Grandma Jo 's Visit

We just said goodbye to Joan this week. She came to stay with us for 10 days which probably seemed like a long time for her but was a very short trip for Collin and Sydney. We wish she lived much, much closer.

The kids especially LOVED sleeping in and catching the bus on the weekdays instead of having to go to the sitters so early with Mom and Dad. They loved coming home from school and having Grandma there ready to play games with them all night. And they loved making endless origami projects (literally a whole ream of paper's worth) and bead jewelry and going out to eat almost every night with her. She is amazing! Thanks for everything, Joan. We miss you!

We got to celebrated her birthday with her a couple of early. Aren't they precious!!!

The Wonderful Witches of Oz

Sydney got her first opportunity to perform on stage in front of hundreds of people as Mayor Mousietoes and a Munchkin in the Up With Kids! production of The Wonderful Witches of Oz. She did a fabulous job, performed all of her lines perfectly and didn't even experience a little stage fright. She has caught the acting bug and can't wait to start working on next years performance.

One of Sydney's best friends, Emily, who is moving to China in a couple of weeks. We are so sad!

The entire Draper cast:

Sydney as "Mayor Mousietoes" and a good friend from school, Willow as "Twiggy".


"Mean 'ole Nessie. THAT WICKED OLD WITCH!"
After the performance, Sydney received flowers from Mom, Dad and Grandma Jo.

Sydney's Lines

LEGO's

Collin's favorite past time lately is building with LEGO's. And, because he has done such a great job in school in all subjects this year, he earned his choice of a LEGO set at the store. After much deliberation, he chose this set that makes three different houses. He built the first one that night after getting back from the store.

Proudly showing off his handy work.

Piano Lessons

Sydney has decided she wants to learn to play the piano like me. And, since I play, everyone figures, shouldn't I be able to teacher her to play? Well I wish it were that easy. Sydney and I don't always see eye-to-eye on how she should be taught but we have (more or less) committed to it and hopefully we will see some great progress soon!

Pinewood Derby Time

Collin has loved being able to go to cub scouts this year. He has looked forward to being able to make his first Pinewood Derby car and race it with his friends all year long. Unfortunately Grandma Rudel passed away in March and we were in Colorado during the Derby. He was still pretty proud of work and already has plans for next year's car. He LOVES sharks, can you tell?