The king of all wild things

Joey was truly well-cast. I went to his play (Wonderful Witches of Oz) this morning at Butler Middle School, and he did a great job. He has one more performance on Saturday, this time for family and friends.

Hidden talent

We have some pretty dramatic kids. And Robbie is NOT one of them. He's always been mellow and easy-going. But it turns out that doesn't mean he can't ham it up. It was fun to see the fifth-grade's "Fractured Fairytales." Robbie had several parts, including this role as a protester trying to save the beanstalk:

He couldn't have had a better-scripted part since I was, in fact, standing in the back filming him.

King of the Wild Things

As I've been typing up the kids' schedule and instructions for our babysitters, I must say I feel validated and needed. Bonus points for dragging around my SLR to their activities all week so I could document the things we do. I was kind to Robbie's piano teacher and didn't snap a photo of her at 7:30 this morning, which left only preschool and Up With Kids on our regular Thursday schedule. Joey's been in this drama class since September, which will culminate with a play at the end of May. Although this play is written specifically so each child has several speaking lines, there are a few "lead" characters, and Joey's had his heart set on playing "Max," which is one of those. He auditioned last week, and found out today that he got the part. He even has a solo, singing "Wild Thing." He is definitely a performer. It'll be good to see some of his drama channeled instead of directed at us! :) Great job Joey!

The writing is on the wall

This is Ainsley's portfolio. She's never met a writing utensil she didn't love. Unfortunately, her favorite canvases are our walls, doors and furniture. These are a few that we haven't yet cleaned off, or that won't come off (no, not even with a Mr. Clean sponge). It's too bad I didn't have my camera when she grabbed the red sharpie at the Stringham's summer solstice party and decorated their chairs and tables (luckily those did come off with Mr. Clean!). 

Seriously though, if I had a nickel for every time I've said "WE ONLY DRAW ON PAPER!!" I think we could finance our kitchen remodel. Maybe I've got the wrong strategy going—if she learns her letters, she can work on her tag and make some really fly graffiti art.