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Today we had a slightly windblown and scattered SpiralScouts meeting at our house; 2 new kiddos joined us and I felt the absence of 2 others sorely. After a cool science experiment involving warm milk, food coloring and dish detergent- the kids made calendars for the New Year and oohed and awed over one of the new kitties.
Afterwards we went to Maddie's birthday party. They have the most excellent creek and natural habitat just outside their back door. Grace and I had an terrific time on the hike. It was a grand adventure as we scrambled up banks and slid down dropoffs, using our walking sticks and encouraging each other.
Maddie really wanted to show us this "great view" and so we pushed on, leaving half of the party behind us. A little more than half way up we paused to take the above shot on my cell phone, Grace and the birthday girl high above the suburban neighborhood we had left below.
We made it to the summit (much further than I expected!) and then began the difficult part. Getting down is so much scarier than climbing up! We returned to the party secretly victorious- the mountain conquered.
We also met a family who fascinated me. They are travelling in an RV (well, a converted bus) - unschooling, living, learning, loving. I really want to learn more about their journey.
Yesterday my baby turned 5.
We had a nice relaxing day at home just like she requested. She awoke to a decorated house, balloons and streamers, and the Bellah Birthday Cake. A maze made of her new fort from Christmas led to our room, where (just like last year) she opened her presents in our bed. A new game for her leapster from me, and a pottery wheel from daddy.
Then we made a strawberry cake (she did most of it!) and tuna melts for lunch. She and Daddy made homemade ice cream, I painted her nails purple, she watched Barbie Swan Lake and she played all day.
Work was unfortunately a continuation of the nightmare it's been lately.
Not last night but the night before, 6 little kittens attempted to be born.
2 tiny black ones (the first with white feet), then a little stillborn- so sad, so sweet.
When we awoke another was alive, then 2 more came- who would sadly not survive.
Now we are happy to count these lucky three, as a part of our happy Bellah family!
In 2 weeks Grace (and about 100! other little girls) will perform at the gymnastics Winter Extravaganza. She is so excited!
We, her doting parents, almost ruined the whole thing! We forgot to enroll her, thinking the other did. I cried all morning (ok- PMS!) after they told me she couldn't be in it. She- big brave girl that she is- sniffled, shed a tear or two and said, "Maybe next year?"
Then just an hour ago they called and said they could fit her in! Now to find a holiday leotard...
I'll take video- I think I have figured out how to upload it. Or maybe I'll get that new camera I asked the universe for. Let me tell you, the universe can be slow to respond- even when candles are involved.
Boy I gotta consolidate my online presence. Not like the three of you don't read all three of my blogs, would make it easier if I wasn't all over the place, huh? Well that's just my "-ness." My "Tiffanyness". What's your -ness? (And what movie or show did I get that from, I can't remember!)
