School and all its end of the year events is over. Here, for family and friends, are a few highlights of the kids ...
Rebecca took a year -long Creative Movement dance class with an amazing teacher, Ginny Martin. I have heard about Ginny Martin for years from friends and even strangers. I knew about Ginny Martin before Rebecca was born. So I have waited for many years to experience Ginny Martin dance classes. It was everything everyone promised. Ginny is affirming, kind, disciplined, creative. She designed and sewed beautiful wings and wrote a poem put to music for Rebecca's class. I enjoyed watching her class every week. (Okay, I also liked being able to sit for 45 minutes and knit.) Rebecca enjoyed the class; it was never an issue to go. However after her last class and before the final performance at The Egg in Albany Rebecca informed me that she would not be taking classes next year with Ginny Martin. I was sure she would change her mind after her performance. We went to the dress rehersal the day before the big event. It went really well. During the car ride home Rebecca says, "Remember how I said I didn't want to take dance next year?" "Yes, " I say, pausing and expecting her to tell me she has changed her mind. She says NOTHING. She meant it and wants to know if I remember. GASP and sigh, no more watching Ginny Martin. I don't say anything. It is her choice and kids have enough activities. I am not going to plead, beg or even ask. Okay, over the next few days and after the night of the performance I ask her if she has changed her mind. She hasn't; I tell her she can.
Alex finished his year discovering the sport of fencing. He joined as an afterschool activity and really enjoyed it. At the end of the session they had a tournament. Alex came in THIRD. He was so thrilled! As was I who watched fencing for the first time ever. He wore his medal or carried it in his pocket for the next week. He wants to continue fencing next year.
So summer is here schoolwise now and as of tomorrow, officially. We are off to the Old Songs Folk Festival this Friday for the weekend. It is a yearly event for us involving urban camping at the Altamont Fairgrounds and two days of traditional music and hanging out. My sister volunteered at the event for years and got us going to it. We even camped there with Rebecca when she was 7 weeks old. We are camping with good friends and I can't wait. We even have a new tent this year, a Kelty Green River six person tent. It just came today and tomorrow Alex and I will set it up for a test run.
