Institute 2009-and a great Father's Day!

Last week was very fun, but also very exhausting. Every year in June Sarah and Savannah and I attend the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute in Salt Lake City. It starts on Monday and ends on Saturday, and every day is very full. This year Sarah had 5 classes each day, and Savannah had 4 classes. The only way that I could do this is that Grandma Jane comes along and helps. Also, Grandma Karen and Chad helped with the twins all week, so that I didn't have to drag them around. This year Robin was taking a teacher trainer class, and it was an added bonus to have her at Institute with us! Along with all of the classes we always work in lots of fun. We had fun lunches, a little shopping, and lots of great memories.

Sarah had a chamber class for the first time this year. It was a great chance for her to learn how to play in a chamber group, and she loved it. Her teacher was David Porter from the Utah Symphony.
This is their chamber concert at the end of the week. Sarah's cousin Brooklyn was in her chamber group, and also in most of her other classes. They seemed to have a great time together.







This is Savannah on the floor in her Theory class learning about notes, rhythms, etc.






Sarah and Savannah with Aunt Robin on T-shirt day.



Sarah had a great teacher for her performance class. His name is Koen Rens, and he is from Belgium. They worked really hard on a Vivaldi concerto, and a piece called "Country Dance". They performed those pieces as a group at the concert on Saturday.

Savannah had a fun Technique class with a teacher named Terry Durbin. He was hilarious. He has a way of making the violin so much fun for the kids that they don't even know that they are learning! Grandma Jane and I loved attending this class because he kept us laughing the whole time. Savannah learned lots of new games to play, which also develop better hand techniques.

Sarah also got to play in an Orchestra class. They learned how to "jam", and she had a lot of fun there too.

Overall it was a wonderful violin week. Thanks so much to everyone who made it possible!



After we wrapped up the final concerts of Institute, we headed to Idaho Falls to spend Father's day with Grandpa Dave. The kids were so excited to spend some time on the farm! The first thing that they did was head out to see Grandpa's horses.



Andrew was also very excited to ride on Grandpa's tractor.



Robin and the kids found some fun toys to play with!

Sarah and Savannah made Chad some beautiful ties for Father's day. His only problem was deciding which one to wear to church! I am so grateful to him for being such a wonderful husband and father. He really sacrifices so that our family can do so many fun things. Thanks honey! I love you! And thanks to all of the dads in our lives who sacrifice for us and love us. Happy Father's day!