New Year's Eve

Gigi went to a "New Year's Eve Party" ( a.k.a. babysitter with the other kids while Daddy and Mommy went out to dinner) at the Hoffer's. There was a great snack buffet featuring each kid's favorite snacks. After the adults returned, the countdown to midnight began. Yummy desserts and drinks were consumed. We introduced the effigy doll tradition to Gigi (doll representation of self with pictures/symbols of things to put behind one's self in the coming year which is ceremonially burned). Everyone shared their dolls, and burned them in the fire -- everyone except for Gigi. She decided she was taking hers home and keeping it forever. Party hats, noisemakers, and wands were shaken until the ball dropped at midnight. Everyone had a sparkling drink.

Family + Fondue = Fundue

Daniel, Nicole and Alice returned last night from Germany. Today, we exchanged the kids gifts. It was only the middle generation of Kauffmans and their respective outlaws. Genevieve gave Alex a set of streetsigns and a wooden police car/ firetruck. She received a special Amish highchair from Lily for her dolls.

The highlight of the day was a fondue! Mommy had made several gourmet dipping sauces and 3 different pots for the fondue: peanut oil, broth, and cheese. Tenderloin, mushrooms, and Shadeau bread were a few of the foods to dip.

Kauffman Klan Holiday ( & Daisy Goes Home!!!)

Today, we travelled with Kristen and family to Byron and Jane Kauffman's. Given that we went up and back in the same day, the kids did beautifully. Genevieve used Kristen's automobile port-a-potty. As I write this, it occurs to me - Kristen - Ms. Germophobic, with wipes for all occasions, why do you have a port-a-potty in your car?

Most of the cousins attended and many of the younger generation had significant others as well. Gigi had fun on the balance beam. Cousin Ellen once again got the prize for best home-baked cookie tray of the season, featuring little mice to delight the kids (and let's be honest, grown-ups too). Daddy loved the fact that cousin Laura Sue brought punch that matched her top.

On the trip home, Mommy got her "hometown" Pizza Hut fix. Genevieve ate an entire portion of pasta, creating the correct sauce-to-cheese-to-pasta ratio. Daddy took a route home that had 30 different turns but was the most direct route -- it was reaaally late when we got home -- but worth it because Aunt Lizzy FINALLY picked up Daisy!!! MEEEEEEEOWWW!

Christmas 2008

Genevieve slept in Christmas morning. She wanted to "chat it out" while in bed, while mommy and daddy were prodding her to get up and see what Santa delivered - a role reversal from when I was a kid, for sure!
She discovered Santa had delivered a few of her requests and was quite excited: a rainbow, butterfly, sparkly dress; new clothes for Erna (she reaaaallly needed clothes); and a cradle for Erna to rest (Gigi has her rest quite a bit - as in, not play with her - at least she'll be comfortable!) We emptied our stockings and had a bite of Schnecken - an old German recipe from Virginia Bakery -- yum!

Daddy and Gigi went to Grammy's for a Christmas brunch, while Mommy went to Aunt Kristen's; she was doing most of Christmas dinner and it was a "Kauffman" Christmas this year. Joining us at Grammy's was Aunt Sharon, cousins Crissy and Bobby, and Aunt Sharon's friend Patrick; who played hide-and-seek with Gigi in the dining room.

After Grammy's, Gigi and Daddy joined the party at Kristen's. In addition to the Volz's, grandma Jeanie, grandpa Jack, and Mickey, we had a very special guest: Grannie Ellie, Gigi's 93 years YOUNG great grandmother. Mommy made a delicious Christmas dinner (per usual) with the highlight being the sauce for the tenderloin.

Before we exchanged a few gifts, Lily, Genevieve and Alex sang a rendition of "Jingle Bells". Gigi then treated us to a verse of "Winter Wonderland" -- so adorable, I could hardly look at her.

Christmas Eve Service at Crossroads

Grammy, Genevieve, Sharon and Daddy attended the 1:00 pm Christmas Eve service at Crossroads; mommy had to work :( . We arrived and took a special photobooth picture (that we put in Mommy's stocking). After getting some cookies and hot chocolate, we had a holiday picture taken. The service was basically the Awaited show (sans the new scene with the Magi). Genevieve and Daddy sat closer to the front for a special surprise at the end - falling snow! It was quite the sight to see Genevieve running down the aisle after Grammy and Sharon with her hands reaching upwards (go Jesus!) exclaiming the fun of the falling snow.

