July

July is the reason I have not updated my blog in a while. July is a huge month. There are so many pictures to sift through thanks to Mountains & Strings! But, how can you not take a lot of pictures when you are in such a beautiful place with some of your favorite people for an entire week and a half?

Anyway, we'll start with the beginning of July. Thomas and his BFF, Jaedon, set up his tent in the backyard, and threw the TV and Wii in there so they could play video games. Such a 14-yr-old boy thing to do. While I am talking about friends, let me just say that I am so grateful for the GOOD friends my kids have. 

And, of course, the 4th of July Parade. This year we celebrated the 100th birthday of Madison County. The floats were actually quite good. 

We have started the tradition of taking Peter with us to the parade, and as usual, he was the life of the party. 

Thomas thought the army cot would be a good idea. It lasted for a little while. . . 

As always, it was such a fun day. We spent the afternoon at a BBQ at my parents, and the evening lighting fireworks at Kevin and Melissa's home. Fun, fun, fun!

Here are pictures of Mountains & Strings. The weekend before the big week, we went up as leaders and enjoyed some time hanging out and playing beautiful music. Here is Richard playing game with Vera.

The music was heavenly. :)

And so was the scenery.

The frogs. . . not so much. 

Richard pretty much taught Vera how to ride a bike.

The students showed up and games were played.

Horses were ridden. (Sarah was especially fond of the horse rides.)

More squirmy, slimy wildlife was found.

Faculty concert.

Eric Grossman's solo concert.

The kids had so much room to explore during the concerts.

A group of students before a horse ride.

Sarah was sad that I wouldn't let her go on a 3RD horse ride. So deprived. (They weren't free, and I couldn't afford to let all the kids go as many times as they wanted.)

Skit night!

Friday night orchestra concert in Rexburg.

Eric performed "The Lark Ascending" with the orchestra. It was lovely.

Chamber Concert run-through.

Thomas with his quartet after the concert.

Saturday night Folk, Fun, and Fiddle concert at Harriman.

Brian Ashton helped us out with the cello choir this summer.

Boys will be boys. :)

Mom came to help with food this year. I loved having her there. :)

Packing up to head home on Sunday morning. As Marianne says, "Saddest day of the year!" 

Mountains & Strings is not just a camp for teenagers to come and learn music. It is a camp that forms lifelong friendships, gives us a glimpse of the beauty of nature, and allows us to feel inspired and uplifted through wonderful music that has lasted through the ages. We feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing experience each year. And, we so appreciate all those who make Mountains & Strings possible. :)