At Otto’s I ordered a mashed potato, bacon and scallion pizza, which was better than I remembered. I enjoyed talking with Dad about what I thought of homeschool and who I thought was going to win the hockey game.

I'm eating a mashed potato bacon scallion slice of pizza.

When we arrived at the civic center where the game was being held, Dad said that he would buy me a souvenir to remember our time together. There were many different items which had Portland Pirates’ logo on them. I don’t understand why anyone would buy the stuffed moose and cow bells that don’t have to do anything with the team. It would make more sense to buy stuffed Portland Pirates mascots. I got the last small t-shirt, which I changed into in the bathroom.

Dad and I at the hockey game.

This is the hockey stadium.

Some hockey players would break into fights when they were slammed into a wall or were pushed out of the way of an opposing hockey player. I thought it was unprofessional that hockey players fought because they were losing the game.

Break it up! Five for fighting!

When I asked my dad about this he told me that it was a strategy to scare the other team into playing badly. Dad answered all my questions in a way that I would understand. In the end the Portland Pirates beat the Worcester Sharks 4 to 2. I loved bonding with my dad. This date really brought us closer together.

The Armory is very fancy. There are shelves of books painted on the walls, and I liked looking at them while I ate. There was one in which the spine read “Paris,” and another’s spine (which was rather thick) read “Egypt Vol. 1.” Then of course there was “Egypt Vol. 2,” 3, 4, 5, and 6. Some had painted bookmarks in them. I like that it looked like an old bookshop, even though it had a bar.

Me in front of the Regency Hotel

I ordered the cheese and fruit appetizer, which is a platter filled with different types of crackers, cheese, and a variety of fruits. I developed a taste for Gouda cheese. It’s my new favorite cheese. It was definitely worth the money. Everything was counted out: 16 crackers, 16 slices of cheese. It was “artwork on a plate!” Crackers lined the outside with cheese beside it and fruit in the middle. Mom and I talked about my manners. She said I was good at being especially “proper” and “refined.” We had a good time.

Mom and Me at the Armory

I enjoyed my lunch, especially the cheese.

Mom and I then walked to Dobrá Tea, which was quite a short walk from the Armory. We sat on cushions on the floor. We agreed to order Touareg (a mint tea) and cheesecake, both of which were very exquisite. While we were at Dobrá Tea we decided to go shopping at the mall. Mom took lots of pictures of us at Dobrá Tea. We looked up French words and tried to find reasons to say them. Mom tried to imitate the barista who served us and gradually raised the teapot to about 15 inches above the cup while she poured. It was fun watching her.

I love Dobra Tea.

The Touareg was delicious.

At the mall Mom and I looked in three different stores until I found something I liked. With the particular style I appreciate, it’s hard to find clothes I like. In Macy’s I saw a dark gray sweater dress with short sleeves and a belt. I thought it could replace my black sweater dress that is getting too small. I thought it looked even better than my black one, so we bought it. Then we walked to Sports Authorities. Mom tried on a long-sleeved shirt, which I thought was cute. She didn’t fancy it, so we drove home.

This is my new dress.

I sang songs to Mom on our drive home, adding quick, silly lines to some parts, such as “You can count on my like 1-2-3, that doesn’t make sense…” It was very amusing to Mom, and I love when she laughs. I had a good time with her.

Brent suggested I take Jenna to the Armory Lounge at the Portland Regency Hotel. He was certain that Jenna would love it because it is fancy, and she loves anything fancy and sophisticated. When we walked in she commented about the elegant atmosphere and decór. It was quiet and dark, and we had the place to ourselves. Jenna walked around before deciding on the perfect table.

Jenna and me

Jenna was sold when I pointed out the fruit and cheese plate. She loves cheese and thought it sounded very fancy. I ordered the pear and basil martini which was surprisingly good. As soon as Jenna tried her water, an expression of amazement came over her face. She asked me if some water could taste better than other water. I told her that it could, and explained to her about filtration. She exclaimed, “This is the best water I’ve ever had!”

Jenna outside the Regency Hotel

My reuben came with French fries. When I offered some to Jenna she politely declined, telling me, “This place is too fancy to eat French fries.” She also mentioned that she liked the Armory better than Texas Roadhouse where there were peanut shells dirtying up the floor and loud noises of peanut shells being crushed. She was in awe when the waitress brought her lunch. She marveled at how “artistic” the presentation was with the cheese, crackers, and fruit. She exclaimed, “I think they must have counted out everything exactly, just like I do!” She discovered a new cheese: Gouda. It is now her favorite. When I asked Jenna if she would have liked the waitress to put the cloth napkin into her lap for her, she told me that would be overdoing it; she doesn’t want anyone in her personal space. She was obviously pleased with the Armory. She has always had discriminating taste, and I loved seeing her so delighted.