Gigi-bread House

Gigi and Mommy made a gingerbread house today.

Yeah, we cheated. It was a kit from Trader Joe's - but Genevieve had plenty of creative add-ons. She destructed the gingerbread house Mommy won at the silent auction to improve hers.

Also worthy of note is the fact that our brilliantly skilled three-year-old constructed it (Mommy did one base) with almost no help. Really!

She's a genius.

Kris(mas)tens Cookie Party

We went to Kristens for a cookie making extravaganza and spent the night -- couldn't move or stay awake from all of the cookies. Daddy scored big points with the NEON food coloring he found which made lovely (though unconventional) pink and purple cookies. The kids gave great consideration to color and embellishments. They completed about four each, leaving the other 50 or so for Mommy and Aunt Kristen to finish. Ugh.

Along with kid cookies, we made special dog cookies (biscuits) for special dogs. Genevieve made a bowl for Mickey at the art studio which needed to be filled with something and, Aunt Kuh's puppies have been especially good this year (or so we hear)! We all agreed (except Daddy) that they smelled delicious while cooking - only slightly unsettling.

Pulling Taffy and Paddling in the Pool

Daddy scheduled another jam-packed Saturday. We pulled taffy at the Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve. Genevieve selected vanilla and orange. It was less sticky than we expected, but far more work than anticipated. Our hands were cramped! We understand why it is better left to machines. It was fun learning the history of taffy pulling and how it was a way to flirt in the earlier years. Genevieve thought the end result was delicious.

We went to Happen, Inc. to make Christmas decorations (Gigi made a tree ornament and put together a sleigh) and found Santa himself was hanging out at Happen! Gigi chatted with him, but not about gift requests – mostly art projects and Daisy the cat (Aunt Lizzy's cat whom we've been house sitting for the last 3 weeks)!

Grammy hosted us for a swimming session in her indoor swimming pool. Genevieve was so excited to learn that this existed. She loves the fact that there are steps that gradually descend into the water so she can go in at her own pace. Why was it that she wouldn't go in the deeper end(with Mommy) until Daddy got out? Maybe because Daddy encourages (that it, forces) her to do more than for what she is ready.

Sciontastic

Today was Genevieve's last day of school. It was one of Waldorf's many special festivals: WinterGarden. There is no festival like the Advent Spiral. It is a very reverent, sacred ceremony. This festival celebrates the inner light that we carry within us through the darkest half of the year. There is nothing as magical as a glowing, lit, Advent Spiral in a dark room on the day of the Winter Solstice! Genevieve held her apple and lit the candle with Miss Carmey's help. She proceeded to admire all of the other candles and decorations while a gentleman was playing the guitar.

Later in the day, Nicole, Daniel and Alice came to Cincinnati and visited prior to leaving for their holiday in Germany. Our biggest treat of the season was the use of their car! The family went to Ludlow Avenue for a Clifton Holiday Celebration. Gigi made a bagel bird feeder, had holiday cookie treats at Kellers IGA, stood in line for face painting at Toku Kids and received a balloon flower handcrafted at Graeter's. The coup de grace was a carriage wagon ride drawn by two beautiful horses -- down Middleton, Bryant, to Clifton and back to Graeters singing merrily along the way. Gigi was amazed that mommy new the words to a "new" song, Deck the Halls, but by the time we rounded Clifton Avenue, she had figured it out too. Genevieve spotted eight lighted reindeer on top of the library and one (Rudolph?) on top of Graeters.

Happen Inc's Big Event

Tonight, we picked up our three Santa plates for milk and cookies at Happen that we made a few weeks back. There were over 90 plates displayed on long tables. The elves had different cookies to sample. Below is a picture of the finished plates which will hold the cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Daddy went to a special Crossroads service for Keri Shryock, who passed away the night before during a performance of Awaited, a contemporary retelling of the Christmas story.

