Learn and Perform

Alyssa has learned how to climb up and reach the computer. She looks so serious typing and using the mouse like Mommy and Daddy.

Here she is standing in a box (she loves to climb in and out of them), trying to use the remote. She hasn't quite mastered it, but is a pro at using the buttons on the television.


Here she is resting after successfully climbing to the top of the ottoman in front of the computer.

Here she is working hard to climb up.

I'm a little behind a blogging because I had a concert last weekend. The company I dance with had our annual show. Dan and Alyssa both attended, although they didn't get to see all of it. Alyssa kept calling out "Mama", so Dan took her outside for part of the time. But even more interesting than my show is the show Alyssa puts on for us at home. She wants to grow up as fast as she can!

A Wonderful Daddy

Dan is a great father to our little girl. He loves to show her pictures to teach her new words, and will sing all sorts of silly songs with her. I believe he has been known to break into a rendition of "Baa Baa Black Sheep" while at work. Thanks, Dan. We love you!!!

The Alamo

The Alamo was a highlight for our trip. It is amazing to me how landmarks can become such powerful symbols. The men who died at the Alamo, vowing to never surrender, are a symbol of sacrifice and endurance. In this day in our country, with people demanding that the government take responsibility for their happiness instead of building their own lives and dreams, it is nice to be reminded that there are people like those men at the Alamo.

The Children's Museum

Having learned from our trip to Greece that we need to incorporate Alyssa friendly activities, Alyssa and I went to the San Antonio Children's Museum while Dan was at his conference. This was really a fun museum. The top picture is of the "grocery store". There are child sized carts, and items that they can pick off the shelves, including fruits and vegetables (of the plastic variety). They even have a scanner at the checkout so kids can scan their items just like at the real grocery store. Our girl's favorite part was putting things in the cart. She didn't care too much for putting them back on the shelves. The second picture she is coloring a heart that we gave to Dan for Valentine's Day. The third picture is of Alyssa looking at an alligator, which she called "dinosaur". I couldn't convince her that it wasn't. We had to go back three or four times for her to look at her dinosaur. The last picture is of the fish tanks in the front of the museum. Other fun things we did included playing a virtual drum set, finger painting, and building a small house. After we left the museum Alyssa wanted to go to the water.

The River Walk

Dan had a conference this past week in San Antonio. Alyssa and I went with him. I wish we could join him in all his travels, but am very grateful when we are able to. Part of the joy of San Antonio was that it was warm! Connecticut winters can be very long and sometimes bleak. It was wonderful to be able to take Alyssa out every day. The River Walk was incredibly beautiful. Alyssa loved it! Every day she would say Mama, stroller, water. Now that we are home, she is still asking to see the water.