Chocolate Bunnies and Jellybeans

This past week was a whirlwind of excitement for the girls. Spring break brought a snowstorm and the girls were so sad, they drowned their sorrows in egg coloring! Their luck took a turn for the better when Demi, Kali's South African friend from Slovenia, made a surprise trip to Akron. Kali was over the moon! We went out to eat, had an impromptu sleepover and went to Highland Theater to see a movie. As it turns out, Demi dances in a children's ballet company in Ljubljana. Of course, that meant a trip to Stage Center. Kali had to get fit for new pointe shoes, anyways. Adding that to a sleepover at Aunt Marie's and Easter; it made for a very busy week for Miss Kali. This week was also Peyton's Spring break, she got a trip to Build A Bear and a new Hello Kitty. As you can see, she was tickled brown and pink to see the Easter Bunny. She asked him for a giant chocolate bunny and jellybeans - easy for the rabbit to deliver! She got to "drive" a tractor at The Barn, took a hike with her sister and participated in 3 egg hunts.

Easter Sunday was a wonderful day. Besides the chocolate overload we experienced on account of Kali and I both gave it up for Lent. We spent the day with my family. My Grandma seemed to enjoy the company. We are very blessed, in every way that matters. Our lives are full of love, what more could you ask for?

A little Irish fun

Peyton has a new "favorite" holiday - St. Patrick's Day! She celebrated all things green, thank god she hasn't discovered green beer, yet. She had Irish fever for sure, she spent the entire month blaming all of her transgressions on those naughty little leprechauns. She makes me smile!

Kali had an Irish-themed performance at school. She got jiggy with it!!!! It's amazing she has no Irish blood in her. Green's her color!!

Kali passed her final color belt test- she's a red/black belt and is gearing up for her Black Belt! She will test in May! I can't believe how much she likes Tae Kwon Do and how amazing she is. Her Master wants her on the Demo Team. I am so proud of her, but we can't absorb one more thing!!!!

What happens if you give a monkey a cup of coffee?

That ditty came from Miss Peyton one day. She contemplated the effects of caffeine on primates for way too long. She's one complicated little girl. Jimmy and I went to her Pre-K class and made Blueberry Muffins to celebrate her 100th day of school. The kids did a great job. They were yummy! Peyton was so happy that we made such an elaborate treat for her snack day.

It has been a hectic 2009! I can't believe it's already March! I have been teaching upwards of 20 classes a week and time is just flying. The girls have been crazy busy,too. Kali sang the National Anthem at the City Basketball Championship Game and it was just lovely. We also spent a weekend dancing at the Tremaine Convention in Cleveland. She was ill, but sucked it up and took all 11 classes! She's a work horse!
That's Kali in the center - with a fabulous grand jete! And that is Mr. Joe Tremaine giving Kali a bear hug. Granny K in her costume for the 100th day of school.

Kali finished her strings exploratory with a recommendation to play the viola in the school orchestra next year - she is so excited! Me - not so much. Atleast she'll be sticking to the piano lessons until the fall. The next few weeks will be filled with performances, dance competitions and spring breaks. Bring it on!

Exploring the New Year

Much to my girls' delight, 2009 came with an avalanche of snow. Sledding, snow days and snowball fights - what could be better. We took to the "hill" outside of our place and had some fun. Even Tom joined the celebration! Of course, Peyton ate her weight in snow, that little monkey has the strongest immune system ever!

The 1st long weekend of the new year found us at Kalahari Indoor Waterpark. It was bitterly cold outside, but a warm, balmy 80 degrees inside. Jimmy juggled his schedule and was able to join us on this trip. We had a great family getaway. I booked an awesome suite, complete with a jacuzzi tub and we all chilled! The girls loved the fireplace (for you children of the 70's - yes, that is the Banana Splits on the TV) and the flat screen TV. I fully appreciated the tub and our private king size bed.

We had a great time riding and splashing - finally Kali will get her face wet! The girls really enjoyed the wave pool, it's great watching them enjoy themselves. It's even better having fun as a family.

It Was a Black and Gold New Year

Fun at Mackey Arena. The girls act like they own the place!!

If you are ever in West Lafayette, THE place to eat is Bruno's Pizza. Orlando makes the best pizza I've ever had. check out brunodough.com

We rang in 2009 at Bruno's Restaurant in West Lafayette, Indiana with Jimmy's college "family". The girls had a great time as "Big O" taught them the fine art of pizza making. Kali did a great job tossing and Peyton did a great job playing in the flour! Both pizza's were delicious. Jimmy, Kali and I went to a basketball game at Purdue - they lost. The Boilermakers need someone to improve their outside shooting and free throws - if only I knew someone who could help them out?!?!?! We had a great visit with Mr. and Mrs. Brummett, they really are like family to us. We were only there for 2 days, but we made the best of it. The kids love visiting Mr. & Mrs. B!!!!

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

The Oliver Family spent Christmas Eve with my Aunt, Uncle and my Grandma. They spoiled my kids rotten (and me, too). We had a great dinner and got home early enough to get everything ready for Santa and to sprinkle Reindeer food on the front lawn!!!

Christmas morning did not disappoint. The girls found "giant" chocolate Santa's underneath the tree. Kali received her pasta roller and Peyton got a bag full of "Imagination Mover Stuff". We had a quiet day, except for all the noise from Kali's favorite present -U-Dance. I made an early lunch and we just relaxed until Jimmy went to work. The girls and I headed to my brother's house for dinner. We had a nice time with my Dad, Joe and Kelly. We are so blessed to live the life that we do. God was shining down on us in celebration of his Son's Birthday.