We've been busy the past two weeks....

My computer gradually died after being smashed by Southwest Airlines and topped off by Enterprise Rent a Car, so I finally got a nice new MacBook. The new MacBook is not compatible with the old modem for wireless internet service, so I have a spider web of wires all over my office right now until I can get a new modem.

Last Saturday night, we went to the Tempe Center of the Arts free performance by Ballet Arizona called "Ballet Under the Stars". About 1000 people showed up and it was held on the lawn of the Center--- which they had just watered, so it was a muddy mess. Plus, we had to park two miles away and take a shuttle- which was a total of 4 little golf carts for around 1000 people. The ballet was very nice.... part of which was "A MidSummer Night's Dream" and other classical themes. Jazzy loves ballet, so it was nice to see it. We weren't allowed to take photos of the dancers or the stage. One of the most notable performances of the evening was when the Mayor of Tempe walked... or kind of skipped onto the stage, and fell and almost rolled right off the stage:) Most people were respectful and didn't laugh:)

We have also been continuing with Hip Hop class, piano, and Disney Ballet. The little girls in Disney Ballet wear their Disney princess dresses and learn ballet steps. We also found someone in Jazzy's swim class who wants to continue with semi-private lessons with us.... since the lessons are not given by the City of Tempe from October to April. We will only be going to swimming once a week, but there will only be two little girls in the class instead of five.

Getting ready to skate
Just got off the ice-- nose and hands are red
A cookie at craft class
At the ballet
Gymnastics class

Chandler Polar Ice....

Today was the first day of lessons at Chandler Polar Ice. The whole goal was to learn the proper way to get back up when you fall.... which happened quite often. There was only one other little boy in the class, and both he and Jazzy were on their rear ends more than their feet. Jasmine *did* learn to "march" a little, which was the next step. The skating rink advertises that they have shoes to fit toddlers, but the smallest sized skates still had over an inch at the end of the toes, which didn't help Jazzy's coordination too much. It is a humongous place with two big ice skating rinks, figure skating and hockey for age 2- adult, karate classes, a restaurant and other shops.

Later we went to Cyclo Vietnamese restaurant where we had seafood Pho and spring rolls. We saw Laurie, Sandy, Ivy, and Olivia Wyatt, along with Laurie's mother. They had just returned recently from a trip back to Vietnam to visit their orphanages and tour the country.

After lunch we went to Lee Lee's Asian market, an extremely large grocery store with various aisles for each country... i.e. Korea, Vietnam, China, Caribbean, etc. Jasmine bought some yummy Vietnamese coconut cookies with her own money. She earns "commissions" each time she does a chore in the house, picks up her toys, or uses the potty properly. I usually don't like most of the things at the Asian store i.e. whole ducks or chickens with their eyeballs popping out, frogs eggs, etc, but those coconut toffee cookies are scrumptious.

Getting ready to go on the ice.
On the ice for the first time
Taking little strides

First Day of Preschool.....

Today was Jazzy's first day at Dayspring Pre-School right down the street from us in Tempe. The "theme of the month" was friendship. They each made "friendship bracelets" and cards and put them in each other's bags. They also made a model and a book about themselves. In Jasmine's book, she drew a picture of herself, said that her favorite color was brown!!, and her favorite food was cupcakes:)

Last Storybook Kitchen Class....

Today was our last Storybook Kitchen class until January. The letter of the day was "L", so we made lemonade and leek/potato soup. The soup was SO good that Jasmine had two bowls and I actually had one..... having to not think about the fact that even though the little 2-4 yr old girls washed their hands, they stick their hands in their mouths, etc when making the food!:) Every week, we get one page of a book with the recipes of the day, as well as a reading list of the books we read in class. The books are all about food and letters. The only "cooking" class we have left this year is a "Fall Cupcake Decorating" Class on November 13th!. I think I will probably have a cupcake that day for sure, especially if Jazzy makes it for me:)

Cutting the leeks
Cutting the potatoes
Helping the home ec teacher (Mrs. Cynthia Gereoux) make lemonade
Measuring out the butter

Chandler Parks and Recreation Dance Recital.....

Tonight was the dance recital for the Chandler Parks and Recreation summer dance classes. It was quick, informal, and we didn't have costumes. The whole point was just to have a little show for the parents. Jazzy's class danced to Disco Duck.

All of my pictures turned out dark:(

Last ABC123 class

Today was our last ABC123 class. It was a short one month class that focused on ABC's and counting. Today was the last day, so they talked about dental care and teeth in general. Each child received a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss. They then put on a show for the parents... singing "If You're Happy and You Know It" and "Twinkle Twinkle".

The photo is of the class singing for the parents.

Dance lessons

Jasmine at dance lessons tonight. First she told me she got a "time out" for "running around", then she said she didn't!:))