Bowling

Friday night we tried a new family activity - bowling! Jake and I used to go bowling all the time while we were dating. I also have fond memories of bowling in the gym at my high school (no joke) and weekly bowling "mini-courses" in elementary school. The bumpers and ball ramp made it possible for Kennedy to join in, but she was having just as much fun dancing to the music and checking out the arcade games.

Grandpa Brent, Kari, Rainier, Ben and McKenzie were all great sports to help keep Kennedy entertained while it wasn't her turn. She mostly did a good job of staying in our lane, and only pressed the reset button a couple of times! Macy was passed around and happily ate the crust of her big sister's pizza. During our second game, she walked around with Kari to see what else was going on.

I think we'll have to do this again - especially since the girls' cousins weren't able to join us!

March Madness

Kennedy was invited to two birthday parties for friends from school. Rome and Coral were each turning two, and both had really fun celebrations! I promise you girls that someday you will each have parties with your friends, but for now we're sticking with family gatherings.

Rome's party was at the children's museum. Kennedy loved the science-themed projects - playing with balloons, sculpting with goo, a musical instrument parade around the museum, coloring flying paper fish, and of course eating pizza and cake!

March babies: Rome, Coral and Kennedy

Coral's party was at Imagination Place. I almost think Macy had a better time than Kennedy. It seems like Macy might have some musical talent - she was singing, clapping, shaking the maracas and she really loved beating the drums! Kennedy ran around like a crazy girl with her good friend MaeMae. She wasn't interested in the group singing or dancing, but she loved the parachute and big box full of musical instruments. Kennedy was so cute to hand out plates, forks, and napkins to everyone for the pizza and cake. Most of the time she is a very sweet, helpful girl!

Measuring progress

My girls are always doing amazing little things that make me so happy to be their mom. It seems like every day they are learning new things, reaching milestones, and exceeding my every expectation of being a parent. A few recent examples: Kennedy remembering her manners and not wanting to answer a question someone asked her at the funeral lunch because her mouth was full of food. Macy being able to stand totally unsupported on her own for at least five seconds. Kennedy choosing her clothes and getting dressed all by herself. Macy saying "dog" for the first time last night when Jeff's dog Sage came to Sunday dinner. And hearing how well Kennedy is doing in school when I went to her parent-teacher conference on Friday. Here's her "report card" for the year (I just love some of the things they measure):

MOTOR SKILLS:

1. Gross motor/analysis of movement

Running - Proficient (P)

Jumping - P

Marching - P

Riding Vehicles - P

Hopping - P

Balance Beam - P

Walking on a Line - Strong Progress/Interest (S)

Dancing to Music - S

Comments: Kennedy is very active, she loves her playtime.

2. Fine motor/refinement of the hand

Spooning - S

Dough - P

Painting/Chalkboard - P

Gluing - P

Pouring - Working on (W)

Stacking Rings - P

Locks & Latches - S

Containers & Lids - S

Paper Cutting - S

Tweezing - P

Comments: Kennedy enjoys cutting, pouring, and spends a good amount of time at the chalkboard.

3. Hand/Eye Coordination
Puzzles - P
Bead Stringing - P
Drawing with Crayons/Pencils - P
Comments: Kennedy enjoys all types of hand/eye coordination and almost always completes them with ease.

PRACTICAL LIFE:
1. Care of Self
Undressing/Dressing - shoes, socks, underpants, etc. - S
Hand washing - P
Hair brushing - Introduced (I)
Eating - P
Comments: Kennedy always gets herself ready for outside, sunglasses and all!

2. Care of Environment
Dusting - P
Sweeping - P
Plant Watering - P
Table Setting - I
Comments: Kennedy is aware of her environment, and if asked will happily help clean.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:

Initial adjustment to classroom - P

Relationships with children, adults, new people - classroom, playground, group lessons - P

Comments: Kennedy is very friendly and can easily enter the room alone.

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Flexibility - P

Cooperativeness - P

Independence/Initiative - P

Frustration/Tolerance - P

Acceptance of Routines & Limits - P

Comments: Kennedy is very good to use her words and talk out disagreements.

LANGUAGE:

1. Vocabulary development

Books - P

Naming Objects and Pictures - P

Music - singing and listening - P

2. Ability to express needs, verbally and non-verbally
Verbal Expression - P
Non-verbal Expression - P
Introduction to sound trays - M, A and T - P
Comments: Kennedy is very vocal and enjoys her time with books.

