts out just a tad :)

I've also included some pics of Brian's accomplishments so far this fall. This first one is of him as drum major of the Pipestone Area Marching Band. He conducted the 90-member band through 7 or 8 competitions where they were almost always a shoo-in to win their class, countless football games and many parades. Brian would like to double major in Music and Anthropology.
Here's a picture of Brian and his family at his Eagle Scout induction ceremony. Yup, he's an eagle scout, too. He's just a stud-and-a-half, I tell ya!
Here's Brian and Mom and Dad when Brian was part of the Homecoming court. Apparently being in band and Boy Scouts does not make you as geeky as one would think...
Brian has exhibited amazing leadership qualities at such an early age. I'm so proud of him! I can't believe that my little brother grew to be someone so talented and mature!