October Highlights

In spite of feverish snottiness, we headed north for a trip to the Monterey Aquarium, and we're super glad we did. Harper got to check out "The Secret Life of Seahorses" exhibit, which she adored, and Jack was excited to see the sharks.

It was also just nice to be at the beach together.

And then there was Halloween. Harper wanted to be a barn owl, and Jack chose to be a worker this year. I thought they looked extra cute and they both had a great night.

Slice of Life

Pizza Night Rock Out

Kid Band

A Poem by Harper

I know we have been negligent in posting lately - we haven't even posted the kids birthdays - and this is already a month old, but it is still worth a read.

In Nature

Where trees grow

Is Mother Earth

So grass grows

Around the street bend

the grass will come

to Mother Earth

And then, all done!

Poem by Harper

August 26, 2009

Grandma's New Pool

Harper and Jack would like to say: "Thank you Grandma for living down the street and building a beautiful swimming pool!"

This was the first day the pool had water in it. There is still a bit of landscaping to go in, but since Harper was going to spend the night with Grandma anyway, we thought it would be a good idea for the whole family to head down the street and take the first dip.

We are definitely looking forward to the countless cool, refreshing swims to come!

Independence Day Medley

Harper's First Dance Recital!

The show was such fun! The big girl clearly enjoyed herself and was proud of her accomplishment. (Remember-- you can click on a photo to see it enlarged.)

The heel-clap-clap step is one of Harper's favorites. She can nail it!

"Singing in the Rain..."

"...what a glorious season, I'm happy again!"

I was glad to see that she's not doing everything lefty style this recital. At the Christmas show, she was doing all the steps opposite, but this go around she was starting to turn the right way, point with the right foot, etc.

I just love the contrast between the teachers' legs and the kids' in this photo.

Good buddies enjoying the stage, each other, the dance!

a 3 year old's arabesque... charming.

a particularly cool moment where Harper got into the lyrics and hammed it up a bit

another favorite step, the releve with the swirly hands above

the Finale... "there's NO business like SHOW business..."

the post-show pride

pretty pleased with herself

"Bigsie" the Ballerina and her happy Mama

the two rascally rabbits after the show

Birdie tolerating another photo with her buddy Sydnie, ever-ready to pose

Something about her expression here, the flowers, and the tutu makes me think of Degas.
No extended arms or lanky legs, but the post-show glow and
the tremendous beauty on this little dancer is definitely art.

When Aunt Carie asked her later if she "was the best one" (classic Carie), Harper said "yes, because I got two bouquets and everyone else got one!" She was very proud of herself, which is a big part of our goal with ballet. Overall-- so fun!