Our bank holiday weekend so far has been fairly relaxed – Steve has been off racing and done well at a new hillclimb. Apparently the hours and hours of YouTube video watching did help.
Those of us left behind did orchestra, housework, some homework, had a visit from my sister, then congratulated Steve in the five minutes between him getting home and falling asleep. The girls went out to a friend’s birthday party and Anna had a sleepover afterwards.
Today has been slightly more interesting … we video gamed for the first part of the morning (mainly Pikmin 2), then went over to Steve’s parents’ for lunch.
After that we had the treat of watching a rehearsal for a performance of Verdi’s Requiem. It was organised by the primary school music teacher as a ‘here’s a trip you’re invited to but I’m not really organising anything’ so ended up being just a few families having an afternoon out together! Grandma came with us as well 
Just like a concert, only with added breaks and the bonus of being free! The Musical Director of the Devon Guild of Singers also founded a Youth Orchestra in Ealing, and tonight’s concert is part of the orchestra’s 50th anniversary tour.
Not sure what the kids made of it really but they all sat and listened well – good for them to hear and appreciate some different music for a change, even if they didn’t like the particular style. They definitely enjoyed watching the orchestra. Probably should have thought to print out a translation of the Latin for them or an explanation of the different parts for them to follow but there we go. I loved it.
Had to laugh as our bugbear about posture came to the fore again; one violinist on the front row had *awful* posture, and made us laugh out loud when he yawned during the performance and used his violin to cover his mouth. Don’t think he was actually playing at the time, but still!
Back to the grandparents’ afterwards for tea and general veg out time before going home. Steve came second today but one of his friends rolled his car so that eclipsed the afternoon’s racing for him I think.
Now we are being subjected to Dadnapped, argh. Suppose I have watched films with less stars than that before now; if nothing else it’s a chance for an early evening nap 
Still no plans for tomorrow although ideas are coming in, now I just have to work out how to keep everyone happy with whatever we end up doing …
* When you’re an opera star, with a large repertoire, how do you please the crowd? Sing Verdi very loud!
(Beethoven’s Wig, music and lyrics permanently engraved in family lore here, not sure if this is good or bad!)
