Sunday Jello

Kassidy gave up jello for Lent, but apparently you are allowed a reprieve on the Sabbath. 

Everybody seems happy about that.

Stormy Weather

We are in the middle of almost a full week of forecast rain.

We have already had a bunch of soccer games and practices cancelled, but the kids still find a way to get outside.

Bedtime Reading..

Every night I start out in Keira's room with a book, move to Kassidy's, and then finish up with the boys.

Here is what we are currently reading:

Keira is obsessed with the "Little House" books, and we are looking to send her to Prairie camp this summer. 

She already has a sun bonnet.

I just started reading "Oz" with Kassidy. 

It is a little out there, but that fits her well.

First time reading this classic for me, and the boys are enjoying it. But for the next book I am definitely picking one written in more modern English.

I read "Norse Gods" with them before this one, and that was also a hassle to pronounce.

Starring Katharine

Here are some recent videos that we have shot for various auditions and such:

Rain Day

All of the soccer games were rained out this morning, so everybody is home and inside.

Sherman is pretty happy about that..

Super Times

Katharine and I watch Supergirl together every week.

Iria is usually with us, curled up in a blanket on the side with Sherman on top of her, both of them slowly falling to sleep..

Gold Medalist

The Olympics are all good and well enough, but nothing beats the annual Texas Ballet Theater Performance Awards for those who strive for the gold.

Keira picked up her first gold this year, and we are super proud of her.

She worked really hard to earn it, even practicing while brushing her teeth the night before.

Katharine also did great, earning a gold "with distinction".

Here is Keira with her friends Kaile and Mercy.

Tristan and Lennon

We all went to Tristan's birthday party yesterday. 

Tristan is one of Lennon's best friends on the team, and is also home-schooled.

Earlier that day Lennon scored a goal off of a Tristan assist, so they make a great pair on the field as well.

Head Shot

Katharine needed a head shot for some upcoming auditions, so I shot a temp one for her this weekend.

Such a pretty girl :)

School in Session

Eager Eater

Happy Birthday, Katharine!

Happy birthday to Katharine, are perfectly wonderful daughter. 

She's the one without the hairy face :)

Katharine Q&A:

Favorite subject in school: geography/human geography

Least favorite subject in school: math

Katharine sketches every day, creating new characters and also drawing from life.

Katharine has an art instagram account: katsketch_

Favorite video game: Sims 4

Katharine is staying up later and sleeping later.

Favorite iphone app: Disney Magic Kingdom

Favorite youtuber: Liza Koshey

Favorite food: pizza

Least favorite food: squash

Katharine is a vegetarian, making exceptions for hot dogs and swedish meatballs.

Which fictional character would you want as a real life friend: Herminone Granger

In five years: Studying musical theater and visual arts

In ten years: having a successful career in one or both of them

In twenty years: married with a few kids and still following my career path

What new thing do you want to try to do this year: musical theatre

Likes to say: a positive and enthusiