Week in review, Easter approaching....

Last Fri ended with a healed piano (thank the Lord), and we promptly jumped right into Certificate of Merit on Sat. for Ben (piano level 4) and Cami(violin level 2). They both have been working really hard on their music, technique and theory all year for this evaluation. It was Cami's first experience doing a theory test, and being evaluated, so it was a bit stressful for her, but she survived nicely I think. A bit under protest, admittedly, but she saw it through and did well. I was proud of her for hanging in there. This was Ben's 3rd year, so at least he "knew the ropes". Being that most of the hooligan clan would, at best, be considered athletes of dubious quality, music has always been Ben's "sport", and CM is sort of like the "championship game" of the season for him. He loves the challenge of it, and loves to play. So, I'll have my "proud mommy" moment and say that even though he still can't manage to button his shirt straight, get his clothes on right-side-out, or get from point A to point B without 10 stops and at least 2 meltdowns in between, he did an awesome job on CM, getting a 5+, the highest possible overall score! He had to do a written theory test (took him over an hour this year.... tough, but good for him), then an evaluation with judge where they test on sightreading, technique (scales/chords/cadences in various keys), and he had to play 3 different memorized pieces at his level. Its fun to do, but we're glad to be done! With THAT anyway. He has about 4 more recitals & competitions left this spring, so we aren't *exactly* done yet.

Yay!! it's over!!

We've been studying early Am. history lately, so I got a couple pics of Ben working on one of his projects this week.

History Pockets are lots of fun!

The hooligans LOVE their Grandpa!!

He's the "ice-cream man".......no matter where we are, he is compelled to get ice cream for any and all persons present (whether they like it or not - hah!). Needless to say my kids were in serious ice-cream withdrawal last year when Grandpa & Grandma were in Africa! They are quickly making up for lost time, however, and Costco is a favorite ice cream spot!

Update on the "dreamcoat".......

Auditions for Joseph are OVER!! We weren't even sure Ben would get either of the parts he tried out for (with 200 + kids, you just can't count on anything), but wonder of wonders.............







He got BOTH parts!!







What a neat surprise! All 3 hooligan children are deliriously excited to be in Joseph. It's gonna be a GREAT show!