Saturday, February 21, 2015

One Big Happy Family

On February 10, Ryan participated in his first program at Brown School. His music teacher Ms. Mack organizes annual performances for each grade level. As the years pass, it's going to be hard to top this one!? The theme was One Big Happy Family. The songs were so sweet and touching. (I love these pictures so much, I had to make them x-large.)

Ryan's Class

Ryan had this little speaking part to introduce a song.
I love how he's holding the mic. He was excited to wear a tie, like Dada.

After he and his friend (in the pink dress) introduced the song, they sang adorable solos. Anetta's solo was about the "greatest mom in the world." 

Ryan's solo: "You're the greatest dad in the world, the world, the world. You're the greatest dad in the world, the world, the world. There has never been a greater dad. Yes, it's really true. I hope I grow up to be just like you."
He's singing in this picture. I love his hands-in-pockets, casual stance. 

VIDEO!
He was focused and performed with accuracy and confidence. 
We are so proud of this little boy!

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Friday, February 13, 2015

Snow, Ice, Magic & Hula

I am settled into winter now. February has been pretty brutal. We had a pretty mild January, so I suppose this is when Mother Nature plays catch-up on delivering snow and subzero temps. 

We had snow day #5 off from school on February 2. These next few pics are from around that time. 

Ryan wanted me to bury him in the snow.

Here you can see buried Ryan, while Evan relaxes on a snowy seat.

Then they both wanted to be buried. Arial view.

The snowfall and mildish temps on February 4, allowed the preschool kids to sled. The school/church has a nice hill on their property. 

Last weekend, St. Joseph held an Ice Festival. The whole weekend was packed with activities for young and old. I took the boys to a magician show. Evan was picked to be an assistant. I wish I would have videoed the whole thing because his reactions were adorable. A whole week later, he is still playing magician and mimicking the actual magician's delivery and mannerisms. Made and impression on Little E.
Video!


This ice sculpture is the main reason I found the motivation to take them to the festival. How awesome is this Lego guy? The temperatures were above freezing this particular weekend and most of the ice sculptures were melting and deformed. But this Lego guy was still in good shape. 

MY favorite part of the festivities was the "I wish I were in on a beach" activity. There was a hula demo, which had an interactive piece to it. I grew up in a dance studio where hula classes were offered (though I never took those classes), so it was a walk down memory lane for me. I wish I would have gotten up and danced with these kids. Adults were invited, but none got up. If just one other person would have gotten up, I would have joined in a second. Even so, I had a blast watching Ryan & Evan dancing hula. Such focus and genuine effort. I am proud that there were so open to the experience. 

Watch this video if you have two minutes to spare.
The Hukilau Song


Tahitian train video
Tahitian dancing is all about the hips.

Ryan & Evan with the hula dancers.
What a really fun day with my bugs!

Dreaming of the Hawaii right about now as we prepare for tomorrow's forecasted winter storm!