Jazzy's first mani-pedi

A couple of months ago, I bought one of those "Groupons" to get a mani-pedi... so, I figured I would finally use it. "V" who is from Cambodia, did my nails and put a "dragonfly" on my toes... although it looks more like a arrow "--->" to me. Anyway, she said they also did little mani-pedis on kids... so I picked Jazzy up from Kindercare and told her I had a big surprise for her. We walked into the salon, and she still didn't know what was happening. When I told her they were going to do her nails as a gift prior to Vietnamese Culture Camp... she started jumping up and down--- very happy:).
Here she is getting her nails painted and little Jasmine flowers (we think) on her fingers and toes.

Aaron's Birthday Party....

This morning was Aaron Abrahamson's 5th birthday party at the Scottsdale Railroad Park. I've lived here for almost 30 years and have never been to this park. It's kind of like the Railroad Park in Irvine, CA that we visited close to my dentist's office in Los Angeles. I didn't realize that it is actually a museum for old retired trains- the Pullman boxcars, old steam engines, etc. They actually have an entire building just for a model train exhibit. All of the buildings.... even in the play area, resemble the "Old West" buildings. There is a miniature bank, barber shop, post office, and of course the miniature train which goes around the entire park- an entire Scottsdale block. There are nice air conditioned box cars for parties- complete with their own kitchens- which was really nice because it was already 100 degrees at 9AM when we got there!

Jasmine ready to go with Aaron's present- a little kindergarten computer to help learn words, sentences, letters, numbers, etc.

Let's get this party started!. Jazzy with Athena, Aaron, and Aarick- waiting for others to arrive. I felt like I was at their family's reunion because all of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were there- many with New York accents and New York tee shirts and baseball caps on:)

Riding the carousel with Aaron and Oliva (both from pre-school) in front.

Who wants ice cream and cake?

I have alot to live up to for Jazzy's party after this:)

Last day of Gymnastics Camp...

Today was the last day of Pirates and Princesses Gymnastics Camp. Jazzy had a great time. Yesterday she made me a beaded keychain, and today she made a princess purse. They had a little going away party for Jazzy's instructor, Miss Meghan- who is moving to Hawaii for college. We'll see who our new teacher is in August.

Dance Recital

Last dance class until September.

Jazzy brought cupcakes for her friends.

Hmmm.... no one is really dancing!

Jasmine and Katherine . (Jazzy's friend who is coming to her birthday party next month)

Jasmine, Ms Jana, and the assistant for the class-Rachel.

First Day of Gymnastics Camp...

This week, Jasmine is at the Gold Medal Gymnastics Camp. It's Pirates and Princesses week. I am not sure what they do all day... work on skills, make a craft, have snacks. That's all I heard about anyway:) The craft was a little princess crown.

Jazzy and friends waiting for camp to start. Jasmine is a little black dot towards the middle left.

Jazzy's stuff.... Don't know why I took a picture of that!

After camp popsicle.

"Eye patching" at home after camp.

Princess Luncheon

After piano, we went to a Princess Luncheon with Snow White. They had sandwiches and cupcakes, made little wands and picture frames, and played with Snow White.


Jasmine with Snow White, otherwise known as Priscilla Quintana who puts on many of the little girly events at the Chandler Parks and Rec.

Jasmine and a couple of other princesses. I was so pre-occupied with getting all of the files/directions, etc for the piano class earlier in the morning, that I forgot to bring Jasmine's princess dress. She didn't seem to mind since she really likes the dress she had on today.

Master Teacher Piano Lessons....

This weekend, Master Suzuki Teacher Bruce Boiney was here in Phoenix giving lessons to students He owns Suzuki Piano of Louisville. He spent about 15 minutes one on one with each child, then gave a little 3-4 minute synopsis of the lesson. I didn't know it, but the reason he is in Phoenix is/was to teach the teachers, not necessarily the kids. The teachers were all frantically writing notes about his "technique". I guess that's why he is called the Master Teacher and travels all over the country and world teaching Suzuki piano.

Bowing before and after the lesson.
Ms. Karen was there learning more "teacher technique".
Working Jasmine's finger technique.