TOILET TRAINING:

Independence in undressing/dressing skills - S

Uses toilet with reminder - P

Shows willingness/interest in using toilet - P

Uses toilet as needed - P

Wears underwear - P

Comments: Kennedy listens to he body well and just needs some reminders from time to time.

MATHEMATICS:

Number trays 1-10 - P

Spindle Boxes 0-4 - P

Associates #1-10 with quantity - P

Comments: Kennedy loves working on number jobs. She understands the concept of quantity.

Overall comments: Kennedy is a very happy, active little girl. She shows compassion for her classmates, teachers, and environment. It has been a joy working with her! (Teachers Miss Kate and Miss Diana)

Her teachers really seem to love having her in the class. She is very helpful to all of her friends at school, but she enjoys herself, too. I love these two stories that they told me about her:

Kennedy and some other kids were in the kitchen helping Miss Kate bake some play dough figures. One boy started running back to the class, and Kennedy said, "Alex, we don't run in the halls. We need to help our new friend Nikhil learn the rules." Apparently she just about repeated word for word what the teachers had been saying earlier. Moments later when they were all back in the classroom, Kennedy was standing on the table... and needed to be reminded of the rules herself!

The kids had all finished their snacks and were getting ready for circle time. Miss Kate was eating a few of the left over veggie chips, when Kennedy walked up to her and asked if she could please have a few more. Miss Kate told her, "No, snack time is over." And then she went over to help another child with something. She looked back, and there was Kennedy with her hand in the bag of chips! She said in a very sincere and matter of fact way, "Miss Kate, I just need to have one."

Kennedy really is quite the communicator. She has figured out how to use tone of voice and facial expressions to get what she wants - or at least try. She's able to convey all kids of emotion with her glances, grimaces, scowls, and smiles. I wish that I could capture them all because I find it so interesting, and often hilarious.

Mimi

Marian Davis Fletcher Harrison

December 8, 1923 - March 12, 2010

My grandma, Mimi, as we always called her, died March 12th. This is the first grandparent I've lost (which I think is amazing considering that I'm nearly 33.) Her bladder cancer had spread, and just a few days after we saw her for Kennedy's birthday, she took a turn for the worse. Hard as it was, I'm so glad that I got to spend some time with her at the end. I also volunteered to speak at her funeral on March 20th. At first the thought of it was terrifying, but then I started to get the feeling that it was something I needed to do - not only to honor Mimi, but to show my love and support for my mom and my aunt, to set an example of strength and courage for my daughters, and to provide some closure for myself. Here are my remarks and a letter that I wrote to Mimi two days before she passed away:

After we heard that Mimi had passed away, my husband sat down with our three-year-old daughter to explain it to her. Since then she has been telling everyone, "Mimi's not here. She died." Or, "Mimi died and she's in heaven now. Her body's not hurting anymore." It's been helpful for me to see things from her perspective, as it is a reminder that this is a part of life - and what a full life my grandma was able to lead.

While we were having dinner last Saturday at my grandpa's house, we were telling stories and talking of ways we can remember Mimi. Kennedy said, "Grammie! Grammie! I know something about Mimi. She was brave." We joked how it was brave of her to ride an elephant and take the subway in New York, but I think her greatest act of bravery was in the way that she battled her cancer. She never let it get in the way of the things she wanted to do. Sometimes it was even hard to remember that she had the disease at all.

Before I went to visit her for the last time, I sat down to think of all the things I wanted to say. There was so much, so I decided to put it in a letter, and I'm grateful that she was able to hear these things before she passed away. I've been asked to share the letter with you today.

Dear Mimi,

I write to you with so many things to say, knowing that I won't be able to express it all in person. Here I am saying thank you, I love you, and goodbye. I can't believe this time is here - you are my grandmother who never wanted to be called "grandma." It made you feel too old. It worked! You didn't seem the same age as other grandparents I knew. Your red hair, red nails, red car, flashy jewels and bold clothes gave you a youthfulness that was hard to match. And now imagine that you are a great-grandma. I'm so glad Kennedy and Macy have had a chance to know you. But they will only hear stories of your exotic, far-away travels. I so admire your adventurous spirit and jet-setting ways. I remember your disappointment about not being able to set foot on Antarctica, your last continent. Well, now you are off on one last adventure. It's so sad to say goodbye, so instead I wish you Bon Voyage!