Jenna ruminates over her fruit and cheese plate.

Jenna developed an interest in tea and teahouses this past year. Since she discovered Dobrá Tea, it has been her favorite place to visit. She must know the entire menu and history of teas by now, and she took the liberty of ordering for us on our date. Her favorite is the Touareg, a Moroccan mint tea. She also selected the Matcha Green Tea Cheesecake, which was delicious. I enjoyed sitting on the cushions at the candlelit table with Jenna, talking to each other and enjoying each other’s company.

Jenna finds a comfortable position to relax at Dobra Tea.

Jenna tests her Touareg tea.

Jenna and I enjoying our tea

When we were finished Jenna asked if we could go shopping at the mall. She specifically wanted a new dress (of course). She was dismayed that all the clothes in her size were so “kiddish” and “faddish,” and she wanted something more “classy.” We finally found a nice sweater dress at Macy’s that she thought was perfect. I thought it looked very nice on her as well.

Jenna blows a kiss to her reflection in the dressing room.

Jenna has had the desire to learn to speak French, and thus has independently taught herself several words and phrases through books and websites. I remember some French from high school, and we sometimes will speak French to each other. Throughout our date we did this, and we even learned some new phrases, such as “vous êtes incroyable” (you are amazing) and “je suis d’accord” (I agree). I love Jenna’s expressiveness and passion. It was nice to have this quality time with her.

It was cold outside, so we first stopped at Starbucks to get some hot drinks to go. Skye ordered the eggnog latte, and I had a flavored espresso. In retrospect, we should have gone to Bard Coffee instead where the coffee is significantly better, but at least the beverages warmed us up as we embarked on our adventure in the chilly winter air.

Skye and me at Starbucks

Skye immediately wanted to go into Coastal Maine Popcorn Company which displayed a wide variety of flavored gourmet popcorn in the window. She loves popcorn, and I think she might still be excited about eating it after not being able to consume it for about a year and a half while she had braces. She tried some samples but then decided it wasn’t worth purchasing any.

We walked into Old Port Candy Company which sells an assortment of amazing handmade fudge and truffles, as well as other tasty, fun, and nostalgiac candies. We were both amused by all the bacon-flavored treats that have recently become popular.

Skye holds a bacon lollipop, one of the many unique bacon-flavored candies at Old Port Candy Company

It was fun to laugh and joke with Skye about some of the gifts and souvenirs we saw in the plethora of gift shops.

We thought these glasses were both disturbing and funny.

Skye brings a baboon marionette to life in one of the gift shops.

Skye recently discovered that she loved reubens, so Brent recommended we go to Rí Rá, an Irish pub, for lunch. Skye was very happy with the reuben there, as well as her sweet potato tater tots. I was disappointed that the “soup of the day” was not my favorite tomato dill, but I decided the curried carrot soup was just as delicious. I ordered my favorite salad with spinach, strawberries, walnuts, and feta cheese. We had a lovely view of Casco Bay upstairs. Skye was surprised and impressed when the waiter boxed up her leftover lunch himself. It was nice to sit down in a quiet setting with Skye and talk about her interests, concerns, and ideas, and to get to know her better without the normal daily distractions.

Skye enjoyed her lunch at Ri Ra.

About to eat my soup and salad.

We continued exploring the shops along Commercial street and discussing Skye’s love for photography and marine biology. Early during our walk Skye found a necklace with a turtle hatchling crawling out of its shell and fell in love with it. We returned to the shop where she’d seen it so that she could purchase it.

Skye walking down the sidewalk in Old Port

It was really nice to have the one-on-one time with Skye and to hear her concerns and thoughts about the changes, discoveries, and challenges she is encountering as she is approaching her teenage years. I appreciated her insight, and I love that she is comfortable disclosing with me her thoughts and feelings. I had fun laughing and talking with her throughout our date, and seeing her excitement about so many things that I often take for granted. She is such a sweetheart!

I really enjoyed talking with Hayley on the drive to Portland and hearing her perspectives and opinions about various subjects and issues. I am constantly impressed with her understanding and interpretation of complex concepts, and her memory is amazing. It is fun to debate with her; and she often challenges my own way of thinking. She is so much fun to hang out with!

My little Hayley and me

When we arrived at the children’s museum, Hayley chose to go down to the theater area which included a stage, costumes, puppet theater, and puppets. She was a little shy about putting on a puppet show by herself in front of strangers, but she quickly got over it and put on an enthusiastic performance. I then joined in with her, and we had a good time doing improv with various puppet characters.

