Day 29 in 2022

Day 28 in 2022

Single digit temperatures, snow, and wind, all set against the backdrop of a raging pandemic, are not ideal vacation conditions. On the bright side, the conference is held annually at the DeVos Place Convention Center and Performance Hall, and while Betsy DeVos is Michigan's greatest embarrassment and I'd rather not give the family any of our money, the complex is a beautiful one and is attached to the Amway Grand Hotel, where we found ourselves lucky enough to get a room. That meant that not only did Calvin not have to leave the building for any of his activities, we were well entertained during the long days without having to leave it ourselves. We stayed in the historic part of the 1920s hotel, with its high, thick-beamed ceilings, and while much of it has of course been redone, it was done so tastefully and in keeping with the theme.

So on day two, while much of the hotel world was busy with conference things, we explored a mostly empty  hotel and attached conference center without the risk of crowds or the chill of the Michigan winter.

Day 27 in 2022

Auditioning into the Michigan All State High School Band is a big deal. Almost 2,000 kids from all over the state compete for around 100 spots. Blind auditions are held every fall, members are notified in November and music sent out so they can prepare. Finally, in January, the students meet during the Michigan Music Conference for two days of rehearsals before a final performance on the third morning. It is a huge honor to be selected as one of the top high school musicians in the state, and Calvin earned that honor, and a first bassoon spot, with hard work and talent. So here we are, masks at the ready, to take on a conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan...in the middle of a Pandemic surge.

And we couldn't be more proud.

Day 14 in 2022

Gimli's parting scene is still chaotic and mournful every morning.

Day 349 in 2021