Sunday's storm brought a little flooding

First Piano Lesson

After giving Mark that first brief lesson, he went back to the piano almost every single day asking if he could practice. Lily also sat at the piano almost everyday and would teach herself (with mine or Jim's help) a song every day until she mastered it. I decided I wanted to try piano lessons for Mark. I thought he could get better instruction from someone who actually knew a little about the piano and notes and not a mom who sat on the sidelines picking it up from Lily's old class. Lily asked me if she could join in because she really wanted to give it a try and promised she would practice.

The first practice was last night and they both did very well. I'm always impressed by Lily's knowledge and memory. I know she's smart and has an elephant's memory, but she never ceases to amaze me. Lily did very well. The teacher was very impressed with her knowledge especially since it had been years since her last real lesson. It's not so much that Lily has an ear for music, but the music symbols, notes, beats, etc is where she is strong. Mark also did very well. Here are a few pictures from last night's lesson.

Wellness

The kids are finally on the mend and feeling well! It feels great to have an *almost* healthy home. I haven't updated in a week. Sorry about that!

Happy New Year Friends & Family!

What a year it has been! I know 2013 is going to be an even better year and I enjoy sharing it with you. It's the 9th and not a whole lot has gone on. Camila had a birthday. Happy Birthday, Camila! We celebrated with dinner and because of Elizabeth's cold we waited to do the skating party until last night (videos below). Lily's birthday is next week and she is going to have a low key get together with just a few friends. I can't even express how excited about that I am about that!

This post will be short, must get back to work, but here are a few videos (sorry about how dark they are) from last night's skating party.