Notes and Flips

The children have adjusted very well in their new French school, but the homework load has kept our heads barely above water.  In addition to learning math, reading, and writing in French and English, Peanut is required to learn the violin as part of the curriculum.  Neither Jared nor I play any instrument.  And since Jared speaks French, it's natural that he's in charge of homework, so that leaves me with violin.  Looking at a violin, I honestly didn't even know which end is up.  Ms. Kyra, Peanut's violin teacher, offered parents a great four-class-crash-course so we could help our kids practice.  Those classes really gave me an appreciation and all out respect for violinists.  I had no idea what a fussy and difficult instrument with only four strings could be.

Despite Peanut's shyness speaking in front of crowds, he had a good time singing and playing his violin at the school's Christmas concert and recital.  Rocky's class also sang a couple of cute French Christmas songs for the audience.

Christmas 2014 - French Choir Concert & Recital

All work and no play ....  Never.  Rocky started gymnastics in September and loves it.  It's fun and has helped her build some strong muscles, control, and balance too.  In September, she couldn't even do a front roll and by the end of January, is doing a low cartwheel.

Rocky at age 3, learning balance and building muscles