Auld Lang Syne

For us, the year doesn't revolve around the calendar year, nor the tax year.  For our family, the year revolves around the summer, and specifically Interlochen.

As soon as we leave Interlochen in August, we begin the countdown to the next summer.  Unbelievably, Interlochen is here again.  In fact, we leave in just two days.

While there is quite a bit of stress and trepidation leading up to Interlochen (auditions are always on the mind), I look forward to the relief and relaxation we will all feel.  There is nothing inherently stressful about playing music all day long, and my kids love it.  In fact, we wouldn't know how to spend our summers otherwise.  We've spent so much time there over the past few years that I can literally feel how it feels to be there while still sitting at my computer in PA.  I can hear the sounds of the music, and the birds, and the water.  I anticipate shedding several tears through amazing performances.

This summer will be especially bittersweet.  Ethan will be flying into Traverse City and staying with us at Interlochen for two weeks, and Mark will be leaving Interlochen to begin his mission in Russia.  While words can't express our excitement to see Ethan, I have already cried myself to sleep several times, thinking of Mark leaving.

Interlochen has a motto:  Art Lives Here.

For the Kennedy family, I would say our motto at Interlochen is "Life Begins Here".

Here's to another wonderful summer spent at Interlochen!