My Own Private Festival of Lights

The second try (no lost privilege for bad behavior as was the case Dec 2nd) worked out for The Festival of Lights at the Zoo. Because of the bitter cold and sketchy driving conditions, the zoo was nearly empty. It was a winter wonderland with snow covered trees. The Madcap Puppet Show featuring "Broccoli Nose" - named by Alex- was performed for a house of about 20. Daddy first saw this show three seasons ago (when Gigi was just 8 mos) and had been pining for it to return; it was well worth the wait! Done in blacklight, the puppeteers were all in black and could not be seen. The results were magical. The glee on Gigi's face (and Lily's) was the best birthday gift a mommy could have (with the exception of daddy's gift). On the carrousel, she chose the ostrich as usual. The talking tigers were a hit once again, and even sang "Happy Birthday" to mommy. The baby cheetahs have really gotten big. Gigi could have talked all night. A train ride finished off the evening at the zoo.

Because it was the last night to use Frisch's Halloween coupons, we had dinner at Big Boy - which is big fun with cousins. Genevieve enjoyed her usual: pancakes and piles of fruit.

The Most Exciting Monday! EVER!

WOW. So much fun in one day! The Museum Center remains one of Gigi's favorite places. She requests trips there more than any other place (with the possible exception of Aunt Kristen's house). HOWEVER, today it was EVEN BETTER! The special exhibit feature was her favorite Big Red Dog, Clifford - complete with all his friends and family. She fell in love with T-Bone's bone from his doghouse; wooden and just the right size for her hands. On top of that, Holiday Junction - with train displays and a miniature train ride for kids only - was in full swing and bigger and better than ever this year. To top it all off, SANTA was there! Not only did she get to sit on his lap and yak quite a while, later he came over to the train table and chatted it up with Gigi. It is surprising that she did not burst into a million pieces from the excitement of it all.

In the evening, we went to the Holiday In Lights at Sharon Woods with Grammy. First, as we pulled into the parking lot we were greeted by Everett Green, the strolling christmas tree....(Kara to fill in) Inside Santaland, we heard a dulcimer player, saw a puppet performance of Ebeneezer Scrooge, admired the train display, and were treated to a magician. Genevieve's favorite was jumping in the balls in the indoor playland.

Next was the highlight: an outdoor light display viewed from our car. The display of fantastic colors adorned hundreds of trees as well as more than 100 moving and holiday themed figures depicting everything from Santa and elves to Godzilla. On the way home, Grammy was hungry so we pulled into her favorite burger joint, Wendy's. The perfect nightcap; a single burger with lettuce, pickles and mustard!

Happy Birthday Party, Dear Lily

Gigi attended cousin Lily’s fifth birthday party today. The party was a magical fairy party. Each guest was invited into a fairy transformation tent where she donned pink fairy wings, dramatic eye make-up , and was sprinkled with sparkly fairy dust. Each girl got a wand to tap the next girl to be transformed. Once every guest (five girls and Alex) was fairy-ized, each decorated a fairy treasure box. Then came the fairy treasure hunt (pennies in Kristen's living room), and "Pin the Wings on the Fairy." Genevieve thoroughly enjoyed herself and is already planning her own fairy birthday party.

In the evening, on the way home, we picked up Grammy and went to the live Drive through Nativity that the Montgomery Methodist Church puts on. There are about 10 different live historical scenes depicting the times surrounding Jesus' birth. They even have you tune your radio into a frequency with accompaning music. What a nice gift to the community!

Mt Adams Reindog Parade

Daddy was pumped! He was finally going to get to see the reindog parade. After picking Grammy up from Saturday lunch, we drove to Mt. Adams only to find the streets blocked off and parking nonexistent. With the parade only minutes away from starting, I illegally parked and hurried off Gigi and Mommy to the parade (I stayed behind with Grammy) so that at least someone (though, not me) would be able to witness hundreds of dogs dressed up ridiculously in their holiday garb. (at this point, I will pass the blogging onto Kara - she was not so impressed)

Family Christmas Portrait

Genevieve, Mommy and Daddy had their portrait taken for the holidays. Genevieve turned it around and enabled the family to have its first professional portrait. Afterwards she was rewarded with a dinner at Skyline - love that spaghetti and cheese!

