Monday, December 18, 2006

Lydia Ballerina
Last week was so busy with all of Lydia's final rehearsals for The Nutcracker. But it was all worth it -- she did great! It was quite a production, with all of the classes from the Academy of Ballet performing. The older students danced all of the major roles, and the younger classes each had one scene. Lydia's class is the youngest class, and they were the party guests in the opening scene where Clara receives the nutcracker. On Saturday night, following the final performance, we attended a reception after the ballet, and then went home and put the kids to bed very late. As I lay next to Lydia that night for our "cuddle time" she said "I need my rest; I have to perform again tomorrow." When I told her that that night had been the last performance, she seemed confused. She didn't realize that the last two nights had been performances in front of hundreds of people because she couldn't see into the audience with the stage lights in her eyes. When she realized that she had been performing without even knowing it, she cracked up laughing. She is so funny!

Show and Tell
I offered to help Braden's teacher with their class Christmas party on Friday. I love planning children's parties, so I was happy that she accepted my offer. I made goody bags for all of the kids, and prepared a Christmas Bingo game, which they really enjoyed. I also read them The Polar Express, and afterwards I gave each child their own jingle bell. We all had a lot of fun, and I think Braden enjoyed having me in his class. I'll have to take advantage of that while I can -- I'm sure I will eventually embarrass him :) After the party they had time to do Show and Tell, and Braden showed Liam to his class! This is a picture of Liam being the show and tell! He sure is loved!

Braden Takes Third Place at Science Fair!

We were so proud of Braden for working so hard on his science fair project. He created electricity with lemons (acid) and copper wire and galvanized nails (electrodes). You should have seen us when we lit up our little LED bulb -- he and I cheered and gave each other high fives! Since he placed in the School Science Fair, he will get to go to the City Science Fair in February. We'll keep you updated!


We Wish You a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year!