Our Kids

Singing to Phoebe

jason — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:00:33 +0000

Sitting outside in the morning and piper and phoebe are swinging on a chair. Piper is in full-on big sister mode… Was climbing with her, jumping on the trampoline, etc. Cutest thing: piper just started singing Phoebe’s favorite song to her (“Hello Sunshine” — also fun to hear Phoebe say it). Sweet kids.

Recital

mystique — Mon, 14 May 2012 01:12:38 +0000

Piper and Lela had their final piano recital this weekend. It was very exciting and quite overwhelming for some but more on that later. The girls did excellent, better than I expected. They sang and played a song with their class in which the kids did really well. Then they each played their own compositions on a grand piano (kind of different from the Casio keyboard, lol). I was super impressed with all the kids and the music they wrote. I know for us I did not help the girls write their songs at all which makes it all the more impressive. I don’t know what the future holds for the girls and music but I am sure their 3 years with Ms. Annell in the Let’s Play Music program will be a great foundation for what is next.

On the overwhelming front I think that the 1st grade play and then the recital were a bit much for Lela. Although she enjoyed them both and was excited for them both I think they really stressed her out. She spent a good hour or so crying today but I think it was just a venting of emotion. It didn’t seem to phase Piper in the slightest, at least not yet.

Talking to Uncle JJ

jason — Sat, 12 May 2012 22:43:38 +0000

Phoebe absolutely loves talking to her Uncle JJ using Apple’s FaceTime video chat. It’s simple to do — I setup an iPad, push a button, and all of a sudden we’re video chatting with JJ on his iPhone. Sometimes I feel bad because he has to sit there for anywhere between 5 and 20 minutes holding his phone in front of his face, but most of the time I don’t think he minds.

Phoebe’s reaction to FaceTime will change with every call. Sometimes she’s just a chatterbox — trying to convey some awesome story or tragedy in her life in her current only-phoebe-can-understand language. Other times she’s shy — she’ll hide her face, smile shyly, or just giggle to herself and hide from the camera. All of her reactions are absolutely adorable, of course.

So now whenever Phoebe sees my iPad, she immediately perk up and say “JJ?” I know she understands that the iPad does other things than call JJ (because she does those other things on her own after stealing an iPad!), but I’m pretty sure she’s convinced that if it’s nighttime and daddy’s iPad — we’re calling JJ.

Just before bedtime is a great time to call Uncle JJ. If we’re doing a no-nap day then by 6:30 or so Phoebe is just done. Anything could set her off… even a smile from her dad (who doesn’t like those!?). When that happens… out comes the iPad! She perks right up and we can make it to 7:30… or 8, or 8:30, or 9… she’s a crazy sleeper these days.

So a big thank you to the very understanding, and apparently entertaining, Uncle JJ

End of 1st grade performance

mystique — Sat, 12 May 2012 15:46:35 +0000

Well folks I feel like I have been strapped in to a roller coaster this week. But thankfully I did not fall out and I dare say I almost survived:) The girls had their end of year performance for the 1st grade and it was wonderful. Well it was wonderful aside from the part where I was at the fornt of a very cramped room with no way to get out easily with a screaming Phoebe. I managed to get out with Phoebe after about 32 excuse mes’ to all the people in the aisles. I did miss the flute playing but was able to come back in for the May Day Mother’s tribute. The girls and their teacher did such a wonderful job. I was coordinating the set up and all the refreshments so I got exactly NO pictures of the event, OY! Next year I am not going to be the class rep, repeat I will not be the class rep, I will not be the class rep. I adore the teacher but next year I have other fish to fry:) Anyway, 1st grade is rapidly coming to an end and I just can’t believe it. We are working on our summer plans and they look like they will include gymnastics, violin and even a quick trip to San Diego. I’ll say it again, bring on the summer!

A subtle hint from Lela

jason — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:05:53 +0000

Lela would like to learn how to play the violin. This is how she reminded us.