Beethoven's 5th Symphony and the Carosel with Grandma B

The little girls and I have had a fun season of all-things Beethoven. Grace especially loves the 5th Symphony.  I found $22 tickets for the Portland Youth Philharmonic preforming the 5th Sympohony at the Arlene Schitzer Concert Hall in Portland.. but upon further research I found that they were offering a free concert the week before at OSU! We invited Grandma Bonnie to come down that weekend and join us! In addition, the little girls had earned a trip to the carousel in Salem so we did that during her visit also!

After doing their morning chores without reminded for 1 week in a row, the girls had earned a trip to the Carousel! Yay!! Good job girls!

They convinced their big sisters that they should come along with them-

Grace was a little nervous about the up-and-down motion of the horses! Mandy held her hand

Our 'cool' guys (secretly wishing they could ride the horses too?? who knows!! :-) Grady with his mom Grandma Bonnie. Shes so sweet- she bought both girls lovely stuffed horses in the gift shop!

We were absolutely stunned by the talent of the Portland Youth Philharmonic orchestra. Ranging from age 11-21 it was the most amazing and terrific performance we have had the pleasure of hearing! Amazing!

"Corvallis-OSU Symphony invites you to come as you are in your most comfortable clothes to enjoy a thrilling performance by the Portland Youth Philharmonic's exceptional musicians and musical director David Hattner. This performance at OSU in Corvallis is FREE and all are welcome. Young musicians are especially encouraged to attend.

From the moment you hear the signature opening of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, you will be swept up in one of music’s most powerful and majestic experiences. Share the passion of PYP’s accomplished young musicians on this epic journey. A noble, historic Dvořák overture and a virtuosic piano concerto by the teenaged Chopin, performed by Natalie Tan (winner of PYP’s Piano Concerto Competition), round out this magnificent program.

The Portland Youth Philharmonic is a full symphonic orchestra that demands commitment to an intensive schedule of rehearsals and performances of repertoire that closely parallels that of a professional orchestra."

I had made only 1 mistake! I was able to choose the tickets online.. well of course being closer is better, right?? Well, even with earplugs (we tried to think ahead for Grace's sake!) it was far too loud for Gracie! Especially the first piece by Dvorak, who tends to be quite wild! She was practically hysterical because of the noise! Grady had to take her out and they ended up in the balcony. A very helpful usher helped Grady find a seat in the back (right next to the door in case she had to 'escape'!) Poor thing. Bad mom.. why didn't I remember that it would be better to be further back? This special needs parenting takes being one step ahead. Sometimes I fail but I learn to try harder next time! The usher was a very kind lady who told Gracie that she probably just has 'dolphin ears' and that she has met other people who are very sensitive to loud noises. That made Grace feel a little better. I was glad she was able to get situated before her favorite- Beethoven's 5th began. She was able to drink it in and thoroughly enjoy the beauty of the orchestra- from a distance!!!  

Afterwards, Grandma took us all out to the Spaghetti Factory! We usually go there when she comes for visits. They are usually tolerant of our 3 hour stays and there are lots of gluten-free options! Yay! What a full day and a fun time with Grandma.