I am incredibly lucky to be part of a family with such a strong and generous matriarch. Thank you for the amazing opportunities and wonderful memories! I love the time we all spent together in Coronado - it almost felt like a second home. I always looked forward to the 4th of July with trips to the beach, seeing the parade, and most of all the Navy show and fireworks display from your patio. Going to Peru and Ecuador was a trip of a lifetime. Yet, it was followed by more incredible trips - St. John, Cabo, La Jolla, Mississippi River, Sun Valley. I am truly appreciative that we got to do and go and see so much, but even more because we did it together as a family! And I was so excited when I got to be included on Mother's Day trips to New York. I loved the introduction to fine food, excellent theater, and my first ride in a limo! Although I haven't developed a taste for a good glass of wine, shopping, or watching tennis of TV, I have learned many things from you.

I hope to live my life, like you have, surrounded by loved ones. I see the special relationship you have with my mom and Kathy, and it makes me thankful that I have daughters! I want to be giving, sharing time and treasure with my family, building on a family tradition to last for many generations to come. And I wish to be loved, like I know you are, because I love you, and I see so many others who feel the same way.

Mimi, you will be missed! But I know we will remember the good times and raise a glass to you! Love your granddaughter, Katie

The service was just perfect - I think she would have loved the stories that were shared as a tribute to her exciting life. My favorite was one told by my aunt about several baby alligators my grandma tried to bring home from her travels to be family pets - unfortunately none of them ever survived the plane ride. It was sad, funny, tender, but most of all it was a celebration of a woman we loved and will miss very much.

The girls were amazing during the viewings, funeral and luncheon at the Country Club. I am totally surprised by the understanding of death that Kennedy seems to now have. She was very interested in seeing Mimi in the casket, and repeatedly asked to be lifted up. When we talk about Mimi, Kennedy always reminds us that we will "remember her and keep her in our hearts." She also frequently initiates a toast with, "Cheers to Mimi!"

Macy was her usual good natured and charming self. I took her with me up to the podium to serve as a security object and as someone to share the spotlight with. She also seemed especially interested in looking at the beautiful floral arrangements and photos around the room. It was really nice for Mimi's friends and my mom's extended family to see them both. It was also great to have Uncle Andy in town! We missed Aunt Meg, but know she was hard at work on her thesis.

Favorite things

Kennedy likes to play a game called, "Mom, I will tell you all my favorites." Most of these she comes up with on her own, but Jake and I mix in a few of the questions. So, here are her favorites; at least her favorites on this particular day when I happened to write them down:

Day of the Week - Monday; Color - Purple; Body Part - Knees;
Fruit - Grapes; Vegetable - Broccoli; Movie - Up;
Vacation - Disneyland; Ride at Disneyland - Dumbo;
Dinner - Pizza; Drink - Apple Juice; Toy - Elmo;
Princess - Jasmine; Dessert - Ice Cream; Nut - Pistachio;
Animal - Giraffe; TV Show - Sesame Street;
Farm Animal - Sheep; Season - Spring; Holiday - Halloween;
Friend - Lucy; Number - Two; Letter - A (which is for alphabet);
Art Project - Finger Painting; Flower - Sunflower;
Breakfast - Pancakes;
Thing to do at Grandma Sue's - Play with the Little People;
Thing to do at Pamp's - Eat Lunch;
Thing to do at School - Do Jobs (and the farm animal job is my favorite);

And she added that her favorite mama is me and her favorite baby is Macy. I just love this girl! She is definitely my favorite three-year-old!

Macy's favorites are a little less obvious, but here are my best guesses:

She loves to be held, and she will give you sweet pats on the back while you are carrying her. She's even starting to give love pats and hugs to dolls and stuffed animals. Kennedy, on the other hand, only wanted to snuggle when she was sick.

She loves to pull hair (Kennedy and I wish that she didn't like this so much.)

She loves to talk. I think her favorite word is "Cat" - whenever she sees one or hears one, she points and shouts "Taaat!" with a big smile on her face. She also loves to wave and say "hi" and "bye." She's also very good at "mama" and I think she says "duck," "bath" and "ball."

She loves music, especially playing her toy piano. She even claps for herself and says "Yea!"

