Fun with the Fairbank Family: Mini Mountain Strings

Mini mountain and strings! This is an amazing experience for aj! We ventured up to Harriman State Park to enjoy a lovely week practicing music and enjoying the scenery.

Day 1: drive to Harriman park! Beautiful and amazing. Check in. Dinner! (Andy's favorite part) orchestra practice, play until 11pm!!!! And finally sleep....(moms favorite part) Ariana spent all her time playing in the rocks and enjoying being outside. I think we will be going through our fair share of sunscreen this week.

When we don't have a high chair we improvise

Day 2: what a fun filled day! The boys slept like rocks! My boys NEVER sleep past 7, but I was shaking them, patting their faces and even dragging them out of bed and couldn't wake them. I finally got them out of bed for breakfast.

Aj managed through orchestra for 2 hours (aj was completely wilted by the end...). We had some free family fun time, where Andy managed to make a new friend, Pat (one of the string advisors.) who would take him hiking for bird watching. He has learned so much already!

We got a bit restless with all the sitting in rehearsal so we made an ice cream pit stop.

Chamber groups (a really big challenge, but he pulled through) practiced for 2 hours and really focused on getting their counts together. I have been amazed at how much these little 6-8 year olds are capable of.

Jenni took out some time to give wonderful private lesson to help with his orchestra music. we enjoyed dinner, ice cream and fire pit fun!! I can't wait to see what tomorrow has in store.

Day 3: This place just keeps getting better! Aj played his violin for 5+ hours today and loved every bit of it. He started off with another very helpful lesson from Jenni.

Thank you for spending so much one on one time to help Aj really enjoy his experience! More bird watching with Pat!

2 hours of orchestra (which left some time for me to take the littles; Andy, Annie and Lucy) to see the horses)

When we got their we asked if we could pet them. The nice cowboy smiled and said "I can do ya one better" and slowly lifted them each onto a horse for a mini ride. They were in heaven.

More chamber music, and best of all really becoming friends with your stand parter.

Jax is a fantastic little musician! To finish the night we enjoyed another fire and a entertaining skit from most of the kids.

What a memorable day! Tomorrow our concert!!!

Andy even gave it a shot...

Day 4: final day!! More and more practicing to prepare for the big concert. Joe even managed to make it up for the big performance. Aj had an amazing time and really loved expanding his ability. We will be returning next year for sure!!