In tune

Not long ago, we took the plunge and purchased a piano. People have asked who in our family plays. Well, the answer perplexes most when we say, no one. I grew up playing flute, Alan plays guitar and our children at some point will be made to play an instrument - hopefully of their own free will. We both, however, grew up in families that had pianos in the home. In fact, that was part of what made it a home to us. Alan's mother was an understudy pianist for the Boston Symphony so their piano got a good workout. My sister played piano a bit and my mom played as well. We were a family that liked to belt out a tune now and again and we weren't above trying out for various roles in school plays that mom would accompany us in practice.

My goal in my adult life is to learn the piano and I now have a tool to get me closer to that goal. Music in a home fills the soul and so our souls are now closer to being in tune with the whole.

We had to wait for the piano to "settle" before we could get it tuned. When we finally had someone come to tune it, Kiira was fascinated with the process.

Dancing with the Stars

I confess, I am hooked. Dancing with the Stars is the only reality show that I watch. This past week was spring break and I let Kiira watch with Alan and I (we have it on TIVO). She gets into it just as much as we do and loves to predict scores, attempt dances and shout yeh or nay for a particular dance attempt. This past week has been a family event with Rennie on the couch (as usual) as well. He turns into more of an ottoman as 3 people and one dog, even on our large couch, can get a little crowded.

Easter aka spring celebration

So, the actual day of Easter turned out to be beautiful. Kiira worked up to the day by coloring easter eggs. She had on a dress and I asked her to take it off to color the eggs. I thought she would put something else on but lo and behold she just colored eggs in a pair of tights.





Easter day the kids, Alan, Jenny and I went to brunch at a quaint hotel (more like a b&b though) in San Rafael called the Panama Hotel and Restaurant. I picked it because it had outdoor space and I thought that with that reprieve the grown ups could actually enjoy their brunch while the kids wandered in the garden. Mission accomplished.









For more photos of our "spring celebration" party - click here!

Flying high

Recently I jumped the highest I have ever jumped. Rhett and I did a series of gymnastics where the last fence was about 4'-0" with a 1'-0" spread. The most I have jumped before this is 3'-6" and that was when I was a teenager. I think that the reason I dared jump this high was purely because I have such a talented horse. I just love him.
I am so proud of this.

Haircut and Dora

Evan was in need of some new shoes so he and I took an excursion to Payless. I was thinking this would be a nice time but I quickly realized he is now of the age where he has an opinion. We came home with brown and pink Dora sneakers. He does love Dora.

I love you's to the east coast

Here's some love goin' out to the east coast cousins from Kiira.....

Surprise!

Often when I am not watching a get a few surprise photos. This is both shocking and delightful. This is what I found most recently. I think we should title them, "Self-portrait".