International Dinner

Last week was one of the highlights of the Apostles Day School school year: the International Dinner. It's a celebration of the diversity of the school family and a way for the children to honor their heritage and put on a presentation for their families. The teachers and kids practiced for weeks getting their songs and dances ready. I was especially looking forward to this year's dinner, first because it was the first year to watch both kids, and second, because I had to miss last year's for a family funeral. The night did not disappoint.

The classes performed one at a time, youngest to oldest. Rebecca's toddler class was first. The kids sang "London Bridge is Falling Down" then danced to "Deep In the Heart of Texas." Rebecca participated, albeit looking back often to Ms. Vicki for guidance. Afterward she spotted us in the crowd and ran to me immediately, "Ma!"

Next was Daniel's class. They sang a few songs, including "This Is My Commandment," and danced to some Indian music. The unplanned comedy of the class's performance was when each kid one by one said which continent they were from (having recently learned them all). Daniel gave a creative answer ;)

After the class performances were over we enjoyed dinner with some friends. It was a fun night!

Kiddie Acres

A few weeks ago we traveled to Austin. When we went last year the kids loved their visit to Kiddie Acres amusement park so they were thrilled when we told them we were going back.

I have fond memories of my own Kiddie Acres visits as a child so I was excited to take my own children there. The rides are all just like they were in the '80s; it's like the land that time and liability insurance forgot. It's a very small park, only about 6-8 rides, and it's never been so crowded we've had to wait in line on any visit. It would be boring for an older child but is perfect for the preschool set. All the rides are targeted to their age, everything's close by, and you can do the park pretty thoroughly in an hour and a half. In contrast to the 5-point safety harnesses we see everywhere now, these rides just have metal chains to belt the rider in loosely.

The kids crammed plenty of action into our visit and rode each ride at least once, and favorites (boats, planes, cars, 2-3 times).

Starting off our day on the boats:

Rebecca did enjoy the cars, though her expression doesn't reflect it here!

Riding the carousel with Baba:

As you can see Rebecca's favorite color these days is purple. What's sweet is that on this ride, and several others, she went for the purple car/boat/plane and Daniel left the one he was in in his preferred color to join her. It was more important to him to be with her...I know, awww!

He did talk her into joining him in the black car this time:

Riding the ponies (which, unlike the other rides, are presumably not the same ones I rode as a child):

On the train with Baba:

It was a fun afternoon and I can definitely see many repeat visits in our future.

When I showed the kids these pictures of another little blonde-haired girl's visit, they swore it was Rebecca. No way it could be Mommy!

With a much younger Baba/Dad (and before I made the unfortunate acquaintance with vertigo):

The kids resemble me just a bit, right? ;)

Kiddie Acres: making little Daniel children happy since the early '80s!