Happy Belated (Two Years Ago?) Birthday, Sally!

After promising Sally that we would take her to high tea at our local five-star hotel and restaurant for her birthday present, we promptly did. Only two years later. Circumstances made our plans go awry, and we finally settled on a date that didn't get cancelled.

This past weekend.

The kids were reminded that as part of the present, they were to dress appropriately and pretend they liked the food. Much to their surprise, they didn't mind wearing fancy duds, and they quite liked most of the food.

We were seated in the lounge at a low table around which were a sofa and comfy chairs, with the birthday girl in the seat of honor. Although she did get shoved and bumped a bit every time Charlotte got up, which was a lot.



We each had our own teapot (or hot chocolate pot). I allowed the children to each have a glass of sparkling cider, as well. Anson tried really hard to like his Earl Grey tea, but after adding honey, sugar, and cream, a few times, he gave up on it. But he gets a A for effort.

We started with five finger sandwiches which were exquisite! The kids also got peanut butter and jelly and ham and cheese sandwiches. They tried some of the "adult sandwiches," but weren't too keen on them, so we were more than happy to polish theirs off.

And then came the scones, devonshire cream, lemon curd, and raspberry jam (my personal favorite). We were really getting into it now, with no thought to the fact that we were only halfway through.

By now Charlotte was getting wiggly. She had already been to the ladies room, outside for some "fresh air," and now wanted to sit in the second part of the lounge to listen to the live harpist. How very posh.

That's a Chihuly sculpture she's sitting next to. The art in this hotel is unbelieveable. It's like walking through a museum. Even the art in the bathroom stalls is better than most in my home.

I forgot to take a photo of the dessert course, probably because we were all lolling about like sloths at that point. Put some hot tea and some rich food in us, sit us on a cushy couch and play harp music, and we're out.

They brought Sally this lovely plate of goodies at the end, but it was all she could do to taste one of the chocolates; we were so full!

While Sally, Philip, and Russell had some quiet time with the last of the tea, I took the kids outside to get a few picks. It was quite cold and windy, so Anson had to warm his "bum bum" in front of the fire when we came inside.

After we were done, we took a few group photos (blurry, oh well).

Never mind, we had a lovely time! It was relaxing and delicious, and the atmosphere was stunning, not to mention the company! Happy belated birthday, Sally! Oh yeah, it's coming up again in a few months, better get out the calendar.

Happy Pi Day!

Today, March 14, is worldwide Pi Day, and you know we in the Ford household have a special place in our hearts for it. In case you've forgotten, Pi is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter and is represented by the 16th letter of the Greek alphabet ("π") and is often written simply as "pi." Today is its big day because it's March 14 (3/14).

Anson headed out the door with his Pi T-shirt and special pin his teacher gave him, reading "Math is as easy as Pi." The teacher that encouraged him last year to memorize the digits of Pi has offered a challenge to her students this year. The student that can memorize more than Anson did gets a prize. The rest of the kids will load up on all sorts of sugary pies for snack time, all in the name of math.

Lest you think Anson spends all his time reading, reciting math problems, and dancing the waltz, here's a pic from a birthday party this weekend.

Anson is in the front on the far left, with the adidas sweatshirt and green sneakers on. What are they doing, you wonder? Getting ready to play paintball. So it's not all academics and holding doors for ladies around here.

Anson's Pre-Teen Bedroom

I wanted to share another room in the house as part of my quest to document it for the kids. I introduce you to Anson's room. He chose the deep indigo color himself when he was almost three. In the pics it looks violet, but in real life it's closer to a marine blue.

Anson loves to read in bed (see all the book in the nightstand, and I guarantee there are more stacked on the floor), so we finally got him an upholstered headboard. The abstract artwork above the bed on the left is his own, circa preschool.

This big set of shelves shows off more of his love of reading, legos, hockey, and 

good friends. Oops, and the pic above reveals what his sheets looks like underneath the duvet.

Here is a shot of his dresser area. He helped me put together that IKEA piece himself (thank goodness...I understand now why "labor" costs are always so high).

Don't you love this photo of Anson at sunset? Russell took that when we let the kids dive into the waves with their clothes on after dinner during a trip to St. John in the US Virgin Islands a few years ago.

Awww...even a ten-year-old boy has his favorite stuffed animal. This is Schwarz, who gradually morphed in to "Shorts" since a little boy had a hard time pronouncing Schwarz. So named because I bought him at FAO Schwarz in New York City when I was pregnant with Anson. Teddy bear + guitar + fuzzy reading chair = my boy.

Lastly, I'd like you to meet Bubbles, Anson's fish. Do you see him hiding behind the seaweed in his fish condo?

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Anson's room, because it's about to change. He has been begging me to let him paint it another color and get a new comforter, so who knows where that will lead...

Charlotte, Supermodel Extraordinaire

Because Charlotte's birthday comes on the tail of so many other celebrations (it's January 3), we tend to keep it low key around here.

We started with homemade waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

Opening presents is always a highlight!

After opening presents (and wearing them..thought not the earrings, those are for when she is older), she was off to school. These glasses are fake, by the way. She is obsessed with all different kinds of frames.

What would a birthday be without cake? The big 7!!!

For her party, she wanted a "red carpet" theme. She invited a few friends to sleep over, and we celebrated the evening with good food, dressup, and photographs.

Instead of cake, we a did make-your-own ice cream sundae bar and a fancy drink cart.

Then came the big event of the evening, the dining room transformed into a dressing room.

But first, hair and makeup. Green eye shadow and the straightening hair iron were most requested.

And they're off! I created a "red carpet" from some rugs I had around the house, hung a white shower curtain for a backdrop, and acted as paparazzi for the evening.

The clothes and accessories were a mix of mine and Charlotte's, as well as some dance recital outfits a friend brought. I thought the girls put together some really creative and fun looks all on their own! And once they stepped into the spotlight, there was no stopping them.

LOOK #1

LOOK #2

LOOK #3

LOOK #4

LOOK #5

Some of my favorites were of the other girls in front of a large-scale painting by James Brewer we have in our family room.

Altogether now...

 Girls just wanna have fun!

It was a fun-filled and hilarious evening. And I promise in real life they didn't look like such hussies. Their take-home party favors were little photo books with printouts of photos of them, like a model's portfolio. S much work, but worth it. And virtually free, except for the $1 photo books and ice cream (don't tell, I used mostly candy leftover from decorating Christmas gingerbread houses for toppings). Lots of laughter for so little money.

Now if only getting them to sleep that night was as much fun...