Author: Elsa

Every girl was asked to bring a piece of jewelry for a gift exchange. At the end of the party they played a passing game to determine what piece of jewelry they would be going home with. Ashlan's mom read the story "Kitten's first Full Moon" while the girls listened for the words "kitten" or "bowl" to be read. If they heard "kitten" they passed their gift to the right. If they heard "bowl" the gift went to their left. It was surprisingly challenging for the girls to keep their left and right straight but anyone who has played the game Robo Rally with me knows I have no room to talk.

While Monti was busy at her party the three of us went out to lunch. Dahlia enjoyed not having to share her Dad for once.

All the girls had fun painting their ceramic trinket boxes. Joe
confessed to me that he used to do a lot of ceramics when he was
younger, however the only thing he can remember painting and making
were ashtrays. Another dad at the party had the common memories of
painting ashtrays.

We went to Family Math Night at Monti's school. They had tables of math games set up by grade level. Joe was getting so frustrated with Monti's attitude towards game playing. She just hates playing by the rules if it means she is going to lose.

This is 15 minutes before Monti had to leave the house this morning.
Of course I was more interested in capturing the moment for my blog
than worrying about being late.

Dahlia fell asleep last night before I was able to change her into her
pajamas.

I took the girls out for some Mexican food to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Monti kept asking, “What is so big about the 5th of May?” We decided to look it up on Wikipedia. We guessed it was like the 4th of July for Mexico but in Mexico it is only a regional holiday celebrated in the state of Puebla. It commemorates a battle victory over the French.

In the US the holiday has come to represent a different meaning. It is more like St. Patrick’s day or Oktoberfest. It gives Americans a chance to embrace Mexican culture. Which for many means indulging themselves full of guacamole, Coronas, and tequila.

Both Joe and Monti stick out their tongue when they are concentrating
or "in the groove". Monti was focusing on playing a repetitive drum
beat.

Some of the conservatory‘s rare specimens are illegally imported plants that have been confiscated by U.S. Customs. The orchids are displayed behind cages because people were walking off with them. My aunt felt that these orchids looked like ballet slippers. I saw tiny urinals.

My Guitar Hero/Rock Band playing has given me a whole new appreciation
for the guitar gallery at the EMP. The kids pointed to the Fender
Stratocaster guitar and said, “Mommy there is the guitar that you
play.” I replied. “yes… but I think I prefer playing that one”
pointing to the Gibson Les Paul used in Guitar Hero. ” While having
this conversation I found myself chuckling thinking about those real
guitarists that would consider our comments blasphemous.