Okay, so I changed my mind and decided to do a post on Mountains & Strings 2011. How could I not journal our wonderful adventures, and one of our best years at M&S? AND, I was able to get all the pictures (except 3) into only 17 collages! SEVENTEEN! And, let's be honest, there are actually many more pictures of the camp that I didn't even use here. To size it down, I mostly just included pictures here of our family. To say I take a lot of pictures is an understatement, I realize, but now you can better understand why I was dreading this blog post.
How can one not love this place? Magical.
On Tuesday, we all hopped on a bus and spent the afternoon and evening at Badger Creek with Brian Ashton and his ropes course gang.
Proof that we music nerds can get adventurous!
James and Brigham had fun riding bikes, but James had a hard time keeping up.
On Wednesday, we had the faculty concert. Eric Grossman was the featured faculty member, and the music was fantastic! James couldn't be separated from our leader, Sugar (Alice Ashton), and Sarah couldn't be separated from one of our student leaders, Sara. Not only do they share the same name, but they both love drawing! And, as you can see, Sarah was mesmerized by her drawings.
We served treats to the students each night, then the leaders would go play chamber music while the students played games. We were so grateful to have Richard's amazing sister, Beck, there to make us wonderful food. She worked so hard, and we appreciated her so much. Anneli and Jenni were also great help in the kitchen! We couldn't have survived without all the willing leaders.
Thursday was skit night. We were especially impressed with the student skits this year. Hilarious! Who knew all these music geeks could make such fabulous actors with so much creativity? Especially considering they didn't have a whole lot of spare time to work on them.
And, of course, s'mores after skits. :D
Thursday morning, Jenni, Pat, and I went on a little walk. We saw a moose with her two calves. A little too close for comfort. We were stuck on the path for several minutes until the moose walked far enough away that we could sneak past without being scared for our lives!
William having a piano lesson with Lida, Richard's quintet rehearsing, kids collecting interesting bugs, Sarah ready to go with me on a horse ride, and Thomas' quartet rehearsing.
It's always fun when family comes!
More rehearsing, and posing after the quartet concert.
The Saturday night Chamber Orchestra Concert. And, what is it with boys and dirt? James reminded me of Pig Pen from Charlie Brown the entire week. I couldn't keep the kid clean for five minutes. Let's just say he was "one" with nature.
All the practicing and rehearsing must drive these students crazy by the end of the week, judging by their radical behavior that has become tradition after our last concert.
The hardest part of the week is saying goodbye to such good friends and wonderful students.
I love these people. :)
This was only a small, tiny really, portion of what really happened that week. I wish everyone had the opportunity to be there and experience the music, beauty, camaraderie, work, and satisfaction that enveloped me at Mountains & Strings 2011. As I always say; It's the highlight of our year!
It looks like you guys did an awesome job and had a great time, as always :) I can't wait till my little boy can go to it
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