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.

We bowled at Bayside Bowl for an hour. Jenna used the lane bumpers, but got good enough that she wasn’t using them much. She asked for lots of bowling tips, and I gladly gave her my best advice. One thing I love about Jenna is her dedication to perfection and perseverance. Many times she made her approach only to stop, reset and try again. She makes me very proud.

Brent's perfect bowling form

Jenna did very well at bowling

After two games Jenna was tired of bowling, even though we still had sixteen minutes left of the hour for which we’d paid. She sat and enjoyed her Shirley Temple while I bowled alone.

Jenna's Shirley Temple

While we bowled, Jenna and I shared many high-fives and hugs. It was great fun.

Jenna and Brent at Bayside Bowl

After bowling we enjoyed a meal at one of Jenna’s favorite restaurants, Texas Roadhouse. We both ordered steak. After a few bites, Jenna said she was full. We talked about her relationships with her sisters, homeschool, playing the violin, and many other topics. It was great to get to know her better, and to learn the things about her she wouldn’t otherwise share.

One of the fun aspects of Texas Roadhouse is that they offer free shelled peanuts, and let the guests throw the shells on the floor. Jenna is generally very clean and conscientious, so throwing anything on the floor isn’t really in her DNA. I encouraged her to give it a try, and after a protracted protest, she relented and flung a shell on the floor several feet away. Then she giggled. It was fun.

My strawberry margarita at Texas Roadhouse

When I had finished eating Jenna ordered a Big Ol’ Brownie, then proceeded to eat the entire thing. I guess we’d talked long enough for her to regain her appetite.

Jenna and her Big Ol' Brownie

On the way home Jenna sang me lots of songs, which was indescribably wonderful to hear. She has a gorgeous voice, and is very expressive with her singing.

I love Jenna very much. She’s a wonderful person with a fun personality and many admirable qualities. It was great to have a daddy-daughter date with her as part of our Festibond tradition.

Dad bowling

Jenna bowling

When I was renting bowling shoes, I checked my sneaker to see my shoe size, but there was no number. A long time ago I was at a birthday party at Vacationland Bowling with my friend Kaitlin. I faintly remember I got size 5 or 5 1/2. Somewhere around 5. So I decided to get size 5, and it fit almost like I was born to wear them. I’m going to get 5 1/2 next time.

Jenna and Brent at Bayside Bowl

After I borrowed a size 8 ball, Dad and I were ready to bowl. We both played two games with each other, both of which were full of high fives and hugs. Dad gave me lots of bowling tips. Even so, Dad won both games. By the time we finished, there were sixteen minutes left. Dad ordered me a Shirley Temple, which was surprisingly strong but very delicious. Dad got two drinks. Then he played two games by himself. He let me try a couple times without the bumpers, and on one roll I knocked nine pins without bumpers. Dad is fun to bowl with. He is probably so good because he took a bowling class in college.

Jenna bowled well

After Bayside Bowl Dad and I went to Texas Roadhouse, a restaurant supporting Texas. It has uncountable cowboy decorations lining the walls, and the main food is steak, and the most delicious rolls I’ve ever tried.

Jenna at Texas Roadhouse

I ordered a steak with cheese on it, and no side, with water, while Daddy ordered a steak with mushrooms and cheese, fries on the side, a caesar salad and two strawberry margaritas.

Jenna loves steak

Me and my Daddy talked to each other a lot. I felt like Dad was my age, and I could tell him anything. Dad even asked what me and my younger sister fight about. We had a magnifiques time (magnifiques means magnificent in French).

For dessert I ordered a Big Ol’ Brownie. My dad said I had to order it in an accent, which I was nervous to do, but I did anyway. The brownie was basically a circular brownie with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, drizzled with chocolate syrup. It was done very well.

Jenna and her Big Ol' Brownie

On the way home I sung Dad some songs I memorized. I love singing. And I loved our date. And most of all, I love Dad.

I always imagined homeschool like public schools, but at home. Instead, I’m on my own. That’s probably what I’m not used to. Already several people at school that I see when I go to art or strings are very confused when they see that I have a visiter badge.

I’m going to be home schooled until high school. I spend my time with my violin, researching, and reading, and math.

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.

We sat in the middle of a mostly empty theater and shared a medium popcorn while we watched “Little “Fockers.” It was mostly dumb, but Jenna seemed to enjoy it and told me several times how much she enjoyed being on a date with me.

Little Fockers

After the movie we drove to South Portland to have dinner at Sea Dog Brewing Company. When I suggested we go to her favorite restaurant, Applebees, she said it’s not her date, it’s our date, and politely declined. Jenna, predictably, ordered macaroni and cheese and then ordered it again when the first bowl was empty. She so enjoyed the “Elvis” shake she got from Silly’s on her date with Kirsten that we asked our waitress, Molly, to make her a peanut butter and banana milkshake. She was stuffed by the time we left.

Macaroni and cheese, please

Our conversation at dinner and in the car was very nice. Jenna told me she had calculated the date she can remove her starter earrings and wear her new hoop earrings to be February 14, the date of her Valentine’s party at school. The starter earrings must stay in, she was instructed, for six weeks. Furthermore, she reported, she got her earrings in the afternoon so wouldn’t be able to change them out until the afternoon–after school. She was elated when I told her it would be okay if she switched to the hoop earrings on the 13th. I like being a problem solver.

Fixated on fixing her hair

We talked about school, friends, her writing club, sisters and other topics while we ate.

Daughter and Daddy

On the drive home I found “The Sound of Music” soundtrack on my iPhone’s Rhapsody app and we sang her favorite songs together. It was pure bliss. As soon as she was in bed I ordered her the CD, which arrived today.

