5 Points for Fer!!

The first volleyball game was tonight and Fer loved being a part of it. She is on the junior varsity which seems to have quite a few girls just learning to play, so tonight's game was mostly decided by serves. If the ball went over the net, neither team was really able to return it. The first game was pretty decisively in favor of the opposing team Sacred Heart -- I think the score was 25 to 13. But the second game was much closer, 25 to 21, and Fer won 5 of those points single-handedly with her serve! It was very fun to watch -- Wendy and I sat with Fer's teacher Mrs. Guerra, who came to support the team, and Fer's best friend Emily's aunt.

The next game is Friday evening, a home game at St. Peter's Church, and I should have some pics to post after of our powerhouse Fer with her friends on the team!

Shout-out to Fer!

Just wanted to write and say how much we appreciate Fer's steady kindness, generosity and sweetness of spirit. Things at home have been a struggle since the California trip, despite some good times mixed in, and she has really been a rock as far as cooperation. We hope for her sake and all our sakes that soon things will get better and she will not so totally inhabit the "good daughter" role -- she's a deep soul and we know there's a lot going on inside her that needs attention too.

Fer is loving school these days -- special excitement recently is that she joined the volleyball team and is really enjoying going to practice with her best friend Emily and learning new skills. Earlier this evening at the park she was practicing her serve and her set with Chris, using a soccer ball. Tomorrow is her first game, so go St. Peter's! Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post soon.

Two Wendy-isms

On Thursday, we were walking with the dogs in the park and talking about how Happy and Lucky have different personalities. Wendy asked why Happy sometimes stops in his tracks and won't keep walking, and I replied, "Because he's stubborn." Her answer: "Stubborn as a mool! Stubborn as a mool!"

Yesterday Wendy was being the very fierce teacher and giving me and Fer lots of minutes and telling us where to sit. At first we were both on the bed and then she ordered me to the chair to serve out my time. Fer asked, "Why does she get to be on the chair?" I answered, "Because I'm an adult," and Wendy chimed in, "Yes, adultery has its privileges!" (We have a running joke about "membership has its privileges" with our various memberships to the Bronx Zoo, Botanical Garden, etc.)

Happy 9th Birthday Wendy!!

We had a lovely family celebration for Wendy on her big day, March 16. She is very into her baby dolls recently, and was thrilled to have some new food and diapers and most exciting of all, a double stroller! Since she and Fer love to play that they are sisters taking care of their babies, we got a stroller for Fer as well (we still observe the tradition of a present for the non-birthday child!). Immediately, the two little mamis loaded up their babies and took them for a walk in the hall.










An ice cream cake has become a tradition!





Then on Thursday, Wendy had a lunch party with cupcakes with her friends at school. She loved celebrating with her class, and we loved having an in-school party for her!

St. Peter's Talent Show

We were so proud of Wendy for getting up on stage with her friend Mercedez and giving it her best shot singing Justin Bieber's "Baby." Incredible that last year we saw the Talent Show and couldn't imagine that just one year later we would have a daughter on stage singing in English! Fer was a wonderful supporter -- helped Wendy practice at home and attended the rehearsals with lots of patience.

Famiversary Party 2011

We had a great time seeing our friends at our 2011 Famiversary Party. Amazing that it has been one year plus since we returned from Colombia! I had such a great time that I forgot to take pictures for much of the party, and then found that Wendy's stint with the camera included taking a video that used up the rest of my memory card. Oh well. So apologies if we missed some people -- below is just a sampling.

Theater Trips -- Freckleface Strawberry and the Lion King

Wendy had a chance to go to the theater with her Brownie troop to see Freckleface Strawberry, a musical based on the book by Julianne Moore. Then, I went with both girls on the St. Peter's trip to the Lion King. Of course, it was amazing and we all loved it. Wendy had a bit of sadness that we weren't seated with her friends, but she quickly recovered once the curtain went up!