Peter and the Wolf

After weeks of listening and studying, it was time for Lilianne and Genevieve to go to the symphony to hear and see Peter and the Wolf performed. I was not there, but a picture paints a thousand words - so I have an idea how a portion of the outing went (and truth be told, I've seen the situation before). Here you see grumpy Genevieve, protesting some perceived wrong against her; and sweet compliant Lilianne desperately wishing Genevieve would just cooperate for peace. I learned the pictured pout came when Genevieve discovered she was not in Box 3, Seat 3. It is the same pout which occurs at the gas station pump and the grocery store checkout aisle (must be #3). As usual, there was a turn-around. There is no evidence of the sadness just moments earlier. Call it life with a three-year-old.

After the concert, special treats continued. The girls plus Alex and Aunt Kristen got to have lunch at Big Boy - and later a cookie from the bakery. (Daddy is taking full advantage of trick-or-treat coupons)!

In the evening, we went to Grammy's for a magic show - featuring possibly the worst magician ever. Really. I think even Gigi could tell how some of the tricks were done. He did however engage the audience well, and gave my daughter special attention - which I always appreciate. She got the opportunity to validate that the ropes used were "just ordinary ropes."

She spent time coloring with Grammy which she enjoyed more than the show.

Rye Russell to the front office please

Daddy and Genevieve had a hide and seek un-nature trail hike at Farbach Werner preserve. She was the star of the class and Daddy nearly burst with pride. The naturalist, Matt, asked a series of questions and Gigi knew all the answers. What kind of tree does this -an acorn- come from? (oak) What is this plant? (bamboo) What animal eats bamboo? (a panda bear) What is this called? (a hedge apple/an osage orange) What nut is this? (a walnut)

Afterwards, they went to a park with six playgrounds and had a picnic lunch with her friend, Rye. Never before had daddy seen so many playground options (mega slides, castles, tractor tires, balances, rope swings, music bars ...) . Rye and Gigi immediately found a small sandpit that was surrounded by castles and this became their only interest for the next hour and a half -- pretend play at its best. Hauling, building houses using pine cones, honey locust seed pods, branches and any other matter they came upon.

On the way home in the car, Gigi and Rye gleefully giggled and repeatedly requested daddy to say (using his hands in a muffled loudspeaker tone) "Rye Russell to the front office please".

For dessert, Genevieve tried a pomegranate. She loved tearing it apart. She enthusiastically shoved nearly every "red seed thing" in her mouth.

To Grandmother's House we go!

Cousins had a fun weekend with Grandma, Grandpa, Granny Ele, and Mickey. Lily, Gigi, and Alex got to sleep over at Grandma & Grandpa's new apartment. Each kid got a new sleeping bag - very exciting and grown-up!








Grandma & Grandpa's driveway has just the right incline for fun bike and scooter-riding. The tree in the front yard has fun berries to pick and a bird's nest. Genevieve explored the area with Grandpa, Grandma, and Mickey on her bike. Granny Ele came for lunch.

On Sunday, we took a little trip to Uncle Ray and Aunt Ramona's house in North Manchester. We took a coffee cake, which Genevieve was excited to learn that unlike coffee, kids CAN eat coffee cake. A cake you get to eat for breakfast - what could be better?

Gigi was practicing her navigation skills. She read the county and state route signs. "Mommy, this is 4-2-1 path." (SR 124)

Hey Aunt Lizzy! It's your birthday!

Gigi had a big day. No surprise, that's the way it goes in Daddyland. Wednesday is Miss Amanda's Musikgarten class where Gigi said goodbye in the shape of a rainbow ((( . Today, she also had a zoo class, "Does A Kangaroo have a Mother Too?" where she pet a baby alligator and a baby opossum. For the craft, she was given a pouch where she put in her own "joey" and draped it around her neck while hopping around like a kangaroo. Afterwards, we saw the three newborn cheetahs; born October 28, 2008!

After a brief stop at home, we went to Happen Art Studio for "family and friends forever". A pirate popped out of a treasure chest and drew our favorite treasures. When asked about his favorite booty, he said he most valued family and friends. He sorely missed them when he was out on the seas. So, he drew them on his flag so they would always be close to him. We were given our own flag. Genevieve drew Mommy, Lily, Gigi, Daddy, and her favorite toy. A previous project was available for pick-up: clay jack-o-lanterns. We posed, mimicking the faces we created in clay.

Happy Birthday Grammy

Today, Genevieve and Daddy went to Embshoff Woods to her current favorite playground. After spending 15 minutes playing, Gigi was busy building a fairy campfire / campground. We took an hour journey through the forest collecting pine cone benches, sweet gum seeds, moss poss, black walnuts, honey locust bean pods, stones, large bark pieces, hedgeapples, pink leaves and helicopter seeds. Quite the camground!

After returning home for breakfast, we took Grammy out for her 84th birthday luncheon. Upon seeing Grammy, Genevieve serenaded her with happy birthday. After lunch, we went to yet another playground -- it was a beautiful indian summer day.

Mild November

Today was not a typical November day, temperatures in the 70s. After church, we went to French Park for a hike. Genevieve was great about carefully stepping on rocks in the creek to keep dry. Then, we encountered a college friend of John's whose children were ankle deep in the creek. Genevieve kept dry for about two minutes, but ended up thigh-high in the creek.

We decorated a lantern together to use at the annual Clifton Lantern Walk. We get through the walk without tears (first time in three years). The origami crane and tassle fell off, but Daddy found it when we retraced our steps. Rye and family were on the walk as well, which meant fun playtime running on Annunciation's lawn. Gigi found a branch more than twice her size with many leaves attached (probably leftover from the storm). She drug it around, saying that she was looking for its compost. She settled for putting it back in dirt and giving it a new place. She got to have dinner at Skyline afterwards.

A Few of Her Favorite Things

Genevieve got to do some of her favorite things today. It started with breakfast at her favorite restaurant - (Skyline aside) the "pink yogurt restaurant." We were joined by Leela and Joni, which made it that much more exciting. After breakfast, it was time for favorite #2, a concert(also with Leela). It was a Lollipop Symphony concert - even more special than a regular concert because of crafting, instrument demonstrations, and the lollipop to top it off.

Later, we saw Leo at the Trailside Nature Center. He showed us Stumpy the turtle and a yet un-named toad. We did a giant puzzle and an owl craft. Daddy brushed-up on trees.

Favorite thing #3 was a trip to Aunt Kristen's house. As if that was not exciting enough - Grandma and Grandpa were there too! It was one big, fun day.