parent teacher conference

There are good parts and bad parts about being a dad, but so far I have enjoyed parent-teacher conference. This was my second time, although I was so shell-shocked by the very concept on the first time around that it was a rather hazy experience.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, Ami was not able to come with me (hint: think of the Nazgul shrieks). So I went alone and unarmed.

I was pleased to see that Ellie's various teachers like her a lot. She's doing great academically, although I still find it hard to understand why there has to be any academia in kindergarten. Her science teacher went on about how bright and curious Ellie is in class, how delightful a personality. Yes yes, I nodded. That is good to hear. What can one say? She reminded me a bit of Professor Trelawney, if you remember her from Harry Potter, although without the mystical part.

Fortunately there was no mention of any shrieking, Nazgul or otherwise. The only suggestion for improvement was to help her understand that when coloring time is over, you can't just keep on coloring. Well, we all have our flaws.

Nice job Ellie!

nobu is good bu

Those of you who follow the movements of Ami's brother John will have already learned that we enjoyed a delicious dinner with him at Nobu, the ultra-hip Japanese fusion restaurant. It was a tough choice for the "dish of the night" award, with many strong contenders, but I think the rock shrimp tempura won it by a nose.

I did manage to get this picture of the mysterious Cell Phone Master in action...
















Outside you can see W 57th Street, truly a great one. In addition to our new friend Nobu, this part of 57th features sculptures by Botero and Otterness, and the 9 W. 57th building.




















This building has long been among my favorites in the skyscraper category. For those of you interested in torturing yourselves with the architectural details, check out this site.

Thanks John!!

Ellie built a "Hot Wheels Track" for Nico this morning, based on a Wii game that's popular in our house lately. I'm no expert in human development, but I think playing with blocks is healthy for people of any age. At least that's how I justify it myself.

The Results Are In!!! Finally!!

You may now call my husband "Mr. Landscape Architect"

Hooray!!!!!

A Daily Snippet...

This is the conversation I have with Ellie almost everyday when we get home from school:
"Mom, can I do my reading lesson?"
"Sure."
(...seconds after finishing her reading lesson)
"Now can I watch Peep?"

My kids don't watch much TV. In fact we often go days without turning it on. However, they love "Peep." Every day they want to watch it on the computer (a new show is on each day). I generally despise children's programming - admit it, it's pretty mind numbing. However, I have to say "Peep" is pretty cool. Nico is into his shadow because of Peep. Ellie draws with ice on the sidewalk because of Peep. It ain't bad. And it's a pretty good impetus for Ellie to do her reading lesson.

http://www.peepandthebigwideworld.com/

Elements of Style

My budding fashionista.

Ellie Is Boss

I can't even remember what I said. Probably something along the lines of, "I'm the mom and that means I'm the boss." In any case, Ellie wasn't pleased with the implications. She stormed off, only to return a minute later to post this sign on the fridge.




(Translation: "Ellie is boss of the whole family, right now and forever!")