Les Pianistes - Feb 2010

I have given Philippe 3 piano lessons. He's a quick study. William has given him 1. He's a quicker study.

Reading Corner - Feb 2010

William reads his books to himself now. Sometimes he even sings the text - funny to hear myself in his mirror.

Royalty

We had a make-up celebration for the "Day of the Kings" after we returned from Nevada. This is our fourth time celebrating the holiday; my first time finding the favor baked into the cake. This entitles me to be "Queen." I selected Philippe and William as "Co-Royalty." This was perhaps his 5th attempted crowning - he loves to put [previously] folded laundry on his head, yet shies away from real hats.

Aunt Nelly sent the sweater from France

ooh-la-la!

William's First Haircut - 11 Jan 2010

Rachel Anne said William had what looked like a mullet. That drove me to the act.

Vacation Bests

*Birthday dinner at Mom's. Mom and I made a quilt and 8 burp cloths together. She showed me recipes that substitute honey for sugar. We listened to a program on effective 3-word journaling.
*One-on-one time with my sister and her family. I went to Target three times! Sarah and Rachel Anne are exceptional sous-shoppers. Leah has an uber-blender and made me the best smoothies this side of Jamba Juice. Leah's lemon-meringue masterpiece of pie, Carson Valley Swim Centre wearing bond-esque swimwear!
*One-on-one time with Pat Wright. Watching Teddy & Alex perform in a DVD of Joseph and the Amazing Color Dream Coat and singing along. Mia playing with William.
*Dad being very proud that I could ask intelligible questions about railways.
*Heather (formerly known as Indya) made William a hat and jacket and me a scarf and hat I've worn everyday since.
*Meeting Emilee's new baby Andrew.
*No over-scheduling
*Considering my blog a journal of significantly more than 3 words.
*COMING HOME TO PHILIPPE (He even made me an apple tart)

Opa shows us the rails

Dad visited from California while we were in Reno. I requested that we visit the Carson City Train Museum. We had the extended tour into the restoration warehouses. I was deeply touched by the boxcar called "The Gratitude Train." One boxcar filled with household treasures collected from the French people had been sent to each existing state after WWII as a thank you for having liberated France - one degree of separation!

Gavin shows William the rails

Mastering the pedals

Grandma Jean has an organ John left at her house. While I have yet to master the pedals, William took a more direct approach.

Je ne 'z'ais quoi!

As per my request, Mom hosted my birthday dinner. John left a hand-made gift for me titled, "Z." I thanked him via-e-mail to say it had a certain "Je ne 'z'ais quoi" I'm sure he chortled while creating it. Philippe INSISTED it be hung in my personal space. William loves all things orange - the "Z" being principle among them.

St. George Temple

There is a one-hour time difference between Nevada and Utah. I took that added hour and toured the St. George Temple grounds. It was as indulgent as Fall daylight savings.

Viva ... St. George, Utah - Jan 2010

I took advantage of a new Gambler's Special flying direct from Montreal to Las Vegas. I rented a car and drove to St. George, Utah to visit Carol and Mel Lowell. I lived with them when I first moved to Las Vegas. Mel greeted me by saying, "It's been a long time my daughter." As proxy parents, (and by extension William's proxy grandparents) I couldn't ask for better.

Cruisin! Jan 2010

William received his first car for Christmas. He loves how many noises it makes. I've threatened to give it a 'battery-ectomy' but I'm too enthralled by his happy laugh when he rides.

Monopoly Massacre - New Years Eve 2009

I was ahead until I landed on Philippe's yellow properties. If the 3 house rent wasn't enough, Philippe goaded, "Roll a double one." I did. The rents are collected in millions by 'electronic transfer.' Philippe is thrilled at the 18,000,000+ showing on the screen. (His smile strikes me as maniacal...)