Getting Ready for Dr. Seuss Week With Amma Over Skype

Audrey is Reading, Natalie is Climbing

Two awesome videos from yesterday.  This is Audrey's first time reading Hop on Pop.

Natalie was the only one in her class of 6 to make it to the top of the rope yesterday.  On other tries she and the class's only boy made it but they're the only 2 so far.

SUPER proud of these little ladies!

Bakerella

I think this is why she likes baking.

But hey, why wouldn't it be?

First Piano Lesson

Our budding musicians had their first piano lesson today and enjoyed it! They're excitedly practicing already tonight.

Then at dinner I heard this. Music on the mind!

N: You could use a dot and 2 straight lines and make a music note in Doodle Dice.

A: And you could use a dot and another dot and a line and another line and make another music note. 

Birthday Weekend

34 is upon me and we had a fun weekend celebrating.  On my birthday morning the girls woke me with cards and bags of goodies they'd assembled.

 

From Natalie: crafts and money

From Audrey: princesses and candy.

Both very fitting.

 

Chris came home early from work, we had family movie time (Despicable Me), then I got to hunt for my presents.

 With 2 very willing helpers who were also eager helpers for the opening

Especially when there were Legos involved!

Everyone was very generous and I received wonderful gifts including a new iPod.

 Friday night Chris cooked amazing Scallops with Lemon Butter, pesto gnocchi, and brussel sprouts.  Saturday morning Audrey could hardly stand it so we launched into the Legos.

A snow storm Saturday afternoon brought us 4" or so.  We took a walk/run during the storm and all had a lot of fun.  Today we shoveled and did a bunch of sledding.

Thanks to all of you who sent birthday well wishes.  I feel very loved.  We had a bunch of great family time this weekend and I look forward to all that the next year has in store for us!

Happy Hearts Day

We celebrated love and family yesterday with a day of togetherness, cooking, and a visit from Aunt Sam.

Chris spearheaded a gourmet dinner, his gift to us this year.  "They" say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach but he knows that works both ways in our house!  Days ahead of time he prepared multi-course menus with two choices for each course for each Audrey, Natalie, and myself.  Then everyone helped in the kitchen yesterday.

The girls chose fruit salad, bowtie noodles with Mario Batali's ragu, and broccoli.

We took a few breaks for games and dance parties.

I chose Kale Salad with Root Vegetables and Apple, Fusilli with Creamed Leek and Spinach, Braised Pork Chops with Cipollini and Olives, and Parmesan Fried Zucchini for the adults.  We made a ginger pear cheesecake for dessert. Seriously, check out these recipes.  We gave each a 5-star rating.

Fancy dress for the fancy meal.

It was a truly love-ly day and we really enjoyed having Aunt Sam too.  The day ended with a snow storm and we're glad she made it home safely.

Happy Hearts Day!