Wildcats and Pandas

We are in Chicago for Thanksgiving and took some time yesterday to introduce Mia to David's alma mater. Mia seemed less interested in where the NU library and biology buildings were than how to get a stick into Lake Michigan, but a happy, leisurely, and brisk stroll was accomplished nonetheless.

A Day in the Life ...

A typical Monday for Mia. Morning wakeup and cuddles with her favorite canine friend, followed by playgroup. Later in the afternoon, a "purple and pink" birthday party for a classmate buddy (with abundant sunshine requiring some shades). Pre-bedtime stories, she settled in for some Chargers MNF with Dada. With that full docket complete and in the books, she can currently be found catching some much needed Zs.

Can You Spare a Strike?

With rain (that never materialized) in the forecast, we headed to the bowling alley. Competitive fires still nonexistent, she was equally thrilled if throwing a spare or a zero. Mom and Dad duked it out instead.

Belting It Out

Another nap time ending in song. I am eavesdropping for the first minute before Mia catches on to me, which apparently does not deter her from singing her latest creation. No idea what she is saying, by the way, except that she REALLY means it.

On Strike

Sometimes you really don't want to work:



Maybe because you'd rather dance:

Note to Self

In the future, when David's business trips offer the opportunity for Mia and I to tag along and witness views like this, do not dismiss such a thought because traveling the week before Thanksgiving seems too hectic.

Down the Hatch

This is the giant turkey that graces our local mall, standing ready to collect canned foods in his belly. Mia, post-haircut, was ready to serve as our family's donation. Thankfully, I was able to convince her that we could just come back another day with some cranberry sauce. As for the haircut, she had no issues exchanging a couple of inches for a blue lollipop.

Lunch Bunch o' Giggles

Playgroup was at our house today and the crazy warm weather was a very welcomed special guest. Kiana, Mia, Dailey and Riley were more than happy to share some inside jokes along with their lunch.

The Brave Little Coaster

David returned from his travels for the week and to say his little girl was ecstatic to have him home is an understatement. She had the whole day planned out for us, starting with a trip to the Oakland Zoo. While there, Mia decided she was big enough for both the tiger roller coaster (a brief spurt of tears were apparently long forgotten by the time they pulled in) and hands-on time with a boa constrictor. After all that bravery, it is perhaps unsurprising that she asked for a (blue) tiger face painting. Hear her roar!

Seeing Red

Practice makes perfect! For the last couple of months, Mia has been tripped up by the notorious "pencil jump" at swim class, requiring her to keep her body completely straight from head to toe as she jumps into the deep end. She was so determined to figure it out and after doing it over and over, in and out of the water (and probably in her sleep), she finally did it today! She was so incredibly proud of her accomplishment and I was so happy for her. We celebrated with a chocolate chip cookie approximately the size of her head. She conquers diving next!

Ladies Night

With David off learning how to speak Norwegian, Mia had the chance for a Girls Night Out with Christie, Lisa, Megan and Mama. The big girls were kind enough to cater to the younger palate (i.e., pizza and cupcakes), but only because Mia promised next time she'd take us out for sushi and sake.

Pretty in Pink

Mia received a most delightful package from Grammy and Papi this afternoon, a clothing extravaganza that included this pink sparkly frock that Mia declared to be her Thanksgiving and Christmas dress. She gave it a test run for our night out with Mama's friends and I'm happy to report it performed admirably in its duties. Thanks, Grammy and Papi!

More Treats

Hot off the presses are some very cute photos from Halloween weekend taken by Papi. Albums can be found here, here and here.

Stage Right

Mia and Mom attended a performance of Cinderella: Enchanted in Berkeley today, a decidedly surreal take on the traditional fairytale that Mia adores so much. After the applause died down, the cast happily interacted on stage with the zillion children, posing for photos and answering questions about the nuances of sibling relations (overheard: "why are you so mean to your stepsister?"). Mia's favorites were Cinderella (second really blurry photo) and the Fairy Godmother, who real pop culture aficionados might recognize as Frenchie Davis of American Idol fame.

Mia Unplugged

Making dinner (it happens every once in awhile...) and walked into Mia's room to find a spontaneous Friday night acoustic set underway. I hear that the purple cheetah, green tree frog and panda are her biggest fans.

The Napping House

This is what goes down while Mia "naps." Today's edition of "quiet time," which I recorded on the video monitor (hence the quality and lack of real picture), involved Mia asking her stuffed animals what their Halloween costumes were. Apparently, most went with a food theme, which Mia found to be hilarious.

Open Wide

While she has previously gone to the dentist for a orientation of sorts, today she had her first actual cleaning. The technician filled her arms with "fuzzy friends" and somehow managed to relate all tooth-related information back to princesses. Mia was all smiles, even asking for more of the fluoride treatment (I assume it tasted sweet). Her teeth received a clean bill of health, with the doctor noting that our little one has some not so little tonsils. Another case for like mother, like daughter.

A Fly On the Wall

Monday was Parent Observation Day in Mia's ballet class, which meant Grammy, Papi & I were able to sit in on the usually kid-only hour. Due to low enrollment for the youngsters, Mia's with the big kids (in case you were wondering if she stopped growing).

See Ya Later October!

I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the Cinderella dress, but since the calendar is moving on, there is a good chance that you, Dear Readers, will be spared of more photos of it.