One Problem Solved...

One problem solved; several hundred more to go...

After several false starts, we have finally figured out a way to get Sage's practice to happen on a daily basis.  It involves waking her up when she would otherwise be sleeping and putting her to bed earlier.

Mercy giving Sage a piano lesson. 

I am Sage's daily practice partner, and Mercy gives the once-a-week lessons.

Danny has an especially good group of friends, and since they don't go to school together, he often is the one to make sure there is something planned so they can see each other.

A day at the U-20 FIFA World Cup

 Noah bought a "skuxx" waistcoat the day of the Ball when he found out that he didn't have to pay for Ball tickets because his date is the NPGHS head girl.

"I promise I didn't know it when I asked her"

Noah asked Mike to chauffeur them to the Ball because I don't have enough driving-chutzpah to get MAVY in and out of Sutherland's long, winding, Kiwi-style driveway.

Noah also jimmy-rigged a disco ball, some Christmas lights and headlamps
to MAVY's ceiling for the night. 

Noah didn't pick the top-secret Ball theme - "Vegas" - but he had a fun time planning and decorating. He also made sure Danny got hired to play the grand piano as people were arriving.

Oak's 4-man team won an adventure race in Kawerau over the weekend.

Classic photo, guys!

I felt proud of Oak doing the organizing and also taking the lead on the nav.

When Mike's home, one way he says, "I love you," is by keeping the fire stoked.

It's that time of year again.

 Half of our home (kitchen and living room) stay nice and warm when we keep a fire going.  The rest of the house (piano studio, bedrooms, bathrooms) remains whatever temperature it is outside, which lately has been in the high 40s and low 50s.  Brrrr!  I remember when I felt that Mom and Dad were crazy to turn down our basement thermostat to 55 on winter nights!

Joyce starts morning kindy and says a temporary goodbye
to her friend, Madeleine, who is still an "afternoonie."