Return to Blogging

I have sat down to update this blog so many times over the past few months, but somehow found it too overwhelming to tackle.  We had such a great summer and did so many fun things together as a family and at some point I will have to document them all - or at least a few.  But for now, let me start with something simple - something to ease myself back into blogging.

The First Day of School 2012!!

I have been anticipating this school year ever since Abby was in Kindergarten.  It's true.  Way back then, we had just moved into this neighborhood and I was pregnant with Peter.  I remember thinking as I sent little Abby off to Kindergarten, that when she was in sixth grade, this little baby inside me would just be Abby's age and would be starting Kindergarten himself.  

Foolishly, at the time, that seemed like a lifetime away.  But, here I am what feels like five minutes later, with Abby in 6th grade, Isaac in 4th grade, Henry in 2nd, and that little baby, Peter, is in Kindergarten.  Crazy.

The first day of school arrived with its unique blend of nervousness and excitement.  The kids had carefully picked out their outfits and had loaded their backpacks and they were ready to start a new year.  

Technically, Peter wouldn't start school for another week, but here are 

my four babies who all attend the same school. I love it!

Here's my darling sixth grade girl.  

Ready for 4th grade!

How is this little peanut already a 2nd grader!?

The kids were able to meet up with their friends at the neighborhood breakfast which always seems to calm the nerves.  I love seeing these cute kids reunited and ready to face the year together.

Isaac and our neighbor.  These boys logged a lot of hours together this summer - legos, swimming, basketball camp.  Isaac loves having a friend next door!

Abby and her cute friends.  

I refuse to acknowledge that these girls will be in Junior High next year.

Walking to school hand-in-hand.

Henry and his 5th grade buddy Jake, make their way to school.

These three had a great first day of school.  They all came home happy about their teachers, excited about the kids in their classes, and totally enthusiastic about doing homework.  (Well, at least for the first day.)

Peter and Lucy didn't start school for another week and man alive, was that a long week.  Everyday they would ask how much longer until they got to start school and everyday, they were unhappy with my answer.  Those two younger kids were ready to get in on the action.

Oh, I love these two kids!

Peter spent the morning of his first day feeling a little nervous.  He wasn't very hungry and had so many questions about how the day would go. "What kind of things will my teacher have me do?" he asked.  "How will I know where I'm supposed to go?"  "Who am I going to sit by?"  I assured him that he would be fine;  his teacher is so nice and there are so many great kids in his class.  I promised he would have a great day.  By the time we were ready to go, Peter was excited and ready to get to school.  

Look at the enthusiasm on those faces!

After school, Peter walked home with Abby, Isaac, and Henry and when he got here, he burst through the door with a huge smile on his face and ran straight for me to give me a huge hug.  "Today was awesome!  Kindergarten is GREAT!" he said with more enthusiasm than I know how to type.

Lucy had a great first day of preschool - although when I went to pick her up the only thing I could think was that she is way too small and has way too little hair to be in preschool.  

I am excited for this year for my kids.  They all seem so happy with their teachers and they have great friends in their classes.  They are all involved in activities they seem to love and enthusiastic about.  And as for me, now that Peter is in kindergarten and Lucy is in preschool, for the first time since the day Abby was born, I have two afternoons a week all to myself.

At least until March....

Abby's Birthday 2012

One of the best things about the beginning of summer, is that we always get to celebrate Abby's birthday during those first few days.  It seems like the perfect way to kick-off summer - plus it gives us a chance to celebrate one of our favorite girls.

This year, Abby's birthday was on a Sunday which interfered with her typical birthday celebration: sushi for lunch, a mani/pedi, and a little birthday shopping, and dinner with the family at a restaurant of her choice.  But even with her birthday falling on a Sunday, it was still a pretty great day.

It started off with all of us singing heartfelt rendition of "Happy Birthday" to wake her up, followed by a yummy breakfast of French Toast and the opening of presents.  The first few presents she opened were small little craft items for her "Never Be Bored" box, a bag of salt-and-vinegar chips (her favorite food on earth) and an i-tunes card.  But there in the middle of the table was a large box, wrapped in green paper.  Abby knew it looked promising and she waited until the end to open it.

Blurry i-phone shot, but you get the idea.

