Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp

Ryan attended Blue Lake this summer. This was a big deal for us all! He was gone for 11 nights, and we had not direct contact with him. We could email him, and send him mail, but he was not able to contact us. This is better than nothing, but was still rough. Campers are not allowed to bring phones or other devices, so it was also an experiment in digital detoxing. By all accounts, Ryan survived his first camp experience with flying colors.

I was a counselor at BLFAC in 1996. It was surprising how little I remembered. 😂 I guess 28 years ago is a long time ago. I do remember having a really fun, and growing up a lot that summer. Ryan's objective in attending was to establish himself with BL so he can audition for the 2025 International Orchestra. He majored in orchestra, and minored in printmaking.

dropping him off

He was in the Broadway unit, Brigadoon cabin.

BLFAC posted on Facebook, and Burke spotted this picture of Ryan a little after a week of him being gone. We took a screenshot. It was joyous to lay eyes on him after so long!

I was SOOO happy to see him when we picked him up on final Sunday! This is where his cabin sat for every meal. The food was apparently terrible, if you were wondering. He had a lot of amusing stories, including one about a really energetic food server, and "red drink."

On Final Sunday, each group performs. Ryan had to go off to rehearse for the performance, so Evan and Burke played "bags" while we waited.

Ryan was placed in the Masterworks ensemble, and sat second chair.

They played Dvořák Symphony No. 8.

after the concert

Using money from his camper account, the boys got Dole Whip on the way out.

Reunited family of 4 headed home.

We had so much fun hearing all about Ryan's experience, and he was very patient and generous answering all our questions. He made some new friends, and he enjoyed the classes, rehearsals, and performances. He did have some critiques, mostly related to the camp "rules" and rustic living conditions. But he's so easy going, he just rolled with all the newness, and made the most of it. We're so proud of him for going outside his comfort zone, and thriving as an independent human outside our little family unit. 

He was eager to sleep in his own bed, and take a hot shower. He is rethinking whether or not he wants to do International next year, or attend BL next year. Once may be enough for him. We'll see if he has a change of heart once some time has passed. Overall, he reports is was a positive experience! 🎵

 

Last Days of 2023-24 School Year

 Yes, they've been out of school for a month. I finally got space in my brain post last days of school pics.

Ryan's Calculus class and Evan's Geometry class did a cool crossover event this spring. The calc students wrote problems for the geometry students to solve. The way I understand it, Ryan wrote the problem for Evan, so that was fun for them. Evan and his middle school classmates bussed over to the high school for this, and Burke was able to take a couple pictures. 

Burke got a great picture of Evan thinking.

This picture popped up in the middle school's principal blog - this 8th grade lunch table. Evan and eleven of his closest friends crammed at a little table. 

Rachel, Burke's colleague at the middle school, has known the boys since they were babies, and has had at least one Lokey child in middle school orchestra for the past five years. As those days drew to a close, Rachel took this picture in the middle school orchestra room. So long, Upton Middle School!

My kooky boys on their last day of school.

Burke joined the photo, and weirdly grabbed Ryan's neck. We all got a good laugh at that randomness. 

Last day of 8th grade!

Last day of 10th grade!

They will both be at the high school next year, and Ryan will likely drive Evan. Burke and I have both really enjoyed our time driving them to school, and that era has just about ended. Time and memories feel like too much sometimes.

another successful school year in the books

Burke and I are so proud and grateful!

p.s. In case you were wondering, I don't really have a "last day" anymore. In this new position I'm in, my work extends beyond the school calendar. I'm also teaching summer school, so I feel like my "summer" hasn't really started yet. 

Bonus picture of Artie looking majestic!

Ryan saw the lighting and captured this shot.

It's a favorite!