Celebrating friendship

Ruby & Anika in Puerto Vallarta airport

Early in February we were lucky enough to be able to visit our friends the Bradfords in La Cruz, Mexico. They are preparing to sail across the Pacific to the Marquesas later this month after having spent the last few months sailing Mexico. I love this shot by Tucker. See more photos from the trip.

Anika's Suzuki Guitar Recital 2012 Jan 28

Anika excels at another recital. Good tone, great poise, and nice use of dynamics. She also received compliments for her outfit, kudos to Jennifer who made the nifty pants!

Close encounter

Anika & Rayna meet Ka, Dave's ball python.

Meadow Minuet

Anika's rendition of Meadow Minuet for her Suzuki Book 1 graduation recording.

Remember

Anika will remember, remember the 5th of November as a sparkling good time. No effigies were harmed in this particular celebration. Another fine photo by host Alex.

Rayna starts guitar lessons

Rayna after four weeks of Suzuki guitar, exhibiting fine form during her lesson earlier this week at California Conservatory of Guitar. After we finished one of her daily home lessons tonight, she said "Dad, I want to learn Bach Tanz" - a song I had been helping Anika with earlier in the evening. I told her she could get there in about a year, but that we needed to finish Twinkle, Twinkle first :-)

Anika's 7th Birthday

Anika tests a hoop before applying her rainbow color scheme with electrical tape

We held a hula-hoop making party for Anika's 7th Birthday. The kids loved it. Thanks to my cousin Melissa for sharing her "recipe": 100 psi 3/4" irrigation tubing, 3/4" connectors, pvc cutter, electrical tape and a hair dryer. Cut to length, heat ends, jam on connector, decorate to suit. These pictures from neighbor Alex who took much better photos than mine.

The finished products