Inside the large box was tons of tissue paper that Abby dug through looking for whatever was in that box.  Finally, at the bottom of the box, she found an envelope and inside the envelope was something she had been wanting and asking about and dreaming about for nearly four years: a ticket to see the musical "Wicked." When she saw that ticket, her eyes lit up and she ran over and threw her arms around me.  She was so excited.  Andrew, of course, quickly joked that this was the first and only time that Wickedness ever brought happiness.  I am so excited to go see "Wicked" with her.  It's just too bad we have to wait until August to see it.

That night, we went to Oma's and Grandpa's for dinner.  We had birthday cake for dessert and then following dinner and dessert, Oma planned a "Summer Kick-Off Fiesta" - the perfect celebration for Abby's birthday.  The "kick-off" started with a treasure hunt around the neighborhood.  The prizes included things that everyone needs for summer: bubbles, sparklers, candy and at the end, each grandchild got a towel with his or her name embroidered on it.

Once the treasure hunt was done, it was time to do a piñata in the front yard.  This piñata was huge and stuffed with more candy than 20 kids could eat in an entire summer.  Each of the grandkids took a turn trying to hit that piñata, but even then, it took awhile to bring it down.  When it finally fell, there was a shower of candy and the chaos that ensued was impressive.  

The rest of the night was spent roasting marshmallows over the fire pit, doing sparklers, and enjoying a perfect summer night.  It was a pretty spectacular way for Abby to spend her 11th birthday.

There are so many things I love about Abby.  She is one of the funniest people I know.  Seriously.  She can make me belly-laugh with her witty observations and comments.  She is kind and makes an effort to be a friend to those who need one.  She is a loving big sister.  She has a fabulous imagination and can always come up with amazing games and activities for her younger siblings to play.  She loves to read.  She is quick to smile and laugh.  She looks for the humor in every situation.  She is willing to try new things.  She loves to set and accomplish goals.  She loves music and is learning to play the piano and sing beautifully.  She has a good understanding of decisions and consequences and always tries to do what she knows is right.

I am so grateful for this beautiful girl, who, eleven years ago gave me the gift I had wanted my whole life: she made me a mom and I have treasured every single day with my girl.  Abby, we love you, love you, love you.  You are such a light and a joy in our family.  Happy Birthday my baby girl!

Performances

Last week our family was inundated with performances.  In fact, Lucy was the only one not involved in the performing arts.

Peter had his preschool performance on Tuesday.  For months, he had been singing his songs as he went through the house, and when the day came, he was so excited for us to see him perform.  When I woke him up in the morning and told him we needed to get ready for Kindermusik, he said he wasn't sure if we had time for Kindermusik because we had his performance that night  - at 8:00.  I assured him we could do both.

Peter was proud and a little reserved as he made his grand entrance.

 It was a little hard to hear most of the kids sing, because one girl sang, yelled at the top of her lungs. 

 I tried to think it was cute.

I loved it when the kids sang, "Proud to be an American."

Peter's performance came at the end of crazy day with all the kids needing to be different places at once.  I loved ending my day watching my cute boy perform and it made me more than a little sad to think that this was his last preschool performance.  I am NOT ready for Peter to start kindergarten in the fall.  But, as he often reminds me, "at least you get Lucy for like six more years, or something."

Anyway, on Thursday and Friday of the same week, Abby and Isaac performed in their school's production of "Beauty and the Beast."  This was a play that they had been working on, two mornings a week before school, ever since October.  It was nothing short of fabulous.  

Isaac played the part of a villager.  He was adorable up on stage singing praises to Gaston, doing push-ups as part of a dance number, grabbing a plunger to use for a weapon as the villagers went after the beast, and fighting with the silverware and plates in the final scene at the castle.  

My own little villager - the most darling one on the stage.

Abby had a roll as a "Silly Girl;" you know those girls who flirt with and fawn over Gaston.  She was absolutely adorable in her roll, and while I have never known her to fawn over any boy (yet), she was very convincing up on stage.  

Abby conspiring with another Silly Girl.

Giving her dreamiest expression - far left.

Although Henry didn't get to be up on stage, (it was only for 3rd - 6th graders) all the kids in the school were taught a dance routine to "Be Our Guest." Then, in the middle of the performance all the students who were spread throughout the audience, did a sort of flash mob dance and performed along with the kids on stage.  Henry loved being part of it, if only from the audience and it was great to see so many students in the audience participating.  Henry's class also helped make masks for the wolves in the forest to wear.  He was so proud of his contribution.

