Dance Recital

Lauren and Sydney spent their Wednesday evenings for the past 3 months taking dance lessons through the local Parks & Rec program. Sydney chose to take Beginning Hip Hop, while Lauren selected Ballet. Today was the end of the program recital. 200 dancers in 28 routines performed in front of almost 700 audience members. I give the instructors credit, they were able to complete the whole recital in 1 hour 40 minutes.

Sydney's class performed a routine choreographed to Kyle Massey's Jingle Bells (A Hip Hop Carol). Sydney is the first performer out, spending most of her time in the back, right corner until moving up to the front in the middle of the routine.

Lauren's class danced to Frank Sinatra's Jingle Bells. Lauren is the dancer in the blue shirt, on the far left of the dance line.

Here Comes the Tooth Fairy

Sydney has had a wobbly front tooth for a month or so. This weekend, it was going nearly horizontal and hurting her when she was eating with it. She has been very excited about it coming out soon and has written notes to her class and to her cousin telling all about it. This morning, while she was brushing her teeth, Sydney turned to me and said, "My tooth just came out." And there it was in her hand. She is all ready for the Tooth Fairy to come, with the tooth in a little box under her pillow and a note on the door telling the Tooth Fairy where to put the money. And this all happened just in time to be immortalized in school pictures, which are tomorrow.

Capitalism, Sydney-style

The other day, we visited the local shopping center still inhabited by the empty Circuit City store. The past few times we visited that shopping center, Sydney has asked if Circuit City was still closed. We have told her that yes, it was still closed and probably would not be opening again. This time, she asked her question again and when told they were still closed, she followed up with, "Did they make enough money?" Caught off guard, I asked what she meant. She asked, "Did they make enough money so now they can be closed?"

Endings & Beginnings

Today was Lauren & Sydney's final day at Montessori. A little sad for Mom and Dad. Thursday begins Kindergarten. New school, new teacher, new friends, before & after school care - all new adventures.

Class assignements were posted at Stevenson this afternoon. We headed there right after work. The girls will be together in Mrs. Harden (formerly Miss Yontz)'s class. Looks like the 4 Kindergarten classes at Stevenson will each have 22 or so students.

To pass the time before the start of school, Melissa, Grandma Dee and the girls are going to Michigan for a few days of fun. Visiting many of the same places as last year and 2006.

Booster Seats

Finally outgrown one set of our car seats. Got to the point where our shoulders were above the top slot of the straps. Still have the larger model car seats that should be good for another couple of years of 5-point harness safety. The seats have been hanging out little used in the van for a couple of years, so they are still in good shape. But, we needed something new for the van. Now the girls get to use the grown-up seat belts. They were so excited they wanted to take a ride after dinner to try out the new seats.

Fun with Letters

The girls like to play a game where they throw out a string of letters and ask what it spells. Often, it is a string of consonants that a goofy to pronounce. We will normally say something along the lines of, "That's not a word, but if it was it would sound like..." Earlier this week, Sydney decided to try and trick us. She asked, "What's this spell: N-O-T-H-I-N-G."

Play Day!

A few quick pics of this year's playday. "A good time was had by all"

Creativity Blooms

This is Lauren's leprechaun catcher. Not the best picture, and it usually has bits of flowers and clover in addition to the pennies to attract such a little friend. This toilet paper roll lived on our kitchen table for a week :-)

Photo credit Lauren

From Spring 2009

Dear Linda...

Thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery. We hope you enjoy the pictures and would love to visit you in person someday.

Hugs,
Melissa, Scott, Lauren & Sydney

A Little Misc.

Just some misc. spring activity with the Casey clan...

I literally received a mud pie for Mother's Day. The girls added the garnishes on their own. (Yes, you can tell they're mine!)

From Spring 2009

Yaaaaahooooooeeeeeee!!!

From Spring 2009

Fun at Walt Bitner Park yesterday at our friend's 4th birthday party.

From Spring 2009

Yummy strawberry cupcakes. Lauren and Syd have a way of always ending up right next to the birthday girl. We love our Montessori friends!

From Spring 2009

Mother's Day Adventure - Railroad Museum

We didn't spend much time at the museum itself (zzzzzzzzzzz....) but did enjoy the relaxing train ride. It was one of those things you do once, if you know what I mean.


The caboose from our train...mommy and her two sweethearts.

From Spring 2009

My honey and me on the train...photo credit Lauren...we think.

From Spring 2009

Girls showing signs of wear on the train.

From Spring 2009

On the return trip to the museum station, we opened the train windows and let Lauren enjoy the fresh air.

