Year TWO of....Sesame Street Live

Yes, we made it through another year of Elmo on stage. For some reason, we keep going back for this show. It's not only Dawson and I that are crazy...we had our friends Lynn and Grace with us too! The show was full of songs, dancing and good old Sesame Street humor. I have to admit I liked last year's show better but, the kids didn't seem to mind at all. The story line was a little more complex this year with the idea of shrinking and growing. I'm not sure any of the kids got it! The background grew and shrunk, not the characters.

Dawson wanted to sit on my lap the whole time. She was not scared but, maybe just needed to see a little better. As usual, she took everything in and told me all about it on our way home!

One of the best parts of the show was when Telly came walking down the aisles beeping his nose. We were right on the aisle so you could only imagine the looks on Grace and Dawson's faces! They loved it!

One of my favorite things about this show is that they always sell the music to the show. Dawson carried it to the car and wanted me to play it immediately. It's not bad to listen to and I know it helps Dawson reflect and upon what she just saw on stage! We have been listening to last year's CD almost every day in the car so I'm glad to have something new!

As always, Sesame Street puts on an entertaining show for kids of all ages. I'm wondering Lynn...are we going to do this again next year??????

The Year of the Tiger

Happy Chinese New Year....2010 the year of the TIGER! On a last minute decision, I decided to head out to our local Chinese restaurant to join in a Dragon Dance. I have never been before so I decided Dawson is the excuse to go now. I also drug Papa and Grammy with us! Not sure if they wanted to go but, they were good sports! I started the day telling Dawson we were going to see a Dragon Dance. Silly me...her response...I'm scared! Quick thinking on my part...I found a book at school showing that the dragon really is a big puppet. We quickly read the book and things were cleared up and she was then ready to go! WHEW......She keeps me on my toes!

After we were seated, we were quickly giving red envelopes. You are supposed to fill them with money and feed them to the dragon for good luck. HMMMM...wish I would have thought of this idea.

In China, the children and single people are given the red envelopes with money for good luck! Every person at the table feeds the dragon! Even Dawson did it but, it was kind of a toss into the mouth..the dragon was much bigger and wilder than I ever thought he would be...

As we waited, the balloon man stopped by. Of course, Dawson asked for something pink.

Here's an up close picture of the dragon and the hand that comes out to collect those red envelopes!

Waiting to feed the dragon....She was a little nervous but, I was surprised how much she really got into it as the night went on!

The dragon goes to every table in the restaurant while the music continues and continues and continues. It's a lot of drums and tambourines.

At the end of the ceremony the children gather around the dragon. He puts an orange in his mouth and tosses it up into the air. The child that gets the orange will have a very lucky year ahead. He did this a few times and then stuck the cabbage in his mouth. He chewed it up and then spit it at the kids. This is supposed to bring luck too! YUCK. With all the luck in the restaurant, I should have a wonderful Chinese New Year ahead of me! It was a really neat cultural experience! I'm already looking forward to next year!

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sorry for the lack of pictures but, Dawson was sick and then I headed out of town for three days. We are all well and busy again! Today we spent the day just hanging out and building with blocks. The last few months around here have been full of imaginative play. Part of our day was spent in a large box better know as Dawson's boat. I had to get in the boat, along with all her toys and her. I asked her where we were going and she told me..."of course mom..we are going to Guatemala." That is one long boat ride!!! We may never get there!!!!

Building with her new friend...the Love Bug.

Just a look I couldn't resist capturing....so beautiful....

We went to our local Mexican restaurant tonight with some friends and family to say goodbye to the Brazilian girls that have been living with us for quite awhile. They are both off tomorrow A.M. I know Dawson is really going to miss them!

Sipping on some juice....

Hope everyone had a wonderful day!

Hockey, Hockey, Hockey

We were lucky enough this weekend to head to a few hockey games to see my nephew. He plays out of state and happened to be about an hour away this weekend so we hit two games! Dawson loved every moment of the action. After the first game, I asked her what we did and she said "we see Clarkie play hockey game, a dragon (the home team mascot), and some fights." She was right on target..that's exactly what we saw!

My sister, niece and Dawson watching the game.

Sometimes during the intermissions, Dawson and I would walk way up high in the stadium and just walk around. She decided to take a break and peek over the seats for a moment.

Clark in action...

Clark after he just scored a goal. We were so glad we got to see him for the weekend! It was great seeing his team win both games....GO STAMPEDES!!!