As I mentioned, Lucy was the only one not involved in a performance last week - but that doesn't mean she didn't try.  All throughout the play on Thursday and Friday, Lucy stood in the aisles and danced along with the musical numbers.  Then, as the play progressed, she would walk up the aisle toward the stage.  At first it was just a couple of feet and then she would come back to our seats, but by the end of the play, she gathered her courage and went right up to the stage.

Lucy makes her way to the stage and tries to get Abby's attention.

Finally gets noticed by Abby.

Makes a run for it back to the seats.

I'm sure Lucy is already counting down the days until she can be up on stage.  She is already a little performer.

Anyway, the play was awesome and I loved every minute of it.  At the end of the night, the teacher who directed it and spent thousands of hours putting it all together (without extra pay), stood on the stage and talked about the importance of the arts in the lives of children.  I got really emotional as I was filled with gratitude for the experiences my kids have with the arts.  I am so grateful my kids go to a public school that emphasizes the arts in so many ways and I am grateful for teachers who work hard to make a difference in the lives of their students.  I know that the opportunities my kids are having, will last with them always.

I loved this past week seeing all my kids involved in various performances.  I loved the work that went into preparing for their performances and I loved the excitement and satisfaction they all felt when they were done.  Congratulations to all of you cuties

The Campaign Trail

The Republican primary wasn't the only campaign we followed closely this winter.

In fact, we were much more interested and involved in a campaign that hit close to home.

Starting in February, Abby ran for 5th grade president and it was a heated battle.  Early on, there were quite a few kids who were interested in running for president, but after the primary election, there were only seven candidates left - Abby and six boys.

Abby chose an accomplished running mate.  They worked hard to come up with a strong campaign slogan and then made posters to hang in the halls of school.   They made mustache badges to pass out at recess, asking kids to vote for them.  Abby had to prepare a speech outlining her plan if she were to be elected president and took part in a debate with the other candidates, addressing the tough issues facing 5th graders today.

It was well-run campaign and a great experience for Abby, but in the end, it was one of the boys who was elected 5th grade president.  I was worried that Abby would be upset, but as always, she took it all in stride.

"If I hadn't been running, " she said, "that's who I would have voted for too.  He'll make a great president."

Oh well.  She'll get it next time.  (Or, if she takes after her mom, she probably won't.  And yet, she'll still be just fine.)  Either way, I sure love that girl!

Christmas Dresses

Three years ago at this time, I was pregnant with Lucy.  Only we didn't know it was Lucy.  We were still a few weeks away from that all-important ultrasound during which we would learn the gender of our baby.

With every prayer that escaped my lips and every prayer said silently in my heart, I pleaded with the Lord that this baby would be another girl.  I know I would have loved and cherished a boy - but I  really wanted another daughter and I really wanted a sister for Abby.

A few days before the ultrasound, I was looking through a catalog, when I came across a gorgeous Christmas dress, perfect for a little girl.

"If we find out this baby is a girl, " I said to Andrew, "I am going to be tempted to get Abby and this new baby matching dresses."  But after that initial thought, I set the catalog aside and didn't think too much more about it.

On December 18th, 2008, I  went in for my ultrasound and I heard the words I had been dying to hear.  "It's a girl!" the tech said.  I made her check three more times just to be sure, and just so I could hear those words again.  "It's a girl."

As far as I was concerned, Christmas had come a week early to our house. Hallelujah! I had everything I had ever wanted and was totally thrilled.  So, imagine my surprise on Christmas morning, when I found a large gift box under the tree with my name on it.  I opened the gift from Andrew, and inside I found the two dresses I had dreamt of buying only few weeks before.  They were even more exquisite in person than they had appeared in the catalog and I was amazed that Andrew had remembered.  (Yes, he really is that thoughtful.  Amazing.  I know.)

The smallest size the dress came in was a 2, and as I looked at that dress and thought about the tiny baby inside me, it seemed like a lifetime before that dress would ever fit her.

Well, here we are three years later, and my tiny baby girl is finally big enough to fit in her dress and Abby is finally big enough to fit into the dress bought for her by her cute dad.  I have to admit, my girls look even sweeter in those dresses than I could have imagined.

