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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Monica's Birthday - Part 2


A couple of months ago I spotted a deal on a Circus Aerials Class at Trapeze Austin. We decided to go and celebrate Monica's upcoming 30th birthday. I am so glad we had an excuse to go do this, it was lots of fun! 2 days later I am getting more and more sore and do have some bruises, but it was worth it. We did a lot of tricks on the silks, including doing a 360 flip (which I chickened out and didn't do). Then we moved on to the hoop and learned some pretty poses. We were all exhausted by the time it was over and headed to Hula Hut for a late lunch, including way too many chips and Texas Martinis.










Thanks to Monica, Emily, Jennifer, Christina and Trapeze Austin!




Thursday, May 20, 2010

The Dance Recital

Sunday was a really big day for Gwen. After running her first kids K race, she had her first dance recital in the afternoon. John was really excited to see his little girl dance on stage, I was preparing myself for her to cry and not actually do it (see Mother's Day Tea).

Before nap, she informed me that she would not be attending the recital, she did not want to go. I was prepared for this. I told her that she would get an award for going on stage (true) and we had to go to the recital to at least get the award. I also suggested we make a card for her teacher, which she LOVES to do. So we made the card, but she still said she was NOT going to dance on stage. I told her we should at least go and give the card to her teacher. That seemed to be ok.

The babysitter showed up to watch the little kids and we got Gwen ready to go. All evidence points to this recital not happening. John and I agreed that we were willing to make some promises if she danced, but not take it too far.

So, we take it in steps:
1. get dressed and do hair
2. get in the car
3. get out of the car (took some begging)
4. go inside (she was unsure about this)
5. give card to her teacher (she was excited to do this, but made a break for the exit)
6. go and SEE the stage
7. sit down and look at the stage, check out the other girls in her class
8. go stand on the stage for a picture (she was pretty sure this was a bad idea)
9. promise of ice cream IF she DANCED on stage (this was a well played bargaining chip)
10. her teacher came and asked her to go up and dance

At this point, she just went up with her class and had no problem at all. The audience was only parents and family of the other 6 girls, so it was not too many people. The teacher did a great job with the girls and it was very cute.

You can see the video here. It is in 2 parts, but the whole thing isn't very long and will be a classic for years to come.

As you can see in the video, Gwen is a little distracted by her tutu. Lesson learned - I should have pinned it on her. She did get a trophy and her Dad gave her flowers. Then we went out for ice cream. We are super proud of her for doing this, we know it was a challenge for her to do!

The Mills Race

The family participated in the Pflugerville Pfun Run again this year. John pushed Jack and Maddy and I pushed Gwen. It was just as challenging as last year, mostly because Gwen and I chat during the run. This year I took 3rd in my age group (go me!). After the 5k, Gwen participated in the Kids K. Last year she was excited to do it, but as soon as the race started she burst into tears and it did not end well. This year she actually ran! She only walked a little bit and finished strong. We are SO PROUD OF GWEN! It was a big day for her.


Monday, May 10, 2010

Father Daughter Camping


Saturday evening John and Gwen set up the tent, borrowed a camp stove (thanks Eric) and went camping in the backyard. Gwen was REALLY excited. I come out to make smores, then headed inside for bed. Gwen and John stayed up late reading books and telling stories. John and I were both surprised that she slept the whole night and never wanted to come inside. So cute!
Note: in the last pictures she is pretending to sleep. A rare posed photograph.

Maybe they like Elmo a little TOO much


A moment with the zombies (note I am passed out on the floor enjoying the peace and quiet)

Mother's Day Weekend

Silly boy, laughing himself silly


Sad Gwen, does not want to stay at school after Mother's Day Tea


She may not look it, but this one is about to be defiant

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Bluebonnets - #2




We made a second attempt at Bluebonnet pictures with John. Gwen participated more this time, Jack was not into it and sweet Madeline showed us her belly. Classic Mills.

Bluebonnets - #1




While John was in Taiwan, I made an attempt at bluebonnet pictures with the kids. It went.. ok. No one was injured. Madeline enjoyed it, but was serious as always. Jack stood frozen in the same spot for 5 minutes, so all his pictures look exactly the same. Gwen ran around the field, so there are only a few pictures of her standing still. I considered it a big success!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Monica's 30th





Great time had by all with trike races, water balloon toss, pinatas, Torchy's Tacos, beer and cake. Happy Birthday Monica!

Sweet Berry Farms May 2010





We had a great visit to Sweet Berry Farms last weekend. The kids all enjoyed picking berries, seeing the animals, eating a picnic lunch, and the strawberry icecream. We did tell Maddy not to eat the berries right off the plants, many times, but she just looked at us like we were morons and ate them anyway.