New Years Eve - 2014

Fancy Nancy strikes again. As tradition holds, we all dressed up in our flamboyant best and went to Old Ebbit Grill for dinner. Hair was braided. Nails were painted. Dresses were twirled. We talked fancy, ate with our pinkies in the air, and were mostly very posh.

Happy New Year!

Winter Break 2014 - Turks and Caicos

This was one vacation I did not want to come home from. Being in the sun and near the ocean was heaven.

We went to an all inclusive resort in Turks and Caicos, and the kids were torn every day about whether to go with Scott and I or to the kids club. There was plenty of time to do both.

The highlight for me was scuba diving. We saw turtles and sharks, and generally enjoyed being out on the boat. We also took the kids sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling. They got to play at the water park and pools on site. We played tennis and did yoga. Scott got to try surfing.

An added bonus was seeing a friend of ours from childhood who just happened to be staying at a neighboring property at the same time. He was there with his family, and we got to see his family several times.

The facility also has an arrangement with Sesame Street and so the characters made an appearance from time to time at dance parties and other events. My kids had never seen an episode of Sesame Street, but that didn't stop them from being determined to see all the characters and having their picture taken with them before we left.

At every turn, there was something new to do or try or an empty lawn chair or hammock to chill out in.

There were 19 restaurants on the property. At the Japanese steak house where we celebrated Scott's birthday, Mia was called up to help cook dinner and dance a little gangnam style.

Yoga on the beach.

One of the many swim up pool bars. Mia getting a little jungle juice.

One of two life size chess sets.

Sesame Street did not disappoint. They played a little ball with us before this photo.

Sophie signed her name in the sand for this photo.

Scott surfing.

All you can eat ice cream 24/7.

Chanukah - 2014

We did a few things differently this Chanukah. You all decorated the house, shopped for gifts for each other and us, and participated in concerts at temple. We also went down to the Eclipse (the White House lawn) for the national menorah lightening. That turned out to be a surprisingly neat experience. There were some surprise entertainers and Vice President Joe Biden came to say a few words. Afterwards, they gave out menorahs, dreidels, jelly donuts, and latkes with apple sauce.

On another night, we went to a Chanukah ice skating event. On a skating break, the brought a giant menorah out on the rink to light it.

We also played many games of dreidel, and you were all old enough to really participate. After eight nights of presents, you all wrote your own thank you notes.

The holidays are starting to look different - in a good way!

Sophie - Ballet Recital

Sophie, you are a graceful ballerina.  You are coordinated and have good rhythm. You had no problem learning the steps, following the teacher, or being in front of an audience. When the class was over, however, you let me know that ballet really wasn't your cup of tea. "Next time, mom," you told me, "I'd like to do soccer, tennis, swimming, or gymnastics. But no more ballet."

While I am fine to be leaving ballet in the rear view mirror and am delighted that you'll be taking swimming over the winter, I am a little sad that my mommy ballet days are over. It's very sweet to have little girls twirling and doing ballet. I'll miss these sweet moments.

Red Carpet Report - Zoe

Zoe, each year at Ashlawn Elementary the third graders research an animal and write a full research report. It's a big event. The students practice researching multiple sources of information and writing all the different elements of a book from the dedication and introduction pages to the "about the author" and everything in between. The project lasts for a few months as you identify a topic, plan your research approach, collect your facts on note cards, put rough drafts of your book chapters together, and then write, illustrate, and bind the final book. 

You were interested in lions, and a trip to the Zoe solidified your choice. 

When the "Big Books" are done, there is a grand affair at school. We literally roll out the red carpet for an author's reading and then a publishers party. All the parents and teachers stand around the red carpet and clap while the assigned paparazzi take photos. You walked the red carpet with complete joy. You were so proud of your Big Book.

 At the end of the children' red carpet walk, your teacher Mr. Knott walked the red carpet to follow you all in to the author's reading event.

 You were the first author to read at the reading event. You read each section of the book, and then invited comments and questions. Two parents asked you questions which you handled really gracefully.

 At the end of the readings, all the kids went to the multipurpose room for a fancy publishers party. There was sparkling cider in champagne flutes to celebrate as well as all kinds of treats. 

Daddy and I were really proud of the effort you put in on your book. We did not help you or push you to finish it. On your own, you were motivated to do the best job you could and finish it on time while not having it take over all of your free time. 

I was also really proud of you for another tangential reason. The kids were told to dress in their absolute best. The fanciest kids would be the ones to seat the parents at the event and act as hosts. I knew that you really wanted to be selected, but had little expectation of being chosen since you didn't have any very fancy dresses. You had grown out of your fanciest dress and had no dress shoes. I saw you quietly trying to figure out which of your summer sundresses you could spruce up and make work. Ultimately you selected a little cotton sundress that you planned to wear with stockings and your boots. You never asked me for a new dress or shoes, and you never complained. Chanukah started right before the book event, and I was so excited for you to open a present on the first night of  Chanukah and receive a new dress and shoes that daddy and I had got for you. That was the best way to give a gift - one that was completely and genuinely appreciated and not nagged for. You looked very fancy and felt very comfortable on the Big Book day.

Bake Sale for Heifer

Zoe's class held a massive two day bake sale to collect money for Heifer International. They posted signs, planned the treats, and agreed on their goals. After the donations came in, the class agreed on the animals they would donate.

Zoe started lobbying for Scott and I to chip in an additional $3,000 to they could donate an "Ark" which is two of every animal at Heifer and a significant jump from what they raised and planned to donate. I really admire the charitable spirit, but sorry no, dad and I won't be making up the $3,000 gap to get the ark.

Mia - Piano Recital

Mia, you performed a solo piano performance at the winter recital at the senior center this winter. You had a busy day leading up to the recital, and I wondered how you'd react to having to quickly get dressed, practice, and go to the performance.

You were a champ. It's amazing to watch you grow and take on new and exciting challenges. You knew exactly what you needed to do to be prepared, and you played beautifully and confidently. 

Ready to play.

Taking a bow.

With all the piano students.