Today was the first wave of violin competitions for the year. We began the weekend by helping out our neighbor, and boarding their two black standard poodles for the weekend. This has proven to be an exciting time for our own doggy, having neighbors moving in for the weekend, but all in all, he has been doing okay. But it is the first time we have had three dogs in our house.

This morning, we left at nine o'clock to head over to a local school for the FFMC string competitions. Baby Girl performed her two solo pieces at 10:40. Little Son then performed his two solo pieces and his concerto piece around 11:00. We then took a break and had a brunch at P*rkins, then followed up with a trip to the local Super W*lm*rt, and returned to the school at 2:30 in the afternoon for Little Son to perform two pieces as part of his boys' chamber trio. It was probably five o'clock when we rolled into our front yard.

In general, the children felt that they did well, although Little Son, especially, was very self-critical. Perhaps he didn't do the perfect job he set out to do, but he did play very well in my estimation, and the experience taught him a lesson about his need to focus well. I believe that both children achieved the ratings they needed to be admitted to the statewide finals. We will find out on Monday; and this week, we need to focus on another competition for Little Son next weekend.