From Spring 2009

Allerton Statues

Some imagery from the statues at Allerton Park. We may print and fame these for some new home decor. I love having pictures from our adventures around the house to remind us of good times.

From Spring 2009

From Spring 2009

From Spring 2009

Mother's Day Adventure - Allerton Park

It had been so long since our family hopped in the car for an old-fashioned road trip. I took advantage of the fact that it was Mother's Day, and being the Mother, to commandeer the weekend for such a trip.

So off we went to Allerton Park near Monticello, IL. Scott and I had visited a couple of times years ago, and thought the girls would enjoy the gardens and statues. We didn't expect much interest/energy in a woodland hike, so we weren't surprised when the girls started crabbing out before we got to that part.

We packed a nice simple picnic, which was very enjoyable despite the chilly weather. By the time our exploration was over, the sun had warmed us up perfectly.

The girls discovered this Koi Pond near the mansion. Scott and I had never noticed it before. The koi were "gy-normous" and the water deceptively deep!!

From Spring 2009

The girls really enjoyed the hedge maze and koi statues. The volunteer staff had not yet trimmed up all of the hedges, but that didn't diminish our fun.

From Spring 2009

Lauren in the hedge maze. The trees growing up and along the wall are apple trees.

From Spring 2009

Sydney atop the two-story gazebo (we struggled with what to call it) overlooking the Foo Dog Garden. We took bets on what color the Foo Dog statues were. Sydney thought black, Lauren thought clear. They are cobalt blue.

From Spring 2009

Going down the spiral staircase in the two-story gazebo.

From Spring 2009

Can't...walk...another...step!!!

From Spring 2009

Dyson Believer

I'm almost embarassed to post this, but it is so incredible to me, I just have to share. I have been annoyed with my vacuum for some time - the filter collects so much dust as I vacuum that I have to take a toothpick to the grooves between rooms in order to keep suction.


A Facebook friend started talking about Dysons on her posts, and it got us interested. Some testimonials from friends, and the deal was sealed. In true Scott fashion, there was a Dyson at my doorstep, courtesy of Amazon.com, within two days.


So, of course we went over the living room floor with the old Kenmore first.


Then, the Dyson. Here's what came out:




Gross, gross, gross. I have since vacuumed three more times, each time pulling out progressively less yuckage, but still. I will keep running this thing until I am convinced it is clean. Or there is no carpet left to vacuum ;-)

A Necessary Picnic

Last summer, Scott turned me loose in the studio of one of our local artists, Herb Eaton, knowing that I was going to come out having purchased something. After having stalked the place all summer, I pretty much knew what I wanted. But spending some time with Herb going through some of the art he had in the back room and not on display, this picture struck me. It reminded me of Missouri, where I grew up, and also of a little riverside picnic Scott and I had with our friends the Estes' several years ago during a canoe trip.

In talking with Herb, his wife Pam is actually from Steelville, Missouri, which is 10 miles from where I grew up, and where my dad and grandparents also lived for a while. Small world. And the funny thing is, this painting is actually of the Mackinaw river, so just a wild coincidence.

Once I made my decision, Herb dubbed us "the transplants" and named the piece "The Necessary Picnic - The Transplants." It is from a series in which He and She have picnics outdoors in various settings - note the tray and wine glasses on the lower left side of the painting.

So, enjoy a look at our very first piece of art!

2009 Montessori Room 3 Talent Show

Last Friday was the 2nd Annual "Triple Threat" Talent Show for the girls' classroom at Montessori. Due to an absence, the girls performed a duet of "This Old Man". Lauren also provided the welcome to the show. If you are wanting to skip ahead to see the girls' act, it begins just before the 4:00 mark. The big finale begins at 9:30 into the video.

Winter Pictures

And a quick post with some misc. pictures from this winter. Play time, face painting, trip to the Rockettes, visiting Santa, gingerbread house, holiday program, reading in bed. There. That ought to cover the labeling I didn't do 'cause it's late and I'm exhausted.

Winter

Lauren and Sydney Celebrate 5

For Lauren and Syd's 5th birthday, we took a fantastic Disney vacation. It was a truly nonstop week - go-go-go from the moment we woke till we crashed back at the room late each night. We did some extra-special things that were new to even Mom and Dad. I would say a highlight for the grownups was watching fireworks through the windows in Cinderella's Castle over dinner. For the kiddos, it was definitely the rides, Its a Small World, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Spaceship Earth were among the favorites. My girls are both roller coaster fans. Yea!

I'm attaching a link to our Picasa album with pictures if you'd like to see them. Even this pared-down album would take too long to download to Blogger. One thing you will notice is we never seem to change clothes. That's what happens when you have to wear jackets and sweatshirts in Florida!

