V.T. Bidania - Astrid and Apollo in Concert

To Trystan VTB

	Hi, Im Astrid. My twin brother is Apollo, and we were born in Minnesota. We live here with our mom, dad, and little sister, Eliana.
	Hi, Im Apollo! Our mom and dad were both born in Laos. They came to the United States when they were very young and grew up here.

gao (GOW) girl; it is often placed in front of a girls name. Hmong spelling: nkauj Gao Chee (GOW chee) shiny girl. Hmong spelling: Nkauj Ci Gao Hlee (GOW lee) moon girl. Hmong spelling: Nkauj Hlis Gao Nou (GOW new) sun girl. Hmong spelling: Nkauj Hnub Hmong (MONG) a group of people who came to the U. S. from Laos. Many Hmong from Laos now live in Minnesota. Hmong spelling: Hmoob Nou Kou (NEW koo) star. Hmong spelling: Hnub Qub pa dow (PA dah-oh) needlework made of shapes like flowers, triangles, and swirls. Hmong spelling: paj ntaub pho gao (fuh gow) steamed rice rolls made from rice flour and water and filled with ground meat, onions, and other seasonings. Hmong spelling: fawm kauv tou (TOO) boy or son; it is often placed in front of a boys name. Hmong spelling: tub

Astrid and Apollo stepped off the school bus. They ran down the block to their house.

Im so excited! said Astrid.

Wait until we tell them! said Apollo.

They went up the steps to the front door and hurried inside.

Mom! Astrid called out.

Were home! said Apollo.

They dropped their backpacks and took off their shoes. The house smelled good.

Astrid sniffed the air. She smelled onions. She saw bags of white rice flour on the kitchen table. Is Mom making pho gao?

I hope so! Anything with pho in it sounds good to me! said Apollo.

Luna barked and ran over. Eliana came too.

Hi! Eliana said.

Hi, Eliana! said Astrid. Then she picked up the puppy.

Did you have a good day? Apollo asked his little sister.

Eliana nodded and smiled.

Mom poked her head out of the kitchen. Hi, kids, she said.

We have news! Apollo announced.

Mom walked over. Her apron had pa dow designs on it. She wiped her hands, dusting the apron with flour.

What is it? she asked.

Astrid grinned. Today in music class, Ms. Williams talked about our concert. Its coming up! She looked at Apollo.

She told us who gets to play , Apollo said.

And? Mom asked.

The twins smiled but didnt say anything.

Mom looked at them curiously. Tell me! she begged.

Eliana was curious too. Even Luna seemed to want to know. She wiggled her ears and wagged her tail.

Astrid and Apollo laughed.

Mom laughed too. Well, what about the solos?

Apollo pointed at Astrid and at himself. Ms. Williams picked us to do a solo! Well, it wont be a solo because its two of us. Itll be a . We get to play Sparkle, Sparkle Giant Moon!

Itll be just the two of us playing in front of the whole school! said Astrid.

Mom put her hands over her heart. Thats wonderful! she exclaimed.

Mom, Ms. Williams said our notes sound just lovely! said Apollo.

Excellent news. Im so happy for you! Mom hugged the twins.

Luna jumped from Astrids arms and landed by Elianas feet.

Eliana wanted a hug too. She pushed her way between her mother, brother, and sister. She pushed so hard that Astrid bumped into Apollo. Then Apollo bumped into Mom. Then Mom almost tripped on Luna!

Eliana, careful! Mom said.

Eliana moved back. She crossed her arms and made a face.

Apollo picked up his backpack. Come on, Astrid. Wed better start practicing. The concerts only two weeks away.

Youre right. We dont have much time, Astrid agreed.

Im making pho gao. Ill let you know when its ready, Mom said.

Yes, I knew it! said Astrid.

Thanks, Mom! Can you make mine extra ? Apollo asked.

Of course, Mom said with a smile.

Apollo took his recorder from his backpack. Astrid got her recorder too and followed him to the living room.

Eliana started to follow too, but Mom took her hand.

Come help me roll the pho gao, Mom said.

Eliana made another face.

After dinner, Astrid said, Apollo and I will play some songs for you tonight.

How exciting! said Mom.

I cannot wait, Dad said.

Apollo carried the music stand and music folder to the living room. Astrid carried their recorders.

They saw Eliana in front of the TV. She was lying on her stomach, holding her chin in her hands. Luna lay next to her.

Eliana was watching a music show. A guitar player and a drummer were on a stage playing a song. A man with a trumpet joined them.

The song had a fast and fun beat. The man blew into the trumpet. He moved from side to side and did a silly dance.

Eliana laughed. Astrid and Apollo laughed too.

Dad walked into the room. Im so proud of my twins. Theyre going to be in concert! he said.

He sat on the couch and turned off the TV. Sit with me, Eliana. Lets hear the twins play.

Eliana sat next to Dad. Luna jumped up onto Dads lap.

Apollo pulled sheets of music from the folder and placed them on the music stand. He said, We will play Cold Round Rolls, Mario Had a Huge Sheep, and The Icky, Biggy Buggy first.

Dad nodded. Eliana shrugged. Luna rested her head on Dads knee.

After that, we will play Sparkle, Sparkle Giant Moon for you, Astrid added.

Wow! Youre playing four songs for the concert? Dad asked.

Wait for me! Mom said. She came in and sat next to Eliana. I thought you were playing one song?

Our class will play three songs together, said Astrid. Then Apollo and I will play Sparkle, Sparkle Giant Moon for our duet.

Okay, were ready! Mom said.

Astrid and Apollo raised the recorders to their mouths. Astrid said to Apollo, Ill count. We start after three.

Apollo nodded.

One, two, three, said Astrid. Then they both started playing.

Mom and Dad smiled. Eliana smiled. Even Luna looked happy as soft music came from the recorders. The notes sounded lovely, just like Ms. Williams said.

Suddenly, Eliana stood up and left the room. Luna hopped off the couch and followed her.