Piano Recitals

Our older girls started Piano a few years ago. They honestly don't have a ton of time to practice (20-30 minutes/day, if that), and a one hour class each week (except the crazy weeks or weeks we are gone). But still, they have stuck with it, enjoy it, and have made great progress.

The teacher announced a recital at our favorite restaurant/wedding hall for Jan 6. And she had just given the girls their songs. Sophia's was a version of DoReMe from The Sound of Music which was a little difficult for her. Isabella's was Edelweiss also from The Sound of Music.

They practiced hard and daily went to play on real pianos for the feel (we only have a keyboard).
The day came and they were so nervous but they did great!

I had to call in back-up on the hair. Aunt Kathleen came to make it beautiful for them, hair styling/braiding is not my gifting.

(we were crunched for time and only had time to get pre-pics of Sophia, Isabella was getting her hair done!)

This is a huge hall, but it was not close to full. Their were 66 students participating. We thought this may be torture, but it was actually pleasant and fun.

Isabella performed before Sophia. Started with a bow.

She did fabulous and received flowers from Daddy, (that she didn't know what to do with!).

Sophia was a bit later.

Her bow...

Her performance...we did get good video.

playing with friends, one of whom is in her class at school.
We also knew two other girls that were performing.

And the ever-supportive little bro... playing on rocks outside!

Now they are learning a Sound of Music piece that they play together, so they are having lots of fun!

New Year's Eve Campout

My dad, Granddaddy to the kids, gave us money for some camping supplies for Christmas. We have been wanting to start camping adventures with the kids and feel they are at a good age. They were so excited. It arrived on the 30th just in time for a New Year's Eve backyard camp out. 

I ended up very sick for two days and could not participate. David, the hero dad, still followed through with the plan. They grilled hot dogs, roasted marshmallows, went on a 'moon' walk and played card games. 

 We can't wait to get this tent and our new bags up on our mountain plot (2000 meters).

 The kiddos had a blast and slept well, even through the New Year's fireworks that shook our building.

Happy New Year!

Finally, an Event for Gabrielle

December 29.

We have now been involved in the Chinese school system for seven years, starting when Sophia was three years old. And every 'event', especially in kindergarten is a big deal, because with only one child (for the Chinese) and one chance to make it special, you must go all out, every time. 

I was burning out on these monthly events by Tobin's Kindergarten days for sure. And for Gabrielle, I have no tolerance or time for all the frills (it's an honest confession). She entered Kindergarten midway through the year and therefore has already had less chances (this is only her second semester). So when her teacher approached me about a sports day, and said that she would need to come in the mornings to participate, I decided to make it work. And it did work perfectly for our December. 

I absolutely did not regret participation in this. I told David that this was the best event I have been to in my whole career as a Kindergarten mom of four kids. It was well planned, on time, not too long, very entertaining, not overcrowded (they specifically said only one adult could come), and even with comic appeal. Not to mention the food fair at the end, which was also well coordinated and delicious. I was so pleasantly surprised by this, as it had not been my previous experience at this school, ever. 

There she is, preparing to go downstairs for her turn to 'dance' with basketballs. 

 Okay, so she struggled a bit with the headband, but she got it together and did great!

 They still had all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with every event, and the raising of the Chinese flag.

 These kids were hilarious...they are taking their job seriously, can you tell?

well, maybe the kid in the shades really was..

Six different classes had to do a different routine to the same song.

 They may have been a little out of sync...

At the end, a group of dad's did a skit/performance that was hilarious, acting like they were in kindergarten and different groups dancing to famous Chinese kids' songs. I loved this aspect and had not seen this included in any event before.

 Gabrielle loved participating in this sports day!

They then moved tents to the courtyard and set up all the food.
Gabrielle's class had the best fare: fried rice and dumplings!

Way-to-go Gabrielle, and way-to-go school for putting on a fabulous event!!!