Hayley's puppet show

One of Hayley’s favorite parts of the children’s museum is the pretend town. She concocted a story that connected working as a fire fighter, getting gasoline in a car, fishing on a lobster boat, shopping at a market, collecting eggs at a farm, and working as a veterinarian all together. I enjoyed playing with her and observing the way she combined her imagination with her understanding of reality.

Hayley the fire fighter

Hayley signed up for an activity which involved making homemade peppermint stick ice cream. She was fascinated by the process and eagerly answered questions that Jamie, the museum employee running the demonstration, asked the children in the group. The kids each took turns smashing the peppermint candies that were to go into the ice cream with a large mallet. During the few minutes it took for the ice cream to be ready to eat, they drew pictures of their favorite flavors.

Hayley vigorously crushes peppermint candies.

Hayley liked the ice cream she helped make.

We both enjoyed an exhibit that explores the science of motion. It offers opportunities to experiment with momentum, friction, and energy and to make and test hypotheses. I asked if she wanted to go to the tidepool touch tank to touch and observe marine creatures and learn about their adaptions. She declined, telling me that it wasn’t that awesome compared to the New England Aquarium to which have an annual membership.

Hayley spent a lot of time in an area dedicated to the process of sustainable forestry. She later told me this was her favorite part of our visit, especially climbing in the treehouse. I told her I didn’t think it looked that exciting, to which she smartly replied “You can’t say that because you never tried it.” She had a good point. :-)

We attended a final activity which involved learning about the science of snowflakes and included a memory game and making snowflakes out of paper. Hayey was proud of her snowflake with intricate cuts and designs.

Hayley enjoyed the snowflake activity.

Hayley's finished snowflake

Because Hayley loves to bake, we decided to end our date baking cookies from recipe that she has been wanting to try from a cookie magazine she had recently purchased. She put on the apron she ordered through her art class on which there is a picture she drew of me with a sheet of cookies and Brent with his iPad. I really enjoyed (as I always do) baking with Hayley. I loved seeing her figure out the ingredients and measurements, and watching her excitement with each step of the process. I could see why she chose this particular recipe because of the complexity of rolling out the dough, the ingredients (she LOVES white chocolate), and the artistic finish of decorating the cookies.

Hayley's tongue helps her concentration.

Hayley spreads melted chocolate on the cookies.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Hayley. She is always so happy, thoughtful, and appreciative. Her enthusiasm is always contagious!

Our cookies turned out pretty and delicious!

First when we got to the children’s museum, we went downstairs to the theater where I put on a puppet show for my mom. At first I was all quiet but after a while I became very playful and mommy jumped in and started putting on the play with me.

I put on a puppet show for Mom.

Mom joined in the puppet show.

Then we went back upstairs and we pretended that I was earning money as a fire fighter so I could go to the market. Then I needed to get gas on my way to the market. After that we finally got to the market and we shopped around but they were out of eggs so I had to go to the barn to get them. We had just put together a whole story about someone going to the market.

I slid down the fire pole for my fire fighter job.

I had fun shopping at the market.

Next we pretended I was a veterinarian helping a dog. The dog had a unknown disease and we could tell because it wasn’t eating. Someone put a little note and a egg in the vet’s mailbox and I pretended they put a egg there because they wanted us to raise the chick inside.

I helped the dog that wouldn't eat.

After that we pretended that we were fishermen. We caught lots of crabs and lobsters. We sold all of them to the market.

Then we went to the second floor and we played with some toys. The toys included a truck that carries logs, a road with holes around it for logs to stick up in as if they are trees, logs, and a log mill. We pretended that someone was in the truck that drove it to the road, chopped down the trees, put it in the back of the truck, drove it to the log mill, and put them in the log mill.

Next we went down two flights of stairs to an activity where we make homemade peppermint stick ice cream. We put peppermint candy in a bag, put a towel over it, crushed it with a mallet, put eggnog in a machine that freezes it and mixes it, and poured the pepperment in. The lady that was in charge of the activity gave us some of the peppermint ice cream. It was really good.

I enjoyed smashing the peppermint for the peppermint stick ice cream.

The homemade peppermint stick ice cream was yummy.

After that mom had to go put more money in the parking meter so she left me in the place closest to the entrance. It was where it had a bunch of balls and slides for the balls. One of the slides had two buckets spinning around at the bottom and you had to let the ball go at the right time so it lands in one of the buckets. Another one of the things there had two ramps, one that went straight down and the other with hills. You let a ball down at the same time at the top of each ramp and see which one gets to the bottom first. We had a lot of fun there.