Santa's Milk and Cookies at Happen Inc.

Another fun evening at Happen Inc. Tonight, we made plates for Santa's cookies. Genevieve took great care to use EVERY color of glaze available. Mommy could not stop adding details. Daddy showed the greatest restraint with a simple design and ony three colors (his was really a group effort - Gigi lent her hand and Mommy traced it).

Gigi talked Tommy's ear off (see the picture below, he only has one ear) as usual.

Mommy Wins A Gingerbread Display! & Fetching the Fir

Mommy bid on a gingerbread display (that had no other bids - what do you think it looked like?) and won it with the only bid (pros: cheap. cons: see pic). She sent Gigi and daddy to pick it up today. When we arrived in the hall, Genevieve ran over to her favorite from the day before ( the purple trimmed castle with a rainbow on top - see the picture from December 7th). Boy was she disappointed when I said that was not the one we were taking home - the crying and drama all the way back to the car.

After we picked mommy up from work, we picked out our favorite Christmas tree, a frasier fir, which turned out to be the last one. A little Charlie Brownish mommy thought, but fresh smelling and tall (kind of like daddy!)

Pink Yogurt and Gingerbread

It was a BFF mother and daughter gathering for breakfast out and a trip to the Shriner's Gingerbread display. The day started with breakfast at one of Genevieve's favorite spots - the pink yogurt restaurant (a.k.a First Watch) with Leela and Ava - and their mommies, of course. She had her usual fresh fruit crepe.

After breakfast all went to the Shriner's temple to see the annual Gingerbread display. The houses were impressive! All sorts of tasty building materials to form sugar wonderlands including some familar spots - the museum center, and elephant house at the Cincinnati Zoo. Gigi's favorite was a purple trimmed castle with a rainbow on top. No great surprise there!

Uber-day on the Holiday Calendar

December 6th was "THE" day on this year's holiday calendar --Mommy's and Daddy's favorite holiday events all on the same day (and Genevieve's too, because we said so). From the start, it was not the day we planned. There was a festive blanket of snow, making it all lovely, but not the best for driving. Our first activity of the day, community breakfast with Santa at Immanuel Presbyterian that we had done the last 2 Decembers (Mommy's pick) was a no-go because of behavior/loss of privilege.

Holiday Faire at Gigi's school was next on the agenda (Daddy's pick). The special bonus this year was Grandma & Grandpa were attending as well. Sadly, not long into the event, Mommy and Gigi morphed into their alter-egos, Brat Girl and Rage Mommy. Daddy was not there to save them. Mommy knew the situation was dire when a stranger stopped in the room in which the two were melting-down and asked if she might be able to help -- perhaps take the girl away for awhile? This transpired in the "childcare" room Mommy was manning for Daddy while he took Grandma & Grandpa on their tour of Gigi's room, Willow Tree Nursery with Miss Carmy.
Ooooops. Not so good for business. Guess Daddy's booth was not going to win any fundraising prize. Lots of fun was had with the Pocket Fairy, the gingerbread decorations, and the craft room Secret Santa. Next year we will be sure not to miss the Treasure Gnome - a boat floating back with a surprise.

We departed Holiday Faire with Grandma and Grandpa and began the trek to Aunt Kristen's house. The children happily played for hours, then we bundled them up for the evenings festivities - Mommy's favorite event, the Lebanon Holiday Horse-drawn carrige parade.

This "smalltown" parade has all the components of an idyllic Christmas event -- an old Main Street with plenty of shops, booths lining the street with favorite aromas of hot chocolate, roasted almonds, fish tacos, deep fried sugar coated griddle cakes; carolling along the streets, live winter characters greeting the children, dinner at the old Golden Lamb Inn ( grandma and grandpa tested the fare) and topping it off -- THE PARADE. This year there were over 115 horse drawn sleighs and sleds decked out in everything from Rudolph to miniature horses to the 3 wise men and even The Grinch! What made it extra special this year was the snow falling during the parade. It all went by too fast but the spirit was certainly felt.

