The Chair

Hannah (L) and Munchie (R)

As mentioned in a previous post showing the boys in the chair...everyone loves the rocker! And for some reason, it often attracts two bodies at once.

A Wedding Celebration

We enjoyed the wedding of our neighbor's daughter Blakely and Mike. It was a nice evening with probably the nicest wedding toasts I'd ever heard. We sat with neighbors and good friends Debbie and Jeff, who as builders, observe the most interesting things in whatever structure they find themselves!

Waxing philosophical...

From the Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman, "The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less." (p. 162)

Of Cellos and Dragonfruit....

Spencer got his cello today! They aren't actually using the bow yet, but he did try it out. He got a cool back-pack style carrying case to get it to and fro.

While Spencer had his lesson, I helped Grant practice his piano. All the public piano practice rooms were busy (at 5 pm...don't these people have something better to do?!). So we trolled around Squires and found an upright piano in the "green room" off of the main Commonwealth Ballroom stage. So we got comfortable there and got to work!



I couldn't resist picking up this dragonfruit from the store today. The color and shape are very distinctive and more flower-like than fruit-like. The inside is white with what looks like poppyseeds. The flavor is very mild - Robert thought it would go well with vanilla ice cream or yogurt.

Spencer in the News!

Spencer appeared in a local newscast about an anti-bullying program at his elementary school. Check it out HERE!

Too cute...he appears at about one minute into it.

Cello

Spencer and I attended his "meet the instruments night" for the VT Strings Project. He had planned to play violin but after hearing each instrument, he settled on the cello. (I drew the line at the bass...no way we were hauling that thing around). I think it will suit him perfectly - you have to sit to play it!! We watched a video from last year's spring concert after just 6 months of instruction. When the director announced that by 5th or 6th grade, these kids could be playing with a full orchestra, Spencer just gasped. He described his commitment to learning and to practice so this will be a good experience. His friend Walter will also play cello and his friend Chris will learn violin. Another classmate, Cameron, was there too but I don't know what he settled on.

Fun book!

I just finished reading this and it was such a light and funny read of a British couple who move to Provence (France) and restore an old farmhouse. This passage about the hunting culture hits a little close to home:

"After a while, we came to realize that the gun mania was only part of a national fascination with outfits and accoutrements, a passion for looking like an expert. When a Frenchman takes up cycling or tennis or skiing, the last thing he wants is for the wold to mistake him for the novice that he is, and so he accessorizes himself up to professional standard. It's instant. A few thousand francs and there you are, indistinguishable from any other seasoned ace competing in the Tour de France or Wimbledon or the Winter Olympics." (p. 155)

The favorite chair

Who knew when we bought this rocking chair that it would become the family favorite - loved by humans and cats alike. The boys spend a lot of time sitting in it together. Whatever will we do when they no longer fit?! One or the other still tries to squish in it with me, which requires creativity and is met with varying levels of success.

Happy Labor Day all!