Then we went back up two flights of stairs and I climbed a fake tree house a bunch of times because it was so fun to climb. Mom said it didn’t look that fun to climb but I said she couldn’t say that because she never tried it.

Next we went to a snowflake activity where we learned a little bit about them, played memory, and made snowflakes. First the lady in charge told us about snowflakes, like how they always have six arm thingys, and you can tell one snowflake is colder than another by how much more detail it has. Next we played memory with snowflake cards. Then I made a paper snowflake.

I made a very cold snowflake because of all the detail in it.

After that we came home, had baked potatos, and made cookies from a recipe in a baking magazine I just got. We made 3 elephant cookies and 17 star cookies. It was hard frosting them because the white chocolate frosting was getting hard fast.

I'm getting the white chocolate ready to spread on the cookies.

I'm decorating the cookies Mom and I made.

I loved my date with mom.

Family Photo for Festibond of 2011

On Festibond morning, my family and I all purposely matched the color of our outfits. We went to Crackel Barrel like we did last year. When we arrived, we were seated at a small table. The place was loud and bright. When the waitress came, it was interesting to hear how the girls ordered their food. I was impressed with how loudly, clearly, and politely Jenna spoke.  I was surprised at how quietly Hayley spoke, because she’s usually playful and loud. It was cute though, to hear her trying to speak up. I ordered scrambled eggs with cheddar, biscuits and jam, and turkey sausage like I had last year. The eggs were squishy and cheesy, the biscuits were warm and delicious, and the turkey sausage was chewy–better than I remembered. However, I think that next year we should go somewhere less noisy so that we can have a good conversation.

After we left Crackel Barrel and headed home, we read our letters to one another in my sisters’ and my room. I read my letters to each of my family members first. I loved the warm hugs I received after each letter. Of course, after I read Jenna’s letter I received a big kiss on the cheek; she is always theatrical and affectionate like that. Everyone had very nice and meaningful things to say.

Mom:

You are truly a sweetheart, Skye. Your willingness to actively listen to others demonstrates that you are a good friend and a caring person.

Jenna:

I love your eggs, and absolutely adore your omeletes. You are an amazing chef, therefore, you should work at Palace Diner (just kidding, be a marine biologist)! You seem to do it so easily without making mistakes. You seem to like cooking, too. I’m extremely lucky to have your famous omeletes.

Dad:

Never have I met a more affectionate person. There is never any doubt about your love, Skye. I appreciate the many hugs I get from you daily. You are sweet, good, fair, and sensitive to the needs and wants of those around you.

Hayley:

Please tell Katie you can’t sleep over because I miss you when you go to her house. You are one special sister and I have proof!

Dad sharing a hug with Jenna and her claws

Mom and Dad sharing a hug

Hayley reading her letters

Dad reads his letters on his iPad

Hayley and Mom sharing a hug

Hayley and Dad sharing hug

Dad an Mom enjoying Festibond

Later we started to play Guesstures; it was hard to talk, act, and eat at the same time, so we stopped. We discussed our next Festibond while consuming fudge, cookies, peppermint shortbread bites, crackers, summer sausage, apples, French bread, and various cheeses. After our discussion, we watched “The Smurfs” and played Pit and Uno Rummy-Up. Then around dinner time we made mini pizzas on French bread.

Festibond snacks!

I love our Festibond tradition. I will continue it with my kids when I grow up. All the activities we do for Festibond play a part in bringing us closer together as a family.

In preparation for Festibond, I did some baking with the girls. Each of them picked a treat they liked, and I baked with them each individually. Of course we also spent a lot of time writing our special Festibond letters to each other.

Sweethearts in love!

As we have done in the past, we went out to breakfast together. The Cracker Barrel wasn’t great, and I felt like we were being rushed. Next year we’ll look for a nicer, quieter place where we can enjoy each other as well as our meal.

The girls are ready to eat their breakfast at the Cracker Barrel

When we returned home, Brent still had to write his letter to me. We waited for him to finish before we gathered together to read our Festibond letters. Either he was having a hard time thinking of anything good to say about me, or I have so many great qualities that he didn’t know where to begin. ;-) Again this year the reading of the letters was the highlight of my Festibond. The thought and love expressed in each of the letters was touching. I loved how each of the girls’ and Brent’s personalities came through in their letters.

The following are excerpts from letters written to me:

Brent:

You’re going to be an amazing nurse. The girls notice your tireless dedication to your studies; your uncompromizing struggle to be your very best. It is a priceless example to the girls and the epitome of what it means to succeed, for which they will undoubtedly benefit throughout their lives.

