Mary Poppins

Today we went to see Mary Poppins. It was really great. We went with our friends from dance class that we have been friends with for a couple of years. All three girls are 5 years old and they all looked so cute dressed up for the theatre. I wish I could have gotten a photo with all three of them but I didn't want to lug my big camera in when I knew I really couldn't take photos anyway. I was glad that Alexa had seen the original movie once so she could follow along with the story. The music and dancing were fantastic. I love taking Alexa to different types of shows so she can get a taste of everything. She loves plays, ballets and musicals so far. She also enjoys live music and this week for school we have a field trip to the Symphony. I think she will really enjoy that as well. All this exposure to culture and she'll probably leave home at 17 to join a punk rock band!

Traditional Chinese Brush Painting

One of the gifts that The Chief got Alexa for Valentine's Day was a traditional Chinese brush painting kit. It is meant for adults and is quite involved but you know dads, they don't know or care, so we opened it up and she gave it a whirl. You paint using watercolors with these beautiful brushes and you also use an ink stone. It is actually something that I would also like to try as well. Kids are much better at just diving in and trying it with no fear of failure like adults do. This is Alexa's painting of two little birds. I just love it. I plan on framing it and hanging it in our bedroom.

Fishing

On Monday we went fishing. We went to a lake ( there aren't many around in AZ) about 45 minutes from our house. The weather was beautiful and we were ready to catch the big one! Well no bites, but a good time was had! Alexa loved using her fishing pole. After The Chief baited her hook he cast it out and then it was all about waiting, and waiting, and waiting. So much waiting that it was a lot more fun to run around the park! She did learn to cast though and in true Alexa fashion, stayed with it until she got it right. The pole only took one dunk in the lake. Afterwards she fed the ducks which I think was way more fun anyway!

Happy Valentine's Day

We've been having fun celebrating Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. We have the house decorated for both, with hearts and lanterns! Friday, Alexa had her school party and loved handing out her homemade cards and receiving a box full from her friends. Today we had a little family picnic and tomorrow we are going fishing! Oh boy! For Alexa's birthday we got her a fishing pole and tackle box. She has wanted us to take her fishing for some time...should be an adventure!

Fours Years Ago Today....

Four years ago today you became our daughter, but your story began before that...

Dino-mite!!!

Yesterday Alexa had her birthday party at the Museum of Natural History. The theme was dinosaurs of course in pink and purple. The party was held in a private room then the kids got to tour the museum with their families. She had 19 friends attend. She really wanted a big party this year for her 5th!


This is not a very good shot of Alexa but I had to show the dress!

I loved when everyone joined in and sang "Happy Birthday" to her. Those little moments always get me! It was a great group of friends from her school, dance and old friends.

Enjoying the cupcakes and fruit.

The goody bags we made had a dinosaur craft in them, playdough, a healthy treat and those old dot candies. It was so funny because I had so many kids come up to me and ask "Is this candy?" I guess they aren't used to "old school" candy.

Opening gifts with her friends all around her. It was a super fun birthday!!!

~Happy Birthday Baby!~

Happy 5th Birthday!!!! May all your dreams come true!

Little Hiker

The Chief loves to take Alexa out on nature walks through the desert. She usually comes back with some sort of treasure that she has found like a cool rock and tales of deer she has spotted. I love how she is looking up at her daddy in this photo. It speaks volumes of how she feels about the time they spend together.

"Your Curly Locks"

I've created a curl monster! Oh how she loves the curls!! Here she is this morning before school reading one of her favorite books. If you don't already have this book, it is surely one to get. It is a silly Rapunzel story and oh so fitting for my girl and her curls!

The Simple Things

There is something so innocent and lovely about a little girl in pink sponge rollers. I just love all these moments...she is my joy!

Christmas Collage

We had an awesome Christmas!!!

The Nutcracker Ballet

Yesterday Alexa, my mom and I attended the Nutcracker Ballet. It was the first ballet for all of us and we loved it! I can't believe I have never been to the ballet before. What a shame. Alexa really enjoyed it and was mesmerized the first act. The second act she was getting a little tired and ansy but overall she thought it was great. The costumes and sets were so beautiful and much more elaborate than I expected. Alexa has been in ballet for 2 years and seeing the professionals was quite a treat for her. Another great memory created this holiday!

~Baking~

The best part! Friday afternoon my mom, Alexa and I had a marathon of baking. It was really fun. Alexa enjoyed making the sugar cookies with Poh Poh, who is a very patient teacher. ; )


She is a serious baker. She worked really hard at rolling the dough and making the cutouts.

Decorating and licking the icing is worth all the hard work!

With my mom, loading up some sprinkles on the one she made for Santa.

Motherhood

Are you ever overwhelmed by the love you have for your child? I'm certainly not surprised how much I love her but how pure and full and true it is. It is different than any other relationship. It just makes me a better person too in so many ways. Being a mother was always in my heart from a very early age. When people would ask me what I wanted to be I would say "a mom". My nickname in high school was "mom". I guess I was a natural at taking care of my friends so they felt it fitting. I also know that is one of the reasons why I became a teacher. I just really loved all my students like they were my own. But motherhood is for me is like the calm in the storm. It is what makes me feel whole and worthy and capable. It is one thing for sure that I know I'm good at. I cannot imagine going through this life without this experience.

Christmas Pageant

Last night Alexa had her Christmas Pageant for school. She looks like a little opera singer in the last two photos. She really loves to sing and knew all the words to the songs. She loves being on stage and is not shy. A couple of times she wanted include some dance moves but the two girls on either side of her gave her some looks like "Don't try it girl, there's not enough room." She even curtsied at the end. I true diva in the making. My folks came too of course and we all really enjoyed watching her. She looked beautiful in her dress and enjoyed getting her hair curled and a little makeup on before the show. I love that she is so girly and enjoys all the foo foo stuff. We have so much fun getting ready together! It was a great night!