Also better than I ever imagined, is the relationship between these two sisters. As of a couple of months ago, these two now share a bedroom and they are darling together.  

At night, as they are going to bed, Abby's main goal is to get as much reading in as possible.  Occasionally this conflicts with Lucy's main goal of saying prayers as many times a night as possible.  It would be fine if Lucy would just say her own, but she wants Abby to say prayers too.  One night, after Abby had said at least five prayers at Lucy's request, Abby admitted, "Lucy is just too spiritual for me."

Besides that one difference, these girls have a sweet relationship.  Abby has taught Lucy about taking care of baby dolls, and about painting finger nails, and about being a princess.  Lucy keeps Abby entertained with her singing and dancing and jabbering.

Yes, three years ago, when I was saying my prayers and crossing my fingers and wishing upon every star, hoping for another girl, I dreamed of matching dresses and bows and frills, but I also dreamed of a sweet relationship between my two daughters.  Needless to say, these two girls have exceeded my hopes and dreams in every way possible.

Mathematical Poetry

For Abby's first math assignment of the year, she was supposed to write a number poem.

What?  What the heck kind of assignment is that?

She sat down and asked me if I had any ideas.  I gave it my best shot and suggested:

"2, 4, 6, 8 who do we appreciate?  Abby, Abby, Abby!"

Needless to say, Abby was less than impressed with my poetry skills and decided to take on the assignment by herself.  In ten minutes, this is what she came up with:

Square Roots

Grow into square trees

That grow square apples

That make square apple sauce

That make one person sick.

Or make a square apple pie

To cut into 4x4 pieces

To make square roots

All over again.

So, yes, it's more sophisticated than my poem, but let's be honest, math was never my strong point anyway.  Love that Abby-girl!

Abby's Golden Birthday

We celebrated our darling Abby's birthday a few days ago but with the lounging around, doing-nothing, summertime we been having, it's taken me a few days to get up the gumption to write about this girl we simply adore.

First of all, it's unbelievable that she is TEN years old.  How is it possible that it's already been a decade since that sweet baby was placed in my arms and my heart was filled with a burning protective love that I had never felt before.  I remember our first night together in the hospital as I held her in my arms. I looked into her eyes and made a promise to her that I would always take care of her and love her and be good to her, and I asked her to promise me the same.

So far, she has lived up to her promise and hopefully I have too.  It's just hard to believe that that sweet baby is now ten and is loves fingernail polish and ipods and music and gymnastics and golf and reading and sushi and clothes and school and friends.

We spent the night before Abby's birthday at "the brown cabin" (Andrew's family cabin that is nestled at the mouth of Sundance in Provo Canyon.)  Abby woke to the sound of the river running outside and opened presents sitting on the deck right next to the river.  It would be a dreamy way to start any day, but it was a perfect way to start a birthday.  Unfortunately, neither Andrew or I had a camera with us - so no pics of that glorious morning.

The main thing Abby wanted for her birthday this year was an ipod nano.  Andrew and I resisted the idea, but when she said she would pay for half of it, we finally agreed.  On the morning of her birthday, Abby opened all her presents, but when they had all been opened, there was no nano.  She tried to be excited but she looked a little disappointed.

"Did you get everything you wanted?" I asked.

"Yeah.  I think so." Abby said unconvincingly.

Just then I pulled the tiny Nano box from my pocket and said, "Well then, you probably won't want this."

Abby squealed and jumped up and down and threw her arms around my neck.  Never has there been a girl who was more excited about a birthday present.  I was so glad that we had agreed to let her get it.

The night of her birthday, she invited some friends over for brownie sundaes and Andrew and I decided that as long as she was inviting some friends, we wanted to invite some friends too.  So we ended up with Abby friends and some neighbors at our house until 11:00 at night celebrating Abby and summer and good friends.

There are so many times when I am overwhelmed with the goodness in my life, and never more than when I think about my Abby.  I can't believe how lucky I am to be the mom of this girl.  She is everything I have ever dreamed of in a daughter.  Abby has an amazing sense of humor and is so witty.  She is always cheerful and game for anything.  She always has great ideas of thing our family can do.  She is an amazing sister. She is an awesome reader and a diligent student.  We all love this girl and I am so grateful for that day ten years ago, that she came into the world and made me a mom.

