The Orchestra

Earlier this month we took the kids to one of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra's Concerts for Kids. As part of our music study this year we have been learning about the orchestra using the music of Peter and the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev and Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saens. (Since we studied two musical works for our orchestra unit I decided to do a mini study of each composer; see below for a list of additional resources I used).

So, when I discovered that the Columbus Symphony Orchestra's upcoming Concert for Kids was Cinderella and Friends featuring the story of Cinderella performed by The Phoenix Theatre for Children to the music of Cinderella by Prokofiev, I knew it would be the perfect compliment to our studies. The tickets even included pre-show activities which consisted of several kid friendly booths by local retailers and organizations. The actual performance was one hour long, which was the perfect length for kids, and was conducted by the infamous Albert-George Schram (he is a riot and the audience of kids, both big and small, loved him).

Jordan and Carson enjoyed the performance and Corinne was entertained enough that she sat happily on Daddy's lap until the final notes were played.

     

Additional Resources:

*Dover Musical Instruments Coloring Book

*The Story of the Orchestra by Robert Levine (book & CD)

*The Story of the Incredible Orchestra by Bruce Koscielniak (book)

*The Great Composers by Jeremy Nicholas

*The Love for Three Oranges Musical Stories Series (book - this is Prokofiev's most performed opera)

*Carnival of the Animals Classical Music for Kids Series

*Peter and the Wolf retold and illustrated by Michele Lemieux or Peter and the Wolf translated by Maria Carlson (Note: There are several picture books of this story, but these two are my favorite because they most closely follow the music and original narration)

2010 Year in Review - Winter

Winter

In our family winter always brings lots of activity because, in addition to the holidays, we celebrate two birthdays.

Carson turns 6 & Jordan turns 8

We celebrated with two family parties and a friend party at Pump It Up

Birthday Girl at Pump It Up

Birthday Boy at Pump It Up
Little Sister at Pump It Up

All our friends at Pump It Up!

Jordan's birthday present from Mom & Dad was getting her ears pierced

Jordan's Homeschool Choir winter concert

Singing a duet

Carson and Corinne's Nativity Program

Corinne singing and doing the motions

Carson singing

Carson's class group picture

Celebrating Christmas with cousin Tyler

First snow/ice adventure of the season 

Fall 2010 - Special Event

A Wedding

In September our family celebrated a special event when my sister, Lisa, married Greg.

The kids and I were all in the wedding. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful wedding.

The happy couple

Our family picture

Junior Bridesmaid Jordan - just gorgeous

(she is growing up way too fast)

Junior Groomsman Carson - so handsome

Flower Girl Corinne & Ring Bearer Tyler - too cute!

2010 Year in Review - Fall

Fall

Either fall and winter were busier than spring and summer (unlikely), or I managed to take more pictures during fall and winter (most likely).

Either way, fall found us enjoying cooler temps and also marked the beginning of another school year. In September we began our third year of homeschooling and this year Carson joined the 'class' as a kindergartener. Jordan, our bookworm, is a second grader this year and Corinne goes along for the ride.

Corinne started preschool this year in the Little Lambs class at Little Shepherds Preschool, and Carson attends their Kindergarten Enrichment program two days a week.

We kicked off our fall fun with a romp in the leaves!

(I love these pictures and for the record I did not take them; they were taken by our good friend AJ)

This was a year of firsts for Corinne as in addition to starting preschool, she also started dance lessons at Columbus DanceArts Academy (the same studio Jordan has danced at for the past several years).

She is so stylish

Next up we have every kids' favorite fall holiday: Halloween

Please meet Princess Ariel, Woody, and the Big Fat Pumpkin

Tick or Treating with our cousins

And finally, fall would not be complete without a visit to the farm!

To pick pumpkins

Drive a tractor

Conquer the corn maze (with cousin Tyler), and

Take a hayride

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2010 Year in Review - Spring & Summer

Spring

Trips to the zoo

Jordan's dance recital

Jasmine

Jordan's Homeschool Choir concert

Singing a solo

Summer

Cuteness :)

Party Fun!

A 3rd Birthday
(post with cute baby pics here)Mommy and the birthday girl

Next up: Fall & Winter 2010

I'm A Slacker

I realize that I am guilty of blog neglect. When I started this blog I was hoping to post at least once a week, but I have fallen WAY behind. I really love reading blogs and I enjoy blogging when I have time; the problem is that I rarely have time.

But fear not! Starting today, I am making a vow to add a post at least every other week and I may even manage every week. I know how excited all 4 of my followers will be (love ya!), and one day I may even have 8 or 10 followers. :)

My next few posts will be an attempt to update the major events and milestones that have occured over the past year, so be sure to stay tuned.