Magical Mozart

Pretty Pamina

In an effort to keep our out of town guests entertained and impressed with all that Houston has to offer, I checked the schedule for the Miller outdoor theatre and was very excited to discover that Houston's Opera To Go was performing The Magic Flute--or a modern adaptation of it. The girls were already familiar with the music because of a favorite CD we've listened to many times. We pulled it out again before making the trip downtown. I also printed out a thick booklet prepared by a professional opera company on The Magic Flute, Mozart and opera in general. So, we had an impromptu lesson on all of the above. It was homeschooling at its best. The girls were definitely prepared to see the show. They loved the fearsome dragon and asked questions later about how he had appeared on stage. Sophie ran over to meet her favorite character, Pamina, but told me that she doesn't want pink hair herself. I could have done without the final message--that the "Queen of the Byte" was oh so evil because she didn't recycle. Interesting. Other than that though, we loved the show. Amazing talent and as always, we had the theatre almost entirely to ourselves.

el director

fighting the dragon inside a computer game

Queen of the Byte

All tied up

I loved this scene.

The warriors in training did The Warrior poses

Not as easy as it looks.

The dragon's not so scary after all

Top Three

We managed to squeeze in some fun around all of our work and Tuesday activities. Here are my picks for the top three photos of the day:

Monkey Mia climbed high enough to touch the beam

So itchy

Baby G, Baby José and the proud Papa

Coming Up Next: The Magic Flute, fun downtown and a double date

Ta-ta till then!

Five Scarecrows

So, another busy Monday conquered. Despite the unusually gorgeous weather, we accomplished a good bit today. Chris and I even squeezed in a session of plyo together before the girls and I headed to the library for crafts. We made stuffed scarecrows. A terrific project. The best part was that Ceci joined us and we all headed back to our house afterward for more crafts and a quick play date with our "over the fence" friend.

Homeschooling the toddler

We ran into our good friends at craft time.

Five Scarecrows

Over the fence

Chris occasionally takes out a board so the girls can go back and forth freely.

Yard Shorts and Other Things Uniquely Doyle

As you'll see from the photos, we had a great weekend with our out-of-town guests. Time spent with Kevin, Abby and gang is never dull and Kevin always provides some extra-spectacular photographic moments. Enjoy!

Joseph is definitely a Doyle

Kevin in his "yard shorts"

The victors do a little fist bump

looking a bit forlorn

I think it's dinner time.

Make your own pizzas--a hit

Just Dance

Madeleine is usually the star but Abby won Saturday night

Hair by goggles

Cute times two

When Grace saw this picture, she said, "Daddy's flying!"

Madeleine got an even better shot of this from the other side

Ceci's sea horse

Hope your weekend was tons of fun and ciao for now!!

Meeting Little Joe

We met our newest nephew for the first time today. It was a very special moment for Chris in particular. Joseph is a very attractive baby. Our girls competed fiercely to hold him. They're all praying hard that God will send us our own "Joseph". Perhaps a "Josephina" would be okay too.

We are looking forward to lots of good times with Kevin, Abby, Ceci and Joseph over the next week!

Flashback to Fairgrounds

Grace and Zack at the Prince William County Fair 2010

So, today, on this second "Flashback Friday", we are revisiting an extra-specially fun day spent with the Bristow Kreitzers. Jes had gotten tickets to the Prince William County Fair and we chose the day to go. As we were leaving the house that afternoon, we had serious concerns about the weather. There was no doubt that rain was coming the question was how much and whether it would shut everything down or not. We decided to go anyway. I think we were the only ones there for the first hour or so. Eventually, other brave souls wearing rain coats and carrying umbrellas, showed up to join us. We were utterly gear-less so we all got completely soaked. It was wonderful. If you've never been to a fair in the rain, you should really try it. No crowds, cool temps and no worries about sticky, cotton candy hands. The only downside was the early closing time (although that actually made Jes happy. She had gone on one too many spinny rides). We also left without the six or seven goldfish we had won. I sponsored my nephews in that game but all the kids ended up helping out. Jes was quite glad to have forgotten the fish but she's a good sport and I know she would have given them a good home if they'd made it back with her. All in all, tons of fun.

Stop by next Friday for "Flashback to Fire".

While the other kids were on a ride she wasn't tall enough to go on, Sophie rode the boats again by herself. I watched from under an awning across the way.

No one here but us elephants

Alex spies the ride that will be his next conquest.

I think Ella was crying because she wasn't tall enough to ride the train.

Silly really. It went about 2 miles an hour and Sophie rode it alone.

Winning the duck solved her troubles.

Actually, with the huge puddles, we all felt like ducks.

Good catch Grace!

None of the kids wanted to put their heads in the shark's mouth for a photo op.

"There's something different about you, Babe."

Ella, looking pretty unimpressed

I guess she knows her Dad's a Marine and will be along shortly to save her.

I wonder where Grace learned how to do such a believable grouch face....

Ciao till next time!

A Day at the MFAH

This afternoon, a radio host announced that today was the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Rita. Thinking about that evacuation and the aftermath, I was reminded of exactly how much our family has been through in the seven relatively short years we've been in Texas. A lifetime worth of "hurricanes". Thank God for ordinary time.

Today was also homeschool day at the Museum of Fine Arts. So, we made the trek downtown accompanied by both Daddy and Grandpa Doyle. There was lots of fun to be had including sculpting and sketching and a walk through the galleries. After that, Madeleine and I headed to Spanish class, following the directions of the GPS. Not easy. Not fun. Will never do again. But--we made it to class--the best class so far according to Madeleine. As for me, I am ready for some R & R pool side this weekend. All of this mommy-ing and teaching can really wear a girl out!

Ella's creation

Perfect for the Christmas tree

Chris made me a very cool pencil holder

Grace gave me a lesson in bear-drawing.

This is our cooperative effort.

As always, take good care and ta-ta for now!