Anything's Possible

Last Thursday and Friday, after nearly six months of rehearsals, Abby and Isaac (and 160 other kids from their elementary) performed "Seussical the Musical."

Last week, Abby and Isaac had to be to school every morning between 6:30 and 7:00 to put the finishing touches on the play.

On Thursday, I spent most the day with butterflies in my stomach.  Abby played the part of Jojo, one of the leads in the play and while I've heard her sing around the house (and think her voice is lovely,) I'd never heard her sing on stage.  I was a little nervous for her - for sure more nervous than she was.

As it turned out, I didn't need to worry.  She blew me away.  She was utterly adorable up on stage and was totally confident.  Best of all, her voice was beautiful.   Here she is singing, "Anything's Possible." (her solo part really begins at 0:46)

Isaac did a great job as a Who.  His part wasn't as big as Abby's but he sang and danced with energy.  The greatest thing about Isaac is that he was Abby's biggest fan in this play.  He couldn't wait to perform in front of the school because he knew that afterwards everyone would say, "Your sister was awesome!" 

He's right.  She was awesome.  And so was he.  And so were all the other kids who worked so hard on their parts.  And so were the teachers who put so much time and effort into making it amazing.  I think Dr. Seuss himself would have been proud!

Abby and Isaac after the play - and yes, Isaac is two years younger than Abby.

(photo courtesy of Amanda Lewis.)

Sisters

When I was little I always dreamed of the day when I would have sister.

I was dying to have a best friend I could play dress-up with and share clothes with and share a room with.  I waited through four brothers and nearly thirteen years before I finally got a sister.  And it took until I was a freshman in college (yes, a freshman in COLLEGE) before I got a second sister.

I adore both my sisters and have a great relationship with both of them, but the age difference between us meant not a lot of dress-ups, shared rooms - and I only wish I could fit into my 20-year-old sister's clothes.

So, based on my own desire for a sister from a young age, since the day Abby was born I wished and hoped for a sister for my girl.  I have loved each of my boys and I have loved seeing the relationships that have formed between Abby and her brothers, but when I found out that we having another girl, I felt like I had won the lottery.

Lucy is just starting to reach the age when dressing up and imagination play is starting to kick in.  And while I have imagined this day for nearly ten years, the moments I envisioned pale in comparison to the reality of my two cute girls together.

Andrew came home from the work the other day to this impossibly adorable sight:

He found Abby putting the final touches on a very fancy and much-too-big dance costume for Lucy.  Notice the tiny ponytail Abby had styled in the back of Lucy's hair.  Lucy looked liked a princess and acted the part convincingly for the next hour or so. 

After Abby had worked her magic, Lucy spent the next little while driving through the kingdom in her chariot:

She posed like a princess,

and even showed off her "glass"slipper:

Oh, how I love these two girls.  I love the sweet relationship these two share and the mutual adoration they have for each other.  Back when I was pregnant and found out I was getting another girl and I felt like I'd won the lottery, I was right.  I did win the lottery.  And so did Abby and so did Lucy.

Hooray for sisters!

Snowball Effect

Last Sunday we were at my parent's house for dinner when my dad told Abby one of my all time favorite stories.  It is the story of the first time my parents met...

(Not an actual photograph of described events.)

It was a beautiful winter's day up at University of Utah campus.  There had been a huge snowstorm the night before, so in between classes, my mom and her friend decided to throw snowballs at all the cute boys walking by on their way to class.  Who knows how many snowballs were actually thrown, but as the story goes, my dad was the only one who stopped and threw one back.  And that is the way it all began...

As my dad finished telling Abby the story, he gestured to everyone sitting around the table: my mom, my seven siblings, our spouses and the nine grandchildren running wild through the house.  "See Abby, this is what happens when you throw snowballs at cute boys."

Without missing a beat, Abby said with newfound understanding, "Maybe that's why they don't want us throwing snowballs at recess."

It was a hilarious response - but over the past week, I have thought about the story and how grateful I am for those two crazy college kids who met during a snowball fight, were married a year and half later, have raised and loved eight kids and have been in love for more than 43 years.

Now that is the perfect definition of the snowball effect.