Do the Downtown Dazzle

Today, Genevieve, Rye Russell, Denham and Andrea met downtown for some special Christmas celebration (mommy was at work) . First we met Santa at Macy's for a picture, then we went to the Netherland Plaza to see the downtown Gingerbread scene. Finally, we traversed parts of the old Skywalk and ended up at Duke Energy's amazing train display on 4th Street. One of the trains was completely made of ivory! Genevieve spoke to one of the train engineers about something completely unrelated -- he was pleasantly amused.

Happy Birthday Uncle Daniel

Today was the day for the Cincinnati cousins Christmas pictures at a studio in West Chester. After donning their holiday garb, it was our turn. Alex wanted nothing to do with the event but our photographer did a great job getting him to finally smile (we did find one out of the 70 taken). All of the grandparents received a framed portrait of their little darlings.

Return of the Quinge!

It was a fun morning at Tadas’ house (see previous two days posts), playing with toys. She continued to prefer the lamb piece of the puzzle. I asked her what it was she liked about the lamb. “Well lambs are just so cute.” Mystery solved. Kenny made a delightful breakfast, but all Gigi was interested in was the “salad fruit.” She was very sad and did not want to leave.
The New Jersey love continued (along with the obsession with the EZ pass) today. She stated repeatedly that she did NOT want to go home, she wants to live in New Jersey. We stopped at an indoor playplace (McD’s) for some leg-stretching time. She played that she was going back to New Jersey with her EZ pass (climbing up the tunnel to the slide). As she progressed, she yelled back down every level or so, to remind me that she was going to her New Jersey with her EZ pass. She returned to NJ at least 12 times.

While Gigi was pretending, I overheard “Quinge.” Excitement! The Quinge is back! It has been a long time. We all thought the Quinge was dead (that’s what Gigi told Lily when Lily asked why she never did the quinge anymore). Later, I was addressed in a Gigi-funny voice (which is what happens when inanimate objects speak to me via Genevieve). I assumed it was the computer telling me that it was ready to show Gigi another movie because that is for what she had just been campaigning. I answered, “Yes, computer?” The response (in funny voice) was, “I’m not computer, I’m Quinge – new Quinge. I’m not died.” Spread the word. The Quinge has returned.

EZ Pass Fever

We Went to Princeton, NJ to remember the life of Spencer (Gigi's 21 year old, 3rd cousin), and offer condolences to his family. After a breakfast with Sigita and Tadas in Cranford, NJ that ran long, we made it in record time.

Genevieve played on the church playground while Daddy attended the memorial service in the church. After the service, she was distracted with searching for clues (she found a UK football under a hedge). She was far too busy to be polite when introduced to Daddy’s (and her’s too) cousins. We moved to a building on campus for a livelier celebration. Genevieve really enjoyed the parmesan cheese slices on the salad and the tiny desserts. She met some other little girls who ran all over the open floor with her. Then, she remembered Nick’s (Lydia's beau) promise of a garden with good fairy house materials. We headed outside with her new friend Pamona. It was here she had her first experience with a cactus. It looked very different than the other fairy house materials, so she lifted it up to take a closer look. The reaction was delayed, but LOUD. She then calmed down during a slide presentation. As soon as it was over, she had to report to Daddy what happened. Then the escalation began. Genevieve realized whenever she touched anything with her right hand, it hurt.

Later that evening, we picked up Sigita and Tadas and headed into THE city. Genevieve’s behavior was TERRIBLE, all because she wanted her seat to be next to the window, like Tadas’. After the crying subsided, whining continued because we could not use the purple EZ pass lane (toll road/tunnel electronic pay). The questions started, why don’t we have one? How do we get one? Mommy gave quick answers, not understanding the long-term impact. I told her that one had to live in New Jersey to have an EZ pass. This began her desire to move to New Jersey. When we finally got through the traffic and tunnel to New York, Genevieve-crabby-pants said she did not want to go to New York, she doesn’t LIKE this city, she wants to go back to New Jersey.

We went to Daddy’s old neighborhood (105 W. 75th @ Amsterdam) and had dinner at an old favorite – La Caridad (78th & Broadway); a unique fusion of Cuban and Chinese. After we were fed, attitudes changed. Genevieve loved the newly renovated Plaza Hotel, glimpsing the Tavern on the Green, and store windows on Fifth Avenue all made up for the holidays (“O Mommy! Look out my window!”). She loved watching the ice skaters at Rockefeller Plaza. After our brief city tour, we returned to Jersey City to visit Kenny at the firehouse.

