All her talents in one take

My dad requested some new video of Talia so I broke out the camera for an afternoon performance. The "baby" she keeps talking about is a picture of her on my phone. Speaking of the phone, I have no idea who she could be mimicking.

For those poor souls in the pacific and mountain time zones that have gotten early phonecalls from Talia this video should clue you in to how that could possibly happen. Maybe she even called you while I was shooting. I think I'll go check . . .

Ummmmmm . . . .

The other day, sort of out of the blue, Siena asked me what flying insects do or where they go during a strong wind storm. I didn't have an answer for her. Do you?

Season Ends for the Victorious Butterflies!

Siena had her last soccer game on Saturday. She really liked the practices and seemed to have fun at the games even though she only actually touched the ball a few times (and still got 3 goals!). I think the blob-strategy of 5 year old soccer kind of freaked her out.




At the end-of-season pizza party she got her trophy and the award for Most Improved. The highlight of the party for her was when the ice cream man showed up (hired by the coach's wife) and the girls were able to pick out whatever treat they wanted.




She wants to sign up for the fall season so look for more soccer news from us in a few months!

Amusing things about Charlotte . . .

Here are some things about the Queen City that I've found amusing lately . . .

There are A LOT of parochial schools in Charlotte. Of course these schools need mascots and I guess not everyone can be the saints, padres, etc. but I found this one kind of funny considering the name of the school (sticker on some random person's car). Crazy I know, but bulldogs and the Holy Trinity don't really go together in my mind.

My favorite hood in Charlotte is called Plaza-Midwood. It reminds me a lot of Berkeley with it's eclectic shops, down-to-earth citizens, and funky restaurants. One of my favorites is an edgy consignment shop called

(Think Rocky and Bullwinkle)

It's still got it's religious element too. Right around the corner from Boris and Natasha is a beauty salon whose name cracks me up.

Fun at the Park

We've had gorgeous weather lately - 80's with a nice breeze so we've spent a lot of time at the park. Here are some of the latest pics:

Our little daredevil

Siena overcame her fear of the fireman's pole

All Things Kindergarten . . .

We've been doing a lot to prepare for kindergarten lately. First we went to Beginner's Day at Siena's new school. The kids got to see a program by current kindergarteners complete with singing, actions, and costumes. Then we broke up into groups and the kids had milk and cookies, heard a story, made a craft, and got to board the bus while the parents discussed with the teachers all the details of the first year of school. Siena had a great time and I was, of course, on the verge of tears the whole time. I'm sure I'll be a mess on the first day of school.

Next she got the dreaded last set of immunizations that are required for public school. We talked and talked about trying to be brave and that it would only hurt for a minute. She did really well for the first two but lost it completely for the last two. My ears are still ringing.

I've since filled out a huge pile of paper work and signed myself (and Mike) up for several jobs on the PTA. Here we come Eastover Elementary!

My next birthday cake . . .

My friend Pamela found this cake online and said that it reminded her of me (use your imagination). Isn't it the greatest thing you've ever seen?! I've been giggling about it all night. Who wants a bum piece?!

I dedicate this post to all my fellow mooning friends of years past - you know who you are.