Fall Fun

The first month or so of fall has passed quickly. School is going very well. My group right now is my favorite bunch of kids in the 5 years I've been teaching. I am enjoying each rehearsal with them and they are truly a pleasure to be around. Warren has a great new job as well, and is sending out applications for young artist programs. We have spent some fun weekends recently, including a trip to the Big E with Patty and Steve, where we sampled fun foods and got to see lots of cute animals, another visit to Alba vineyard, where we had a wonderful leisurely picnic and bought wine for gifts and to take home with us, and a trip to Sugar Grove to celebrate Frank and Joan's 60th wedding anniversary. This weekend my parents are coming down and we're going to the Whitney art museum to see the work of an artist my dad is fond of, and on Sunday I have Melany's bridal shower to attend. Life has been very eventful. We are also busy working on our Halloween costumes for the annual party...McGonagall and Dumbledore. :) I've been feeling very appreciative of all the good things in our life right now, and have been enjoying a much less stressful school year than usual. Somehow, something has just clicked this year, between my conscious decision to approach certain things differently with teaching, my group of great students, and the fact that the program is becoming increasingly my own, with most of the students being children I've taught since they started band in 4th grade. It feels good to be calm and appreciative of the things around me.