Gigi was impressed with the trucks, but even more impressed with the “wall of fire” which had photos to commemorate fires and firefighters. She had question after question for Kenny. The questions continued on the ride home, and she got very cranky with our flimsy responses. Clearly we did not understand her real questions. As Daddy helped her get ready for bed, the questions regarding the EZ pass resumed.

I want to live in NJ

We loaded up our lovely electric blue Subaru Forester and headed to New Jersey to attend the memorial service and celebration of Spencer Barnett (Penny Fox Parkin's 21 year old son). Most of the trip to NJ, Gigi demanded to go home RIGHT NOW. The day was filled with some special treats – lots of DVD viewing, a trip to McDonalds, some chocolate from the Russell Stovers outlet – but she still wanted home. Poor Daddy was stuck with Mommy pouting too. Overall, the trip was smooth. We arrived at Kenny & Sigita’s house outside New York City around the 10 o’clock hour. Genevieve quickly made herself at home with Tadas’ (almost 2 years old) toys. She named his bouncing “rabbit” (in fact a horse) Glen - not sure where that came from. She loved the lamb from the farm puzzle and included it in all her play. She got to use her new Hello Kitty sleeping bag.

I Give Myself a "G!"

We gave thanks today with a lovely meal at the Historic Iron Horse Inn in Glendale. Mommy thought it was the best thanksgiving meal ever (perhaps because there were choices beyond turkey). Genevieve was served her first Shirley Temple (a gesture by the waiter – who “kept them coming”). Genevieve’s behavior was not good. Tired? Perhaps. Three? Definitely. She enjoyed the bathroom with “bowl sinks” and an elevator ride to get there.

After dinner, we headed to the cinema for a matinee – Genevieve’s first trip to a real movie theatre. On the ride to the theater, Daddy announced that Grammy got an A- for her behavior. Mommy said that Daddy got a B+, and she gave herself a C-. Then Genevieve piped up, “and I give myself a G!” Daddy and Grammy laughed and concurred. Mommy thought maybe it was a G-.

At the theatre, Gigi was impressed by the player piano on display in the lobby. How could it do that? Mommy suggested that there was a computer inside. Genevieve corrected, “No Mommy, it’s not a COMPUTER, it’s a PI- AAANNN-OOO.” Sigh. She did not want to go watch the movie, she wanted to stay and watch the piano. She was lured with popcorn, but complained the whole way. The movie we chose was “Madagascar 2.” Gigi wanted the old Madagascar with the same story. Contrary was definitely the theme of the day. The movie was too loud. After the first two minutes, she was hooked. About three quarters of the way through the movie, interest waned. She noticed the letter on the end of her chair and –gasp—it was NOT a G! She called it to my attention and explained she needed to move. She moved to row G. There were three families in the entire theatre. One happened to be in row G, so she sat with them. At the end of the movie, she was very seriously dancing to the closing credits. She cried because the movie (that she did not want to see in the first place) was over.

We took Grammy home, and colored briefly there. Then it was on to pre Black Friday door-busting at Michaels. Gigi loves the craft store. There were many treasures to see. She picked items for Lily. She selected faux fruit to “decorate my bedroom.” She finally settled on a sparkly foam snowflake and a headband with rosebuds – for which she is very thankful.

Dress for Success

Genevieve loves to wear dresses. It is a battle to get her into anything else. So, one must find ways to "sell" her on an outfit that is not a dress. This morning's choice I was sure would be a cakewalk - sparkle pants with a girl iceskating on the cuff, and a blousy pink shirt with pom-pom tie decorating the collar--a really girly-girl outift. Well, mommy miscalculated once again. It was a fight. I wrestled her into it and she was crying because she did not care for the pom-pom tie. As luck would have it, the pom-poms snap-on. I told her, no problem, I can take them off. Then she cried harder! The poms were replaced, we headed out the door. She explained to me that it is not nice to take a girl's pom-poms off her shirt and they are so-so special because her Grandma bought them for her. Where did that come from? The shirt was not from Grandma and I do not think Genevieve had even see it before this morning.