The Sound of Music on Rhapsody

My date with Jenna was a lot of fun. Our close relationship was strengthened further as we talked, hugged, held hands, laughed and sang together.

Showing off our French manicures

We went to lunch before our appointment. I’ve been wanting to try Silly’s on the East End in Portland. It has a wide variety of crazy and interesting menu items with equally creative names. Jenna and I both enjoyed our milkshakes. She ordered the “Elvis” (peanut butter and banana) and I had the “Twist and Stout” (Guinness). Not only does Jenna love Elvis Presley (almost as much as Michael Jackson), but she loved the peanut butter and banana combination.

Jenna loved her "Elvis" shake

At Fabu we were greeted warmly by the manicurists who introduced themselves and offered us something to drink. The spa was very nice with a great atmosphere and a lovely view of the Portland harbor. They brought Jenna and I to little tables next to each other. I could sense Jenna’s excitement and anticipation as she laid her hands on the towel and gazed at all the tools, bowls, and various polishes. We both got the signature French manicure. The coconut lime scrub, soak, and the hand massage with coconut lime lotion all felt wonderful. I enjoyed looking over at Jenna and seeing her delight and amazement. She and her manicurist were involved in an engaging conversation. I overheard Jenna asking her several questions. One of them was “How much money do you make?” Her manicurist laughed a little, and said “Enough.” She then explained that it was always different depending on her clients and number of appointments.

Jenna getting her French manicure

The ladies effortlessly and expertly finished our nails, and we were led over to hand dryers to dry them. We were both very happy with our manicures. Jenna noticed another client getting a pedicure and soaking her feet in a tub. Jenna asked if we could go back sometime to do a pedicure and a facial as well. I could tell she had really enjoyed it, and I would love to take her back.

Jenna drying her nails

After our manicure we headed to the mall. We gave each of the girls a set amount of money to spend on their dates with us. Jenna wanted to spend her money to pick out clothes. While we were walking through the Gap a Michael Jackson song started playing, and Jenna couldn’t resist dancing to it. Michael Jackson is her favorite singer. Jenna is very particular about clothing (and about everything else) and didn’t find any clothes she liked.

Jenna grooves to Michael Jackson in the Gap

Brent, Skye, and Hayley met us at the mall to watch Jenna get her ears pierced. Skye had given Jenna a gift card for ear piercing at Claire’s for Festibond. Jenna was very excited to have it done, but when she sat in the chair and looked at the gun she was understandably a little nervous. After the lady pierced the first ear Jenna was visibly surprised, yet she was amazingly tough and maintained her composure. She already has plans to wear hoop earrings when it is time to remove the studs. They look great!

Jenna's new jewelry...and piercings

I had a wonderful time with Jenna. I look forward to future outings together and enjoying her delightful personality and company.

We went to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Their pancakes were awesome! At Cracker Barrel they had a game called “Pegs” that you could play while waiting for food. It was extremely challenging and fun.

After breakfast we went to Staples to publish our Festibond booklets. Then we wrapped presents at home. We were prepared to bond.

Putting together the Festibond booklets

I was amazed at Hayley’s letters. She put a lot of thought into them. I don’t know where she got her good ideas!

As we went through reading letters and exchanging gifts, the hugs and kisses were very loving and tight. I sure did like the look on Skye’s face when she opened the present from me to her. I gave her a small purple brush and a framed mirror I painted and decorated with a sea theme and Skye’s name. I was happy to see there were no frowns during the bond (of course), and all smiles instead!

Skye loves my gift

After the bond came a snack of cheese and crackers and homemade sweets, including lemon bread, cookies and chocolate peanut butter bars.

As my family and I know, the letter tradition is a very important part of Festibond, so I think we shouldn’t change it for at least a decade. I look forward to the next Festibond.

The Dyer Library here in Saco hosted a Harry Potter Extravaganza: a film premier party for the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” Jenna was especially excited about it because she has been reading and enjoying the Harry Potter series. She just started the seventh and final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.”

The Harry Potter Extravaganza was well done, and the girls had a good time. They had their fortunes told by Professor Trelawney, played games, colored Harry Potter pictures, and made wands. Hayley dressed as Hermione Granger, Jenna dressed up as Cho Chang, and Skye as Ron Weasley. The girls even convinced me to dress up as Professor McGonagall.

Cho, Ron, and Hermione

Professor Trelawney (in background) just told Jenna's fortune.

Coloring

Professor McGonagall, Professor Trelawney, and the head of the Slytherin house conducted a “sorting ceremony.” The kids each appeared in front of them, announced their character name, and were then sorted to the appropriate Hogwarts house. When Skye introduced herself, she said “Bloody hell, I’m Ron Weasley!” (in a British accent) Everyone laughed. She won two Cinemagic movie tickets for best costume, and decided she would bring Brent to see the upcoming Harry Potter film.

Skye being sorted into the Gryffindor house

Professor Trelawney, Professor McGonagall, and head of the Slytherin house conducting the sorting ceremony

Jenna as Cho Chang during the sorting ceremony

At one station the kids were instructed to estimate the number of jelly beans (“Bertie Bott’s Beans”) in three different jars. Hayley correctly guessed amount of beans (300) in the largest jar, and won the jar of beans. She’s quite the little math whiz! She was so excited. When she told Brent about it later, she said she “earned” the beans.

Hayley estimates the number of Bertie Bott's Beans in the jar.

Hayley and her prize

Skye enjoys the cauldron cakes, acid pops, licorice wands, and pumpkin juice.

We love the library, and usually go twice a week. The Dyer library does a great job with their programs. It’s nice that we can walk there, too. :-)