Celeste Plays Piano

Lately Celeste has been clamoring to practice the piano.  It might be because Gwyneth has been feverishly preparing for her competition (yesterday, whew!), or because one can earn a "piano treat" in this house.  Last week she started "reading" the music with minimal help from me.  I would show her once, then she would demand, " I don't need help!"  The first video is after a few days practicing, and the second one is her second time through a new "song."  Had to capture this!

Gwyneth's Latest

Here's the latest from Gwyneth. Her recital is on Saturday, and this video was just to try to make her nervous. She looks up and smiles at me to acknowledge that the "una chorda" pedal isn't working very well. "Una Chorda" is fancy for the soft pedal - I never knew that until now.  The piece is Schumann's Abegg Variations Theme-Mov.III.

Visiting Grandma

Last month, Elise, Camille and I flew to San Diego to visit Grandma.  We hadn't seen her in a few years, and were anxious to meet up again.  On the first night we went out and got rolled tacos to bring back to her place.  Grandma and I loved them, while Camille and Elise nibbled at their quesadillas.  We played a round of "Mormon Bridge" and Grandma won, of course!  Here's a picture of Elise and Camille making a new wreath for Grandma's door.  It was fun but challenging as I'm not too crafty.

After lunch on Friday, the girls gave Grandma a private performance of their recital pieces in the upstairs "concert hall" of La Vida.  A few curious souls stopped by to listen.

Saturday

On Saturday, the girls I and I headed to Sea World for the day.  The cloudy forecast and 60 degree temp was not going to deter them from getting soaked.  I just made them promise we wouldn't do it until the end.  We sat in the soak section for the 3:00 Shamu show, and then continued to get wet until we couldn't stand it anymore around 6pm.



Before the Shamu show

After the Shamu show




Of course Elise and Camille had to pose in front of the Shamu VW.  What a fun, cold, wet and exhilirating day with my girls!

Sunday

On Sunday morning we all met for brunch.  I loved catching up with Tyson, Lianne and Lisa.  Grandma especially loved seeing Sienna and Tyson.  Thank you guys!  Getting together with everyone really made the trip memorable.

Here's Elise posing with Sienna.  She was so adorbale, and especially when she's dancing.

Here's Grandma going in for a kiss, but Sienna's a little shy!

Grandma and the girls in front of La Vida.  I know Californians take the flowers for granted, but it's so beautiful!

After brunch with Grandma, we tucked her in for a nap and headed to Seaport Village.  The girls had fun trying on hats, eating ice cream and riding the carousel.

We ended the day back at our hotel with Tyson entertaining Camille and Elise in the pool only after dinner and this gigantic Sundae:

We miss you Tyson, Lianne, Sienna, Lisa and Grandma!  Hope to see you soon!