Feeling Like a Little Fridays?

Well, Jimmy's team played the top team in Europe and lost their shirts, shorts and shoes..... We needed a night out after that. So, we went to Fridays with his teammate, Chris, and his family. Can I just say, Peyton is a bar rat!!!! We didn't see her all night, she was literally sitting at the bar and making the rounds of all the tables. She charmed the Greeks without any effort at all. Of course, it was karoake night and she didn't miss an opportunity to sing. Sally, Chris' wife, sang a little Tina Turner and was great. We tried to get Jimmy to sing R Kelly, but to no avail. Probably a blessing in disguise. Kali has another "boyfriend," CJ. We'll see how this plays out next week with her "men." Alexander is coming for a visit and will be staying for a few days. Kali will have to divide her attention between the two. Jimmy's season was extended by another week, which sucks. These barbaric fans over here killed a guy at a women's volleyball game between the 2 rivals teams. So they canceled all sporting events this weekend out of respect. I hope he will be home by Kali's 1st communion - it's starting to get iffy.

Exploring the Lands of the Gods

I must say, I was surprised when I arrived on Athenian soil - I truly miss this place. True, it is full of cranky old Greeks, filth and traffic, but it has a charm all it's own that you simply cannot ignore. My friend Brigitte picked us up from the airport and was a wonderful hostess. Our hotel had a great view of the Acropolis, as you can see. We spent the first day at ACS (The American Community School) watching Alexander and the rest of the elementary school sing and dance in true Greek fashion in celebration of Greek Independence Day. Then it was on to our old stomping ground - Maroussi - for some fun at Luna Park and a quick trip to "The Mall." So much has changed in the 4 years since I left. There is now a Starbucks on every corner!!! I could of used that when I was living here. We finished that 1st day with the most amazing meal at a taverna in the center of Athens. I forgot how much I like Greek food when it is authentic. I ate more that night then I've eaten in 6 months! It helps to go to a taverna with a Greek. Yanni ordered so much food we didn't even touch 2 of the plates!
Kali spent the weekend sleeping at Alexander's flat, she was so happy to see him. On Saturday we went to Glyfada, which is a suburb on the sea. We ate at one of Jimmy's favorite restaurants - La Pasteria. The kids wanted pasta - I wanted more Greek food!?!? After that we took a stroll along the coast to a sea turtle rehab center and spent some time playing on the beach. Peyton and I called it an early night, early by Greek standards anyways. Kali went to the Greek-Turkey Football Match (soccer game) with Alex and his family. She spent the evening in luxury in a suite. Although Greece lost, she seemed to have a great time!
Of course, I had to live through another time change. That makes 2 hours of sleep I've lost this spring!!!
Sunday brought sunshine and a day cruise of the islands. There were six of us on the 3 island tour... a 3 island tour. Sorry for the Gilligan reference, I couldn't help myself. The Oliver clan, plus "Hey Tom", who was visiting from Akron and, of course, Alexander. We had a great day. That was Jimmy's 1st cruise. I've had the pleasure 4 or 5 times. This is Peyton's 1st trip to Greece, I left here pregnant with her. We rode donkeys, ate fish and fresh octopus and bought some art from "starving artists."
I was sad to see the day end, although the sunset was gorgeous.

Our Tae Kwon Do Queen

Miss Kali is now a yellow belt - yippee!!!

She broke her board on the 1st try and only made one mistake during her Kicho il Jang (10 movements). She was a little nervous about counting to 10 in Korean, but she did just fine. She's already talking black belt!?!? Next stop - orange.

An Evening with the Stars....

Well, the Resnik Learning Center Family Dinner/Dance was quite an affair!!! Both of the Oliver girls had a blast dancing the night away with their special "dates." Peyton took her godfather, "Hey Tom" and, of course, Kali met up with Lee Paolucci. After the Chicken Dance, the Cha Cha Slide, and plenty of Disney Channel music, the evening was capped off by a huge victory for Kali. I was able to win her classrooms scrapbook during the silent auction. She was so happy to take it home. She is already planning a viewing party for all of her classmates!!! Her best friend Tatum even shared her Daddy during the Father/Daughter dance. I'm glad we were here to attend such a festive night!

Our little piece of the Tundra...

Lake Erie !!!!

Great Wolf Lodge Getaway

Well, one way to beat the artic blast was a trip to Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark. The girls had a wonderful time; bathing suits in February was so much fun. The only thing missing from this trip was Jimmy. I'm exhausted from chasing both of them around, but it was worth every step to see them so happy.

Valentine Snow Patrol

Well, we finally got some winter weather - Kali has been home from school for 2 days. She spent her Valentine's Day up to her bellybutton in snow!

And the winner of the Resnik Pride Award is.......

We are so proud of our little scholar. No matter what obstacles she faces in life, she always puts her very best foot forward.

The Magic Of Wishes...Princess Wishes

The Princesses Oliver spent a magical evening at Disney On Ice - Princess Wishes. It was so enthralling that Miss Peyton was glued - yes, I mean still, not moving - to her chair for 2 hours! She cried when it was over, she wanted to watch it again. Notice the cotton candy - candy floss for my European friends - all over Peyton's mouth. Even all that refined sugar could not break the spell that the skaters cast on her.