Disney 2009

Sunday Fun

Hello, all. Thought I'd drop a quick note in the aftermath of a day around the house.

In front of me here in the living room are a couple dozen stuffed animals, ponies, and baby dolls tucked into blankets, carriers, chairs, or whatever will pass the girls' imaginations as a bed.

On the kitchen table, the game Stratego, which the girls played twice and absolutely loved. Also on the table is the falafel that they did not love.

In the basement are a snowstorm of orange sticky notes, all labeling the item to which they are affixed...box, wall, puppet, easel. The girls worked so well together to write and affix the labels.

In the notebook is our annual "Summer List" which details all of the things we can't wait until it is warm enough to do. It took forever to write it today, because all Lauren wanted to do was be tickled. Her new favorite chant is "Tickle me, Scotty!!!"

Finally, in the fireplace, the remaining embers of what will hopefully be the last fire of the season, which was lit to warm us after a ferocious snowball fight earlier in the day. The snow has now been replaced with ever-greening grass.

And here, lazy on the couch, is me. Not on the treadmill or doing WiiFit like I told Scott I would do while he puts the munchkins to bed.

More 4-Year-Old Trivia

Q: How long can two four year olds keep a secret from each other?

A: About an hour and a half.

Scott and I each took a girl out tonight to shop for Christmas gifts for her sister. L&S were absolutely thrilled to get to choose a gift for the other, and both were thoughtful and generous in deciding what to buy for sis.

Once we got home tho, the excitement was far too high to keep the secret for long. Just before bed, we heard the girls in the living room whispering to each other, refusing to tell us what they were whispering about. When we were upstairs brushing teeth, the truth came out...they were filling each other in on what presents they had chosen for each other.

Too cute. I guess next year we let them shop 12-24.

Good news is, each seems very pleased with the choice her sister made.

Did you know...

That Green Eggs and Ham has 62 pages? And that Sydney read every last one of them to me tonight!!!!??

Lauren, to get the last word, worked her way through about half of the book, too!

Promise I have pictures (Halloween, fairies, Rockettes), I'm just not sitting long enough to get them posted. I'm sure you would have preferred them to the school "report card" updates, but papa was too proud of his babies not to post those.

Progress Reports - Nov. 10, 2008

These progress reports we sent home with the girls today.

Lauren

Favorite Work:

• Practical Life - Baby Care
• Sensorial - Red Rods
• Language - Pink Work
• Math - Golden Beads Counting Through
• Culture - Leaf Rubbings

Classroom Observations - Level - Comments:

• Works and plays cooperatively with peers - Age Appropriate - She has been a great leader this year!
• Displays a happy, positive attitude - Age Appropriate - Always!
• Shows interest in classroom activities - Age Appropriate - Lauren is a grat helper :)
• Able to follow simple instructions - Age Appropriate - Follows directions very well!
• Able to follow complex directions - Age Appropriate - Follows directions very well!
• Able to give attention in a group setting - Age Appropriate - Very motivated and focused during work and lessons!
• Maintains appropriate behavior independently - Age Appropriate - Very motivated and focused during work and lessons!

Other Comments:

• We love haw well Lauren has done this year, especially academically! She is so bright and catches on to things so well. We are excited to continue to advance her in all of the work! :)

Sydney

Favorite Work:

• Practical Life - Old Bolt Board
• Sensorial - Smelling Bottles
• Language - Pink Rhyming Work
• Math - Short Bead Stair
• Culture - Zoology Puzzles

Classroom Observations - Level - Comments:

• Works and plays cooperatively with peers - Age Appropriate - Always!
• Displays a happy, positive attitude - Age Appropriate - Always!
• Shows interest in classroom activities - Age Appropriate - Sydney loves any kind of group activities!
• Able to follow simple instructions - Age Appropriate - Always :)
• Able to follow complex directions - Age Appropriate - Always :)
• Able to give attention in a group setting - Age Appropriate
• Maintains appropriate behavior independently - Age Appropriate - Sometimes we have to follow Sydney's example! :)

Other Comments:

• Sydney has phenomonal work times! She has already completed all of our pink & blue work, and now we are focusing on more math lessons!

Lauren's Progress Update - Oct. 27, 2008

Less than two weeks after the initial progress reports, we got this update on Lauren:

• We just wanted to tell you how proud we are of Lauren. Today she really worked hard and got herself through all of our boxes on the pink shelf. She was so excited. She is so much more confident this year, and we love giving her new lessons :)

Progress Reports - Oct. 15, 2008

The girls got these progress reports at school about a month ago. They just got new ones today, so I guess it is a sign that I need to put them out here.