Ode to Abby

We live in a great neighborhood.  I could make a long and elaborate list detailing all the things I love about where we live.  I love the mature trees,  and the winding street.  But more important than either of those things, is that I love the people who live in my neighborhood.  I love the great neighbors who are my friends and I love the children they are raising who are friends with my kids.

Abby is particularly lucky in the friend department.  There are so many darling girls her age who live around here.  They are kind, creative, smart and fun girls and I am so grateful that my daughter is surrounded by them.

Today, Abby came home from school bubbling with her usual enthusiasm.

"How was your day?" I asked.

"Great!" she replied.  "Becca wrote me a song.  Do you want to hear it?"

"Sure." was my response.  Then Abby explained that it was to the tune, "Utah, This is the Place." It's a song I am unfamiliar with, but apparently,  at least at our school, the kids learn it in 4th grade.  So, after a brief introduction, Abby started singing the song written for her by her friend.

Abby, wearing leggings and skirts,
Abby, wearing vans everyday,
She's the lead in the play,
Singing solos each day.
This is the girl.

Abby, voice strong til the end,
Abby, loves to play with a friend.
Loves to sew, loves to cook,
Loves to jump in a book.
This is the girl.

Abby, helping friends everyday,
Abby, she is leading the way,
She's the lead in the play
Singing solos each day,
This is the girl.

She was the dog in Annie
And an Oompa-Loompa too.
This year she is Jojo ooooooohhhh,

Abby, she's a lead in the play.
Loves to cook, loves to sew,
Wears her hair in a bow,
This is the girl.

Abby, Abby, Abby,
She is the GIRL!

By: Rebecca

When Abby finished singing the song for me, I had a strange mix of emotions.  First of all, I was amazed at how clever and cute Becca is, but more than that, I felt profound gratitude.  As a mother, I felt so grateful that my daughter has a friend who recognizes so much good in her and encourages and celebrates  it  - even in a song.  All girls (and women) should be so lucky.

This funny, cute  - and clever song written for Abby, has given me a big dose of gratitude today.  I am grateful for my Abby, who is all the things the songs says.  I am grateful to live in this great neighborhood and I am grateful for dear friends who look for and celebrate the good.  Hopefully, I can take a lesson from Becca, and be better at doing the same.

Amazing

A few weeks ago, Andrew and I took Abby, Isaac and Henry to see the Broadway Version of "The Lion King" playing here in Salt Lake.  I had bought the tickets over a year ago and was so excited to take the kids to see it.

"The Lion King" has always had a special place in my heart.  It was one of the first movies I saw in a theater after I came home from my mission.  I loved everything about it - the music, the story, the characters, the humor -  everything!  And I loved it so much that I saw it the next night too. As soon as the movie ended on that second night, I immediately went to the store and bought the CD.  As a college student on a very tight budget, it was quite a splurge to see a movie in a theater two nights in a row -  then add another 15.00 for the CD - and I was living large.  It probably felt a little reckless at the time, but I loved that show.

Fast-forward several years to when we were living in Minnesota.  Abby was 4-years old and Isaac was two and their favorite movie by far was "The Lion King."  Whenever we had a family movie night, that is the movie they chose.   When I was pregnant with Henry and was too sick to get off the couch, Simba became our babysitter as "Lion King" was viewed more times than I care to admit.  When we went on road trips, it didn't matter how many movies we brought with us, it was "Lion King" that was watched over and over again on repeat.  And when Abby and Isaac got tired of watching the movie, we would listen to the CD - over and over again.

Abby and Isaac were hilarious in the way they made this movie part of our lives.  They called each other "Timon" and "Pumba" and used lines from the movie as part of our daily conversations.  Every time they sat down to eat, one of them would take a bite and inevitably say, "Tastes like chicken." and the other would say, "Slimy, yet satisfying."  Should one of them happen to burp at the table, the other would say, "Nice one, Pumba."  It didn't matter how many times it happened in a day, it always made me laugh.

I don't know why, but this picture reminds me of their Timon and Pumba days.

Yes, the Lion King has been deeply woven into the tapestry of our lives for many, many years.  So when I learned that the Broadway show was coming to Capitol Theater, it took me about two seconds to decide that we were going.

I went into the show with high expectations.  I had heard so many great reviews of the stage production and with the emotional history we had with the show, it would have to be amazing to live up to the hype.   I need not have worried, because it blew every expectation out of the water.  The five of us sat there enthralled through the whole show - none of us wanting it to ever end. We were mesmerized by the puppets, the masks, the amazing dance and music. For two hours, we were transported to Africa and loved every second of it.

