Time to Learn About Money

The new American Girl catalog came in the mail yesterday. Looks like it is time to start teaching Sylvie about money. The first lesson did not seem exactly to sink in...

Honing her talents

"Goblin"

When Melissa got to school to pick Sylvie, one of her teachers asked her, "have you seen Sylvie's drawings lately!?? We can't believe how detailed they are." Then she pointed to a drawing of a cat that is mounted with pride of place right on the door to the classroom, all by itself.

Here are a few of her recent works (which are accumulating fast at the Haley house):

"Cat"

"Popsicle Girl"

"Self-Portrait"

"Self-Portrait in Miss Piggy Shirt" (this one kills me)

"Self-Portrait With Rainbow"

4th Birthday Party

Well, fully a third of  a year later I finally got around to doing the Sylvie's 4th Birthday Party movie. She requested a "music video" (yes, now she's making requests). I'd forgotten what a fun time it was - and how nearly-disastrous / incredibly frustrating was the so-called 'piñata' (is it a piñata if it refuses to break open, or just a cardboard donkey full of candy)?

Another trip to the nail salon

Melissa and Sylvie had a girls' date at the nail salon again today - now undoubtedly one of Sylvie's very favorite things to do with her mom. Melissa says she is always a perfectly-behaved little lady, I suppose because she knows she's being allowed a 'big girl' indulgence.

This time they came home with matching "Minnie" pedis. Pretty cute, I have to admit. Sylvie also had her finger nails done in the same theme. She is quite pleased with herself.

Sylvie Sings the Muppets

We have been listening to the Muppet Sountrack a LOT lately...

Princesses and Super Heroes (a fashion show)

Whilst we were at the O'Learys' today meeting Savannah, the kids got into the costume closet. We adults were treated to quite the creative fashion show.

Presumably if given the option Savannah would have chosen to participate, but alas: she was napping at the time.

Just a reminder since I've been a video slacker of late: full screen is an option - just click on the full screen button in the lower right hand corner of the viewer (the four arrows pointing away from each other).

Meet Savannah Johnston

This evening we had the distinct pleasure to meet the lovely and talented Savannah Johnston, five months old and already a seasoned traveler, having jetted all the way across the country from Orange County, CA to visit her cousins Madeline and Jake. It was great to see Trystan's sister Tamsyn and her mom Linnie too, as it always is.  If you think I was lucky catching smiles out of this little one, think again: she's all smiles, all the time so far as we could tell.

Giving the season a little extra nudge

It seems ridiculous in the middle of February in the Boston area to be talking about Spring, and equally ridiculous to single out this particular unseasonably warm weekend for mention. But for whatever reason, this particular weekend, with its sunny, 40-45 degree days, seemed more than others to carry the promise of Spring around the corner. Might be that his happens to be the weekend when I noticed the weeds never really stopped growing in the landscaping.

Anyhow, outside seemed the place to be today.

And then to Bertuccis for lunch, where Syl did some pizza double-fisting.

This one goes out to the ones she loves

By the way, Sylvie picked out and put on this outfit before she emerged from her room today - right down to her heart socks.

Rest In Peace, Grandma Rosie

Melissa's Grandma Rosie passed away yesterday in Ohio. She was quite a lady. We will miss her and are thinking of Grandma Lynne and her siblings. Rest in Peace Grandma Rosie.