Lauren

Showing interest in the following pieces of work:

1. Golden Beads "Counting Through"
2. Fetching
3. Moveable Alphabet
4. Zoology Puzzles

Additional Comments:

• Lauren is having an amazing start to her year! She is more confident in all the work she is receiving lessons on, and returns to that work more frequently! She is starting to receive more lessons on the language shelf, and we have a feeling math will come easily too, based on what we've seen so far! :)

Sydney

Showing interest in the following pieces of work:

• Green Work
• Fetching
• North America Continent Puzzle
• Tower of Cube / Brown Stair Extension

Additional Comments:

• Sydney is having an awesome start to the school year! She has received a lot of lessons this year thus far and has shown a great interest in the math and language shelves. We are so excited that she is reading and we let her read to her classmates as well! Sydney has become more verbal and approaches us now to do work with her!

Art Update and Letter Practice

Coloring is a focus of many an afternoon. Here are a few recent specimens. The girls love to show off new techniques ("Look, I used two colors of green on Ariel's tail!")

Lauren's Art:


Sydney's Art:

Handwriting practice (It's late and I don't remember whose was whose, update later when Scott sets me straight ;-)

World Travels

We have some maps in the girls' playroom that they can play trains on...this morning, I came in to the room to hear Scott talking geography with Lauren & Syd.

We talked states. We talked countries. We talked vacations.

Lauren only wants to travel "where the people speak English." Thought that was cute (and hopefully something she'll grow out of, even though no world travels are on our agenda anytime soon).

So, Austrailia and England, here we come.

Simply Saturday

Our summer Saturday morning routine is coming to a close, so this morning was one to relish. The girls and I love to head downtown for our fabulous Farmers Market. It usually encompasses three of the four sides of the courthouse square. Alas, the season is winding down, so the market was only 2 blocks long today.

After we pick up our market treasures, we head for a hearty breakfast at Kelly's. We've developed quite a routine. I always pick a quiche - they usually have 4-5 varieties to choose from, made fresh that morning from local veggies and cheeses. Lauren orders a grande cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting, warmed. Syd is hooked on cream cheese croissants, with a little fruit filling. What a nice treat for mom to have a lovely meal with her ladies! At risk of sounding sappy, these will be memories I will cherish for years to come.

Today's market treasures: organic whole wheat flour, 2 big tomatoes (making cheese today and our garden is only producing the grape variety this late in the season), two summer squash, two unique variety eggplants, organic red delicious apples, and two free pumpkins from a farmer who didn't want to cart seven bushels of them home.

Then we were off to Michaels, since next week is Lauren's spotlight week, followed by Syd's the next. We needed posterboard. They happened to be having a decorate-a-fake-pumpkin event, so we had some fun with that.

And here's your reward for reading our morning rambling, a pic of the girls' creations:

Socialite!

Lauren was down tonight because they didn't get to go outside today at school. It is far better to go outside, because that's when you get to play with your friends! Lauren said "I'm going to play the whole time tomorrow with Emma!"

It is such a thrill to hear her talking about her collection of friends, the games they play together, and which friends are the current favorites. Lauren has a pretty wide circle of friends, and a new favorite just about every week :-)

Sydney's Confession

As we were sitting in the dark (watching the debate), Sydney announced "today at school I read two books to my class." I could hardly believe it, but Lauren chimed in and listed the two books she read. I asked Syd if any of her other friends read stories to the class. Nope. Wow!

She also was watching the TV intently, and asked many excellent questions...

• "Are there two Obamas? He said Set-e-nor Obama" (explained that Senator is his job, and he is one person, Senator Barack Obama, and that John McCain is a senator as well)
• "What is a senator?" (explanation, including analogy to our recent trip to Springfield)
• "Senator Sarah Pailin?" (explained governor)
• "Why is there not a girl talking?" (talked about presidents, vice presidents, and revived Hillary Clinton for good measure)
• "The women are above the men" (This was the stunner of the evening. Syd was watching the graph at the bottom of CNN's screen that graphed reaction of a group of men and women. THE CHILD CAN READ A GRAPH!!!!)

Have seen so much intellectual growth in Sydney lately. I know she is dominating the blog lately...it's a Syd phase, I suppose.

What Lauren Wants for Dinner

She wants mommy's apple chicken**. Which made me very happy, 'cause they never ask for leftovers. Finally found a meal they enjoy.

** Mommy's apple chicken = chicken breasts stuffed with apples, goat cheese, bread crumbs, and various spices topped with a wine/broth/apple sauce. Sounds fancy, but was pretty easy.