Since going to the show, we have downloaded the Broadway music to my i-Pod, and it has become the recent soundtrack to our lives. As much as I love the original music from the movie, some of the new songs from the Broadway production have become our favorites.

It was an amazing night and has been an enriching experience for our whole family.  Now that Abby and Isaac have outgrown their "Pumba' and "Timon" stage, I have loved discussing some of the themes and ideas of the show - and their universal, but personal applications.  Most of all, I have loved dancing around the kitchen with Andrew and my kids, with all of us singing "Lion King" songs at the top of our lungs.

Yes, "The Lion King" will always have a special place in my heart.

Great Books

Last week, before school even began, we went to to school to meet Abby and Isaac's teachers.  Abby's teachers asked her to bring a picture of herself doing something she loves and be prepared to talk about it for a minute.

This is the picture Abby selected and it perfectly depicts the main thing Abby loves to do.

This was definitely "The Summer of Reading" for Abby.  Sure, she loved being outside, playing with friends, going swimming and riding her bike.  But when she was home, more often than not, this is where she could be found; curled up on her bed reading a good book.

This was the summer that books came alive for Abby.  Since May, she has read nearly 9,000 pages and has found all kinds of friends and adventures inside the pages of her books.  She now includes among her dearest friends: Percy Jackson, Kendra from Fablehaven, the kids from the Mysterious Benedict Society and of course, Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione.

I have always loved reading and have always dreamed of having a daughter I could share this love with. This summer, as Abby has devoured book after book, I have loved discussing them with her - hearing what she loves about each one and how each one has expanded her knowledge, her world view and her imagination.  As she was reading Percy Jackson, she also studied D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths so she would have a better understanding of mythology and I loved discussing Greek gods with her.  We have had lengthy discussions about what it must take to write a novel: all the details, the descriptions, the character development.  This girl has a real appreciation for good writing.

Last night, as I was getting dinner ready and needed some help setting the table, I called Abby.  She came out of her room with a dazed but fulfilled look on her face.  I recognized the look immediately.  It was the look of someone who has gone through a harrowing battle with dear friends and is now coming out on the other side.  "Sorry I didn't come sooner.  I'm just reading the end of Harry Potter - and it's so intense," she said.  a few minutes later, when I looked around Abby was gone - off to her bedroom to finish her book.

With school starting, her reading time will definitely be shortened each day.  No more staying up past midnight and enjoying lazy morning reads in bed.  Her life is enriched through all the reading she has done over the past few months, but now she'll have to focus on math facts and required reading for school.

As for me, I am already thumbing through some of my favorite books and thinking of new friends I can introduce Abby to next summer.  Just 179 more school days to go....

P.S.  How sweet is that puppy of ours?

Back to School 2010

Even though it's only August 23rd and it feels like it's still the middle of summer, today was the first day of school for Abby and Isaac.

Abby and Isaac were both excited for today.  Last night they each laid out their first-day-of-school outfits they had been planning for days.  They had a hard time falling asleep last night, but this morning they were up early and anxious to head out the door.

Abby was excited to start 4th grade.

Isaac couldn't wait to start 2nd grade.

We went to our traditional neighborhood breakfast where the kids were reunited with friends and were able to discuss this year's teachers and classes.

Abby and her cute friends ready to start school.

Nothing says, "Good to see you buddy," like a gentle head lock.

There were no nerves, no pre-school jitters, no worries about friends or teachers - just pure excitement and smiles as they headed back to school.

Well, almost everyone was excited - everyone that is, but poor Henry.

He doesn't start school for another week and he was not happy to say good-bye to his buddies.  

When it came time to for the kids to walk into school, Henry burst into tears and buried his head into my thigh.  It's never easy being the one who is left behind.

But Abby and Isaac were ready.  When the time came, Isaac strolled casually into school, a seasoned veteran, ready to start the second grade.

 Abby lined up next to her teacher, ready to get in there and start school.

Andrew and I were left standing outside wondering what in the world happened to summer and how did our babies grow up so quickly?   I'm not sure we'll ever have the answer to those questions.

The one thing I do know: it's going to be a great year!