Aihlee, Tyler, Pel, Moses, and Moses relaxing on the couch making beats and lyrics for their next CD. They had an opportunity to perform at a showcase night at a bar in Sioux City but some of the kids were unable to go due to football on Friday night. So, whole group decided not to go.
The other half of the room complete with tv, table, and microphone. The room turned out quite well and the boys are really enjoying their new space to hang out.

To listen to songs by Black Express go to Youtube and type in: BeEasyMusicEnt.
They have 23 videos. The one named "the making of party" is filmed at our house.

Before the concert they were rehearsing in the back room in the basement. I've turned the room into a "Man Cave" for the kids to do their music in. It just needs a little more insulation;) It has been neat getting to know the boys and watching them grow from a lyric in a notebook to a song sung in front of a 100 kids. They are not shy and they definitely have a knack for performing.
"Black Express"
front row: Tyler(Flamez), Jaman(Mazar), Pel(P.Y.D)
back row: Yach, Trey(TO3), Moses(Mo), Faheem(Prodigy), Aihlee(Poppe), Tor(T.P.G), Paul(Yak)
Saturday night a dance was held at the Elks lodge. The kids know the guy that puts them on and they asked if they could perform some of their songs. They got a 45 minute time slot and sang 8 songs. They did such an fantastic job. Tyler is the technical producer for the group. They wrote their own music, recorded, and turned it into a CD. Some of their songs can be heard on Youtube. I warn everyone though some lyrics are not suitable for young ears.
Today was Tyler's first day of his Sophomore year of high school. It is also the first day of school that he got to drive himself. I love that he has his school permit. He is becoming such an independent young man.

Tyler and Steve celebrating his birthday. The jello cake I baked. It was delicious.

Tyler and Chloe taking a break from playing outside while tailgating.
Tyler and Rich with his 50/50 tickets at the race. Unfortunately, Rich wasn't the winner of the $32,000 purse.

Saturday morning we headed to Ankeny to hitch a ride with the Smith's to the Nationwide race. We saw an awesome finish which I have yet to see a replay. Afterwards, we spent the night in the RV. Sunday morning we headed back to Rich and Andrea's. Before heading home Rich treated us to Mexican. It is always so fun for Tyler and I to be with all of you. Thank you for a great time!