A Dinosaur Named Sue

Well, the very mild winter here in Ohio has interfered with all of our skiing, sledding and ice skating plans. So we headed to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to visit with a T-Rex named Sue. Kali brought a friend and we met other friends there, so it was a big fossil party. We started the day at the Planetarium, which was a big hit with all the kids, and ended the visit eye to eye with the Tyrant! It was a great trip! We had to follow it up with an afternoon at the theater to see "Night at the Museum" - both girls loved it! Kali will head back to school on Monday and I will start the de-Christmas process. Can't believe it is 2007!

From Our Family to Yours

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! We hope Santa was good to you! We had Jimmy home for a few days - that was the best gift of all!

Our Nutcracker with an Attitude

Well, our performances are coming to a close. Kali did a wonderful job as a Russian Hoop Dancer. Her one handed cartwheel executed while holding her hoop was stellar! The theater was full, smiles were a plenty and our twist on the traditional Nutcracker was well received. Peyton was very excited to see her sister and her Mom on stage. Thank God it's over. Both girls are starting to dream of Christmas Sugarplums and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Jimmy on Thursday and Santa on Monday. Kali has one more performance on Wednesday morning for the homeless of Akron and then The Nutcracker with an Attitude is a wrap. Peyton has visited Santa twice and has high hopes for Christmas morning. The second trip to the "big man" did bring some reality with it. Kris Kringle told Peyton she had to clean up her toys everyday and stop splashing water in the bathtub - maybe he CAN see everything they do! The look on Peyton's face was priceless. It was more effective than threats of Jack Frost.
Merry Christmas!

All Dressed Up

Before Jimmy left for Greece we managed time to snap a family portrait. Merry Christmas!

Our Sweet Angel Boy

Bonehead

1991-2006

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas......

Well, the holidays are upon us and we are up to our elf ears in rehearsals, performances and yuletide fun. Thanksgiving was uneventful - the 1st holiday without my Mom was a bit trying for everyone, especially my Grandma. But, since we are dancing maniacs, we had very little time to dwell on it. So far, the performances are going well. Kali will be performing on Saturday and on Wednesday. Then it's HO,HO,H-over. As you can see, Jimmy was here to put up the tree and kick off the Christmas season. The kids had a great time. I am having just a terrible end of 2006. I lost my beloved cat, Bonehead, 2 weeks ago and I am still trying to come to terms with that. He was my very best friend and was always at my side. I know I was absolutely blessed to have such an incredible animal in my life for 15 years and I do find some comfort in that. Losing my Mom and my best friend in a matter of a month has definitely taken the wind out of my sails. Bless Kali's heart, not a day goes by that she doesn't give me a hug or write me a letter about my losses. She is grieving for her Grandma and for her pet, as well, but never misses a chance to console me. She is one special little girl. It looks like Jimmy may be leaving for Patras, Greece soon. He is ready to start playing, but we have really enjoyed him being home. I'll keep you posted. Check back next week for pictures of Kali and the Nutcracker!!!

Birthday Bashes

Well, it's official, I am the proud mother of an 8 year old and a 3 year old! Although the birthday parties had the sadness of my mother's death over them, I believe a great time was had by all. Kali and 16 of her friends baked delicious pies - Kali made an apple one, Peyton's choice was cherry - and the entire baking bunch ate lunch in a vintage train car at Quaker Square. Peyton's party was a full blown Curious George extravaganza! The theme - Curious George Goes to the Circus - seemed to please all 60 people there! We had a clown who made balloon animals and hats, lots of games and, of course, a pinata! The birthday's were a resounding success, but Jimmy and I are all partied out! It seems like I've been writing thank you cards for a month! Being surrounded by family and friends is what I am most thankful for. Our friends turned out in force to support my family during my Mom's funeral, I felt blessed by Love. This past weekend I was able to bring everyone together for a much happier occasion - Peyton's 3rd birthday - and enjoy their company under much better circumstances. The events of the past month have definitely caused me to pause and reflect on my life. I realize that Jimmy and I are so very blessed. I'm not sure what we ever did to deserve so many wonderful people in our lives, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Thank you to everyone, near and far, for love and friendship. That's what makes life so very worth living!!!

In Loving Memory, Roseanne H. Klir

Grandma-with-the-black hair, Peyton and Kali
Aunt Kelly, Grandma-with-the-white-hair, Grandma-with-the-black-hair, Uncle Joe
On October 20th, Kali and Peyton lost their loving Grandma. She made the very unexpected trip to Heaven during an afternoon nap. Kali is dealing fairly well with her grief, she has 8 years of great memories to get her through, plus an ever growing faith. Peyton is still waiting for her "Grandma with the black hair" to come home from Heaven. She doesn't understand that her Grandma is finally Home. We all are still reeling from the shock and the reality hasn't set in. We will need your prayers in the upcoming months more than you know.

For the Love of a Princess and a Pirate

It was a hauntingly happy Halloween at 730 Hampton Ridge Dr. October 31st was a resounding success for our resident princess and pirate! They each collected 2 bags full of candy while trick or treating. The weather cooperated - clear skies, bright, spooky-spooky moon and no rain!