The Next Tanya Harding?

Margot & I hit the ice rink at beautiful but chilly Kew Gardens today. We met with some friends who, due to their Canadian upbringing, had an unfair advantage. My friend mentions to me as I wobble onto the ice, clutching Margot, "I used to do some figure skating, eh." Oh dear. I'm just trying not to topple over and crush my child.

Margot had a blast. She thought she was ready for me to let go and take off on her own. She wasn't. It was fun, cold and over in an hour. Then, we had the requisite hot chocolate.

Kew Gardens looks great. We plan to go back - when it's warm.

A Very Disco Christmas 2007

We had the pleasure of company for Christmas in London this year: Susie and Andrew. They made the most of their time and explored all the major tourist attractions - Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Globe Theatre, Imperial War Museum, London Eye, etc. They saw a Tottenham Spurs game and caught a show in the West End.

Andrew was a good sport about sleeping on the couch. This involved staying up really late watching bad British TV, then being accosted in the early morning hours by our well-rested children. He also demonstrated the ability to drink several beers with ease. Hmmm...what have those crazy teens been up to in Farmington?

Auntie Susie was a hero, bringing Margot her own copy of The Snowman and the DVD and doll, to boot. We've watched it endlessly. I tried to pack it away with the Christmas boxes but she managed to fetch it out. She came laden with gifts from Grandma and Papa as well.

We had a really nice Christmas Eve and Christmas. Margot must have been a good girl this year because Santa brought her a bike. Owen got a new pacifier and some blocks - he's easily pleased.

It was especially nice having some family here to share the good cheer. The highlight, of course, was our Christmas disco party. Susie and Andrew can really bust a move.

Who's on board for next year?

Here are some photos.

Twinkle Toes 2007

Margot finished her first term of ballet with a recital today. We specifically picked this ballet class because it's very laid back. Basically, the girls just want to wear their spinny skirts and twirl around a lot. I heard horror stories of super-strict ballet instructors and 3-year-olds complaining about sore muscles. So, we were happy to find a low-key, fun class.

The highlight for all the little girls (and one boy) was that the daddys were coming. A bunch of Dads tumbled in, sneaking out of work early for the performance. It was hardly a blockbuster, mostly a regular class with the exciting prospect of some post-party pizza for the kids and a bottle of wine for the parents.

They started with a poorly coordinated modern dance that involved some jazz hands and pretending they were stars. From there, they performed two Mary Poppins numbers - "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Let's go Fly a Kite." It was all pretty random and sweet.

The highlight for us: Margot was so hungry after the show that she ate three slices of pizza. Anyone who has seen Margot eat (or avoid eating) knows this is incredible.

A few photos here.

The Nativity Play

We've been listening to Margot sing her nativity songs for months now. I hear them in my sleep. Today, we finally got to see the whole production in her nursery's nativity play, "Whoopsa Daisy Angel."

Margot was a snowflake. Not sure how many snowflakes there were in Bethlehem, but I was pleased she wasn't selected to be the donkey. Anyway, being a snowflake involves wearing a white, sparkly outfit and twirling around in circles. The snowflakes were drilled in turning in one direction, then switching to turn in the other direction. Apparently, in previous years, the snowflakes all twirled in a single direction and got nauseous. She twirled with abandon.

They also had angels, manger animals, sheperds, the Three Kings and of course, Joseph, Mary and a baby doll Jesus. One of the highlights for me was when Mary fell out of her chair and Jesus tumbled across the floor. That barely beat out the wayward donkey who kept trying to storm the altar. Or, when one of the Three Kings stood up and announced, "I need to take a wee."

Fortunately, the nursery hired a videographer to capture the entire event on film so there were no parental altercations regarding cameras.

The kids were adorable. The teachers incredibly patient. And we were proud of our little snowflake.

By the way, Margot claims next year she's going to be Mary.

See some photos here.

Meeting Father Christmas

We went to visit Father Christmas today, Santa Claus to us Americans.

Last year, our visit went all pear-shaped.  We planned a lovely family day at Harrod's to meet Santa Claus.  It ended with Margot crying inconsolably, terrified of Santa Claus.  Filled with 9-months-pregnant hormones, I started crying too.  Andy tried to manage the situation and rush us into the tube and get us home.  My ankle was caught in the train door, swelling up black and blue.  I  sobbed and snorted loudly throughout the trip, causing great discomfort to all the Brits sitting near us.   It was a disaster.

This year, I was almost relieved when I went online and found that the Santa Grottos at Harrod's and Selfridges were all booked (by late October, I heard).   Still, Margot was determined her three-years-old self would not be scared of Santa. We needed to see the old guy.

We found out that Santa was coming to St Pancras station, recently refurbished to house the EuroStar trains.  (It's even faster to get to Paris now, people.  The station is really close to us and you can be sitting in Paris in just over two hours.)  The appeal to Mom & Dad was the world's longest champagne bar.  So, off we went.  It was great.  We were in and out of there in no time.  Margot had a good chat with Santa.  She asked for a new bike and on behalf of Owen, a new dummy (pacifier).   No incidents.  

Unfortunately, the champagne bar was mobbed.  We'll have to go back for that.

 

Daddy's Little Girl

Yes, he's actually giving her a pedicure.  Enough said.