Molly Really Sparkles

Well, we didn't have to wait until 2010 to see the sparkly leotard. Molly picked one out after class today. Apparently, when she caught sight of this sparkly purple one she could barely contain herself. She's very very happy with her leotard.

Molly Sparkles

Molly's gymnastics place had a "Spring Show" today. Every student got to be in the show. It was really nicely done: they had a special time for each "level" (Molly's in the pre-school program), and they somehow managed to keep it really fun. Molly was thrilled at this chance to be in a "show". She's been asking about it since they announced the show a few weeks ago. And, she took the opportunity to wear a leotard for the first time (a preschool mom handed down this snazzy piece a few weeks ago, which Molly adores, but hasn't wanted to wear until today).

Not only did Molly totally love being in the show (she asked later when the next show would be), but she also won not one, but TWO things in the raffle! She got an "I Spy" game (Nona just introduced us to the world of "I Spy" so this is timely) and (this is the best part) a leotard! She's thrilled to go pick out the sparkliest of the sparkly leotards that the gym sells. But, it might be a while before we get it. She had me read the gift certificate and when she heard that we had one year to use it she started making plans to get her leotard in 2010. There's no denying she's our daughter: she wants to save (and savor) this prize.

(in the 2nd to last photo, Molly's jumping off the yellow block on the right)

Clara & Sparkles

Clara *adores* any opportunity to hold an animal. Lucky for her, the neighbor's cat, Sparkles, is alright with being held. In fact, she's one of the most complacent cats I've ever met. Here she is expressing her joy over "Meow", showing off her stylish shirt & boots, and later, with Sparkles & Roxanne. (no cats were harmed in the making of these photos!).

Happy Mother's Day

Chicks 'N' Chicks

They still have no names (although "Chickie" and "Chirpie" were the favorites of the day), but they're still pretty cute. We're trying to walk that fine line between handling them too much (and scaring them) and handling them too little (and not acclimating them to us).

ESOL for a Cure!

Here we are, showing our pride: wearing our Team ESOL For A Cure bracelets; Clara, admiring her bracelet; Clara & Sofi showing off their bracelets; We support! stickers!; Molly sticking the support stickers; Molly modeling the ESOL For A Cure bobby pins; Molly showing off her bracelet; Molly.

Go Nona Go!

This weekend we'll be cheering Nona on (from a distance) as she does Avon's Walk for Breast Cancer. She's walking in honor of her friends and co-workers who have battled (or are still battling) cancer.

Needless to say, I'm incredibly proud of her. This walk not only honors her friends' struggles, but it honors the strength within her that we all know and love.

Go Nona Go!