She loves taking a bath and is really good at splashing (but she does NOT like to have her hair rinsed.)

She loves to be outside, especially sitting on the grass, watching the sights and listening to the sounds. She's very observant and interested in every little detail. Unfortunately she also likes to eat leaves and sticks.

She loves to be tickled and get kisses on her feet, neck and tummy. And I love this because it makes her laugh, which is one of my favorite sounds in the whole world!

Some days I think her favorite toy is the one Kennedy happens to be playing with, but she really likes blocks, balls and pulling everything off the shelves or out of baskets.

Oh, and she loves her mom - I admit that I'm very happy to be her favorite person (for now, anyway.)

Happy Birthday, Ken Ken and Ken

Kennedy and Pamp celebrated their shared birthday on Saturday. Kennedy requested a fancy breakfast of Swedish pancakes, bacon and cantaloupe at home. We got out some nice dishes and serving pieces to set the table, and then we ate our delicious feast. Macy seems to be a big fan of Swedish pancakes too!

After running a few errands, including a stop at the gun store where Kennedy went in with Jake to buy a gift for Uncle Ben ("it's really loud in there, mom!" No kidding, I could hear it from the parking lot, and it was making me nervous), we met up with Pamp and Grammie at the zoo.

It was a beautiful, sunny day. The snow from the storm earlier in the week was melting - it was just like the day she was born three years ago! It was amazing to see how much the baby animals have grown since our last visit. The elephant, giraffe, and tigers don't look so much like babies anymore; just like Kennedy, she is a full-fledged big-girl now! Grammie and Pamp gave her these endangered animal nesting dolls. A perfect gift, as it combines two things she really loves.

The trip to the zoo set the afternoon up perfectly for both girls to take a nap (a rare occurrence for Kennedy these days), and I had time to make Kennedy's birthday cake. She requested carrot cake, saying it's her favorite, but I know she'll only eat two or three bites and then be done. The girl is not a big dessert fan...savory snacks, on the other hand, now that's a different story. Nuts, chips, popcorn and crackers she inhales. Grandpa Brent gave Kennedy some peanuts as a birthday gift, and she wanted to eat them first thing the next morning. "Mom, I want a snack of peanuts." "Mom, can I please have a few more peanuts?" "Mom, how about just a couple more." ...this continued until the bag was empty.

Saturday evening we went out to Beth and Ira's for a family party and hamburger and hot dog dinner. Kennedy loved the chance to see her cousins, and suggested right away that they go downstairs to play with Eliza's kitchen. We also played the game "Guess Who?" with the kids, and Macy loved amusing herself with the Little People farm. Kennedy got to share the celebration with Grandma Sue, who was in Las Vegas for her birthday a few weeks ago.

Sunday we went to Mimi's for more family celebrating. Ken and Ken Ken (as Pamp likes to call her) got birthday lasagna, bread, salad, special fruit kabobs, and more carrot cake! Jeff and Tim were on the way home from a scout camp out in Canyonlands, so we missed seeing them. Mimi's health has been declining since the beginning of the year, but she was in good spirits and sat with us until dinner, when she and Kathy went to the den to watch some of the Academy Awards.

Kennedy's presents were all amazing! She's in princess heaven with four new pairs of princess click-clacks (high heels), a princess and the frog nightgown, princess coloring books, and Mulan and Jasmine dolls! She has been a busy artist with her new magna doodle pad and color wonder pens and finger paints. When we made pizza for dinner, she wanted to use her new oven mitts to help me, but settled for wearing her monogrammed apron to protect her clothes. We are eagerly awaiting warmer weather to get out and use her new garden tools, plant some seeds, and play with her new ladybug ball. She's keeping herself entertained by reading her many new books, and sometimes even reading them to her new toy dog! Her new "K" necklace has a wonderful home in a puzzle box made by Uncle Ira. She'll have many opportunities (both legitimate and imagined) to wear her new fancy dresses - especially the one in her favorite color, purple! And she has some money in the bank for a rainy day. Thanks everyone for helping us make this weekend a special celebration!

Look what we made

Kennedy's birthday is on Saturday, so we signed her up to be leader of the day at school tomorrow. She loves this special honor - getting to bring snacks, a special book for circle time, and other important helper jobs throughout the day. We made these fun ladybug mini cupcakes to share with her friends in class.