Skye (12):

Your nursing skills are wonderful, especially because you are always studying. I like when you run tests on me. I appreciate that you take good care of us. It’s nice to know that there’s a nurse in the family.

Jenna (10):

You are talented at cooking. Every time I brought homemade treats to my fourth grade class, I tried not to brag that my mother made them. I eventually ended up bragging anyways.

Hayley (8):

You probably don’t remember this, but we went to Dad’s work while you were taking a nap. You went to work the night before and I rode the balance board and then talked to you on the phone. You said “Don’t fall off and break your leg,” and I said “Don’t fall off the bed and break your leg!” Now there’s a reason for you not to go to work at night. I miss you when you go to work.

Jenna gives Skye a hug after hearing Skye read her letter.

A daddy-daughter hug.

Hayley liked my letter to her.

A mother-daughter hug.

Jenna has discovered how much fun it is to punch her dad.

I love my Sweetheart!

After the reading of each letter, the writer and the person to whom the letter was directed would hug each other. I loved seeing the excitement and emotion on the girls’ faces as the letters were being read. Although there may be some things we change over the years, this tradition of the Festibond letters and hugs will always be the cornerstone of our holiday.

We ate our usual snacks which included slices of cheese, summer sausage, crackers, fruit, and baked goodies. We then played some of our favorite games: Uno Rummy Up, Pit, Hearts, and Guesstures. It was great fun, and interesting to see everyone’s different strategies and witness a little friendly competition.

Hayley and Jenna are ready to eat Festibond snacks.

After the games we watched The Smurfs. Jenna and Skye had seen it at the theater, and were certain that Hayley, Brent, and I would like it. Well, at least Hayley liked it. And although it was not my preferred genre, I enjoyed our time spent together and watching and listening to the girls laugh.

We ended the day making homemade pizzas on French bread. Brent and I were treated to a concert by the girls: Skye on the harmonica, Jenna on her violin, and Hayley on the recorder.

The girls perform a concert for us.

It was a wonderful day, and I treasured the quality time spent enjoying and appreciating my amazing family. I am looking forward to our Festibond dates, in which Brent and I separately take each of the girls on individual dates during the week surrounding Festibond. Stay tuned for blog posts about our upcoming dates! You can read Festibond posts from Brent, Skye, Jenna, and Hayley.

I got dressed and everything. I wore a pink skirt with a belt, white tights, a white collared button down shirt tucked in, leather boots, a ponytail and a rose clip in my hair.

I brought my lyrics book just in case I wanted to sing in the car. But I still suggested I wouldn’t need it, because I would be talking to Dad on the way to the Cinemagic movie theater.

When we got to Cinemagic, we bought our ticket and a medium popcorn. I liked the part at the end when Samantha hugged her father. I never understood why the movie is called “Little Fockers.”

Watching Little Fockers

Then Daddy and I drove (well, actually I didn’t drive–I rode) to Sea Dog Brewing Company. Sea Dog Brewing Company is a restaurant in South Portland, Maine. When we got in Dad asked me if I wanted to sit at the bar. Of course I replied with a “No.” We sat at one of the quiet tables. I ordered milk and enjoyed talking to Dad while waiting for the waitress to come back. When she did, I asked her for mac & cheese.  Later, when I saw what I ordered, there was purple lettuce and I think cucumber on the side.  Now I didn’t order sides, so I asked Dad why it was there.  Turns out it was decoration.  No wonder the lettuce was purple!  I ordered seconds of mac & cheese and a peanut butter and banana milkshake.  I couldn’t finish, so I gave the milkshake to Dad.

Say cheese to mac-n-cheese

My dad is handsome

Yum!

Daddy enjoyed the milkshake

Me and Daddy love each other

Daddy and I took a peppermint on the way out, and sang my favorite songs on the way home.  Our date together was so fun, and I look forward to the next date with Dad.

After the movie we went to Margarita’s for dinner. I had a kid’s taco, and Dad got Margarita’s Famous Taster. My taco was wicked delish! Dad asked if I was going to order fried ice cream, but I didn’t know what that was. I tried it. It was crispy on the outside and just like plain vanilla ice cream on the inside, with honey on top. It was pretty good except it had too much honey. I’m not going to get honey next time.

I like the Festibond tradition of going on dates. I like spending alone time with my parents. I enjoyed my date with Daddy. We talked about a lot of interesting things like photography. For example, when the waitress took a picture of Dad and me, we talked about how the lights in the restaurant make the background look red in the picture.