TOMB!

We went to a real Egyptian tomb on Sunday. It was unbelievable. Lachen, Aksel, Shawn, and I were real archaeologists solving puzzles and riddles, deciphering codes, and using our strength, wit, and bravery to get to the ancient pharaoh's tomb. It was like being Indiana Jones! More info at: http://www.5-wits.com/shows/ The whole thing probably was too scary for Aksel, but he is the bravest 5-year old I've ever known.

Before we left, Lachen, our resident Egyptologist, gave us a lesson about King Tut. He does know quite a lot! Watch his lesson, and you might learn something as well.

February Vacation

Here in Massachusetts, the public schools have a week off in February. So, this week was filled with a hockey tournament for Lachen, lots of time playing outside in the warm-ish air, Shawn working from home more often to cover my classes, and some extra time on the piano for Aksel. I'll add Aksel's latest concert. I also put a new valance in Aksel's room. His room gets lots of light with that great big window. (Do you like the color scheme built from a Minnesota license plate?)

It’s not often I write on the blog but yesterday was an absolutely terrific day. As a matter of fact, since Anna and the boys have been back from Florida, there is so much positive energy in the house. Aksel has been an incredible helper and Lachen has been smiling so much. Sunday’s events really bring the emotions in the house to light. We planned on going to 9:00 church but decided to let the boys sleep as long as they wanted (and Anna). Lachen woke up at 6:20! But Aksel and Anna did sleep until about 8:15 or so. We had a quiet couple of hours with Aksel working on his Valentines and Lachen reading. We went to church at 10:45 and both boys decided to stay in church instead of Sunday School. Lachen kept himself occupied with drawing pictures in the bulletin (I did make him stand up at the right times!) and Aksel looked at every page in the hymnal. Therefore, Anna and I could listen to the message and the readings in peace. After church we had to a bit of time to kill so we bought Lachen new skates. Aksel hoped for a new pair of rollerblades. When I said “No, we’ll get them later,” he didn’t get upset!

Then it was time for Lachen’s game. The boy scored not only his first career goal but the boy scored two goals! It was like a light bulb went on in the first period for him. Lachen played center and had a couple of rushes. Then in the second period he had several shots on net after skating around the opponents. His first goal was a shot from the left circle that was deflected and went top shelf. He was very , very pumped! To start the third period, he took the face-off, went around the center, went to the right of the first D, then bulled his way into a breakaway and went five hole for the second goal. He did the same bullrush at the end of the game with 10 seconds left hoping for goal #3, but was tripped up at the last second. It was VERY exciting. All of the parents were so happy for Lachen!

The temperature was about 55 yesterday so much snow melted. Since I did absolutely nothing when Anna and the boys were in Florida, there was much compacted snow and ice in our driveway. Anna and I decided to hack away at it to make our place look a bit more welcoming. Without being asked, the boys came outside and helped us for about an hour! We then had a great dinner. Finally, to end the night, Aksel and I played Canasta! That five year old is incredible with his math skills and card playing abilities. It took me much longer to understand Canasta but Jeanne taught Aksel in a very short amount of time. Now I have a card playing partner. Pretty soon I am going to teach Aksel Pfeffer and take on some St. Mark's boys!

Florida Pics

Here are a few moments from our trip to Florida.
Shawn had to stay home to work and coach. :(

Lots of fun, lots of sun, and definitely too many oysters for Jim. (He was feeling pretty queasy as he trudged through the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse.)

This is Lachen on the night of arrival: pale, but happy to have jumped into the pool within 5 minutes of arrival.
Aksel braved Space Mountain, a roller coaster I had been wanting to ride since 7th grade when I went to Magic Kingdom and it was under repair. So, I was the accommodating mother, and I took Aksel on the roller coaster. We thought it might settle my dad's stomach. Not so much.




"Cheers, Great Grandson Aksel!"

Dueling in front of the masses.

Four generations!

My Jeanne and me.

Pops and two of his four great-grandsons. I wonder when his other two great-grandsons will go to Pops' high house...

Friday night in February

It's Friday night here in the Reid house. We just heard that Mary and Patrick are having a baby BOY! We're so, so excited for them and all the fun that awaits them. Yea!

Shawn is away at a hockey game tonight. We haven't had dinner together since before our trip to Florida, but Sunday night is looking good for a full dinner of four Reids. First time in 2 weeks. Not very impressive.

But, the boys and I have been having some quality time. A week in Florida with Grandma and Grandpa Hemberger, plus Jeanne and Pops. A day at Disney World and a day at Epcot Center, then some time in Naples at the beach, at the pool, and in the sauna on an uncharacteristically cool, windy day. With the swords the boys acquired in the Pirates of the Caribbean shop, life has been one big sword fight for the last week. If my boys do one thing well, it's costuming. If I had my camera battery charged, I could show you what they're wearing now: clip-on gold earrings, tri-corner hats, gold beads, rolled up sailor pants, and bare-chests. They're ready for the high seas.

In theme, tonight we dined on octopus that Aksel insisted that we buy at Whole Foods. In fact, he put on quite a show begging and pleading for the unlikely dinnertime option. Lest you think we're living high on the hog, two small octopi cost a whole 58 cents. The olives in the sauce cost more. But, it's a bit o' protein for the laddies.

Tomorrow morning after I teach the second act of Henry IV, Part One, I'm taking the boys to the Framingham Library to hear the author of Three Cups of Tea speak. I haven't read it, but so many people have told me that I should, I'm excited to hear him. Plus, since we have over $20 in overdue fines at our local library, I'm hoping we can get a new card at this library and Lachen can check out some books on CD. I know, it's more excitement than one family should experience! Of course, these morning activities will be bookended by Lachen's hockey at 7:00 a.m. and Aksel's at 12:20. Shawn has a hockey game in the afternoon, and then I am on dorm duty tomorrow night.

Hope your weekend is restful. I actually came back from Florida well-rested. Shawn, however, is running on very little fuel. He just called and said he had to take a player to the hospital to get stictches in his chin. He won't be home for hours. So much for bedtime stories with Daddy.