They came! They came!

Despite the road closures, the power outages, the wildfires and evacuation alerts. All these amazing kids and all their amazing families came to our Suzuki institute. Eighty-one students and their families. Friends from Scotland, SelfDesign friends from all over BC, locals, SVI friends from last year and the year before, faculty who are like second family to my kids. Kids who can play Seitz Concerto No. 5 1st movement without being forewarned at the opening "play-in" with polish and aplomb. Kids who can make parents get teary-eyed with their big unison sound, playing the international Suzuki anthem "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" to finish off the Sunday afternoon welcome. Kids in mixed-age groups who run and shriek and play together on ropes and lawns and playground equipment as if they've known each other for years when it's been just a few minutes. It's going to be a great week.