The Neverending Birthday

XiaoXiao had a surprise birthday party from Grandma and Grandpa a week before her birthday.

She had her birthday.

She had a family party a few days after her birthday.

And finally, three weeks later, the friend party.

There were rides. Kid-sized rides meant that everyone felt pretty grown up to be able to go on anything, as many times as they wanted, all by themselves. Having friends meant waiting in line was just as much fun as the rides.

As we'd done the big cake, we did fancy cupcakes this time: strawberry cream cheese, red velvet, lemon, chocolate, vanilla, carrot ... something for everyone.

I think XX felt a little funny when everyone was singing to her. She suddenly looked overwhelmed, but she blew out the candles (a bit ridiculous on a cupcake) and enjoyed the moment.

The weather was perfect, and we all had a wonderful time. Aunt Suzie gamely came out and helped set up, serve and clean up. She even took some great photos for this post, she is always a great support -- Thanks!

XiaoXiao noted that she'd gotten a lot at the first two parties, and she had, so she thought about what to do for her birthday rather than rack up more "stuff." She decided to ask for donations instead, to give to a local daycare run by the Food Bank & Family Services program here.

She also used some of her birthday money to go buy more. She was so excited to choose and pay for items she chose off the PlayCare's Wishlist.

She then went through her room, culling out nice, but outgrown or unused toys to take over. Between party donations, shopping trip purchases and "shared" toys, we had a car full.

The director of the program wanted to meet XiaoXiao.

She asked if XX would like to come give the gifts to the kids and to meet some of them. XX said YES!

The children showed her the turtle and the fish. XX was glad she'd chosen to get food for both.

And XX helped them play with some of the toys, proudly showed them the safety gear she'd chosen, crowed when she took out the pet food. She helped them set up some of the toys, and passed out party packs and balls to everyone.

We were all a bit tired of birthday by the time this last party came around. Though it wasn't particularly effort-heavy, it still took planning. It still took money. But we wanted XX to have that time with her friends.

What we hadn't thought of, was that shine on XX's face as she looked around the PlayCare center.

Worth everything.

The Sillies

This is a snippet of how violin practice went today:

I couldn't get her to stop! She practiced like this for nearly an hour (poor JS Bach must be rolling) and we both laughed all the way through.

Wouldn't you?

Audition

XX went to her first cattle call last weekend. It looked like this:

You had to be six. XX got asked immediately how old she was, then asked again, then asked her birthday, and finally measured. She took it all in stride. She was given a number to pin on her chest: #738.

Some of the children were ready. Their hair was slicked back without a wisp in sight, pretty pink leotards and tights, a few even with a hint of lip gloss.

XX did her Hollywood best, donning sunglasses and playing Chinese apps on the phone.

But those wispies:

By the time she had to go in, her tights were filthy from sitting on the sidewalk and rubbing the soles of her shoes against her legs. At least I'd wiped the cream cheese from her face.

When they took her inside and said, "Parents stay outside, we'll take care of your children," she looked back and waved and then went in happily. I saw her skipping off to one of the rooms and I went back to the sidewalk to wait.

If children were ready, mothers were doubly so, having brought lawn chairs and coolers. I had no idea it would be so long.

More than 3 and a half torturous hours later, the doors opened. She wasn't let go until nearly half an hour after the doors opened. By that time, I was a wreck. I'd earlier tried to walk the line between "listen and have fun," and "there's always next year."

Alas, it looks like this year.

The Nutcracker is the bread and butter of every ballet company, so I have danced it more times than I care to say and I would be happy never to see it again. Not to be. XX got a part and starts rehearsals on Sunday. At her age and size, I think she will be more set dressing than dancing, but she's excited to be on a big stage and make new friends.

And I'm thrilled for her. This will be the best Nut ever.

Mid-Autumn Festival!

We ate tiny round dumplings, large round Asian pears, and of course, moon cakes.

We painted paper lanterns and read stories about the moon and Moon Festival.

We went out later to walk around the block with lanterns, our own mini-parade. We all gave thanks to the moon, thought about family.

It was a sweet and simple day.

It's Me

Ever been out late, perhaps an expensive restaurant, seen a young child and thought, "What is that kid's mother thinking?" Or seen babies crawling on sidewalks? What about a six year old at an all day electronic music concert? Irresponsible mom, right?

Hello, that last one would be me.

We went to see Brad and Steph at the ID Festival. Steph's client, Kaskade, was there so we were treated to backstage privileges, where stagehands laughed as they watched XX dance all day. Someone asked me, "What's she on?" We spent most of the day listening to music. It was great fun, as you can see:

My two girls

I heard lots of "Look! There's a baby here!" while she was riding on my back. It was at these times, I thought I heard "Bad Mum!" as well, though it was really too loud to hear clearly. It was probably more like, "Old person alert!"

I was definitely not dressed right. A "no pants" event and what did I wear? Pants. Imagine. Should have had my tutu, animal ears, giant fuzzy boots, ripped fishnets, and perhaps a small fuzzy, animal-shaped backpack.

Carver came with us.

lying on the platform, feeling the vibrations

XX loved these shadow dancers as seen from inside the "backstage" tent

XX kept up all day, falling asleep once for a short bit after watching a secret set with Kaskade and Steve Aoki.

examining a glow stick while waiting for Kaskade to go on at the end

We had VIP seats for the fest highlight, thanks to our Steph, but as this last set started well after 9, XX hit her limit. It was far louder out front and proved to be too much stimulation with the added lights. Like any responsible mother, I called it a night.

But we can't wait to do it again!

We rested for a day, then hit the Gold Rush Days. XX petted the big horses pulling old time fire engines, played with balance scales, talked to a blacksmith.

And near the end, made friends with the tiniest dog we've seen. Less than two pounds, Winnie looks pretty good-sized in XX's arms, but she was miniscule. I think her ears were most of her body.

Lots of fun for one weekend, but I think we were all happy to have the week start so we could rest!