Gigi got to come into Mommy's work today for "just a little bit." She whispered whenever she spoke to Amy or Missy because she had been warned to be quiet. She searched the kitchen for treats. Missy offered her a sucker, but she politely refused, explaining that her Daddy said no candy at the office today. When she left, she used the elevator by herself - asking Mommy to use the steps and meet her downstairs (to open the heavy door).

She went to the barbershop with Daddy and befriended the barber. After a lot of pretend play using one of the footrests as a slide, touching all of the barbers plants ("can I pick this pretty purple flower? " no! it is an African violet and the flower just bloomed last week was his reply). She got to touch the hot shaving cream. After saying goodbye we get in the car and she tells me she has to go back in to see the barber. OK. She marches back into the barber, "What is your name? Victor, the barber replies. Here is one of my cards with my phone number. She says Happy Thanksgiving, goes outside the window of the barbershop and holds Victors card up to her ear, looking at him inside as if she were already calling him up for a chat! He was very amused.

A Thanksgiving Event!

From the moment Daddy reviewed the Fountain Square schedule of events months ago, he knew he had to go to the 2nd annual Turkey Bowl. Armed with canned goods for a donation, he and Gigi headed downtown. The event took place on the ice rink. The object was simple - roll a frozen turkey across the ice and knock down bowling pins to win a prize. Daddy complained that the pins were too far apart. Genevieve said she did not want to throw a turkey, but changed her mind. She was interviewed as the youngest person to participate.

When it was her turn, she discovered that she could not lift the turkey. She and Daddy did it together. When she described the event to me and Aunt Lizzy, she referred to it as "turkey toss." A much better name, don't you think?

Mommy's big excitement came in the evening. Gigi FINALLY got her first haircut - only a year and a half late! She went to Avalon Spa & Salon. Her stylist was Debbie. Her manicurist was Kelly.

She was very excited, but serious about the experience. She had many questions. She was apprehensive about the "sink chair" at shampoo time, but a slight smile could be seen crossing her face as she relaxed a bit during the final rinse. She declared that she looked like a bat when the black smock was put on. She talked Debbie's ear off. She loved the blow-dryer, belly-laughing when Debbie tickled her ear.











For her nail polish, she selected two colors - pink and orange (salmon) as she had planned from the time she learned she got to have them painted.
Aunt Lizzy came to the salon to see the final result.

Add to the "It Seemed Like a Really Fun Idea" File

What could impress a kid more than over a dozen hot-air balloons gathered around Mirror Lake "glowing" in unison? As it turns out, just about anything. We planned ahead for a cousin night (Daddy had to go to UC's biggest football game, EVER). We got to Eden Park and discovered that our many extra layers were not enough to keep us warm. Holiday music was played by a brass band (oops Mommy Breaks her rule again- another Christmas event before Thanksgiving). We strolled about the area, and were surprised to see Santa Claus! Genevieve said hello. We tried to work out logistical issues with Daddy's transportation and Aunt Kristen's parking with tensions running high. Just as things were settling down and cousins were approaching, Genevieve needed to potty. And the tears began. We moved briskly to the world's coldest port-o-let. Tears continued. We started the trip back around Mirror Lake to find cousins, when the sadness of Daddy separation set-in. Tears escalated.

We found cousins - Alex checking out the scene, Lily pouting in the stroller. Genevieve immediately spread the love telling Alex,"I can't stop crying!" She tried to tell Lily her problem, but Lily was far too deep into her own pout to be sympathetic. Genevieve's crying continued. We gave up and started to the car. Crying continued. The original plan was to go to Frisch's Big Boy (Lily's favorite restaurant) after Balluminaria. Once the kids learned that crying kids who do not cooperate cannot go to Big Boy, the crying escalated briefly, and then stopped.

Kristen navigated football game traffic and we played the game "who knows a rule about eating at a restaurant?" The kids were champs. With the exception of a handful of hyper-Gigi outbursts, restaurant behavior matched what was outlined in the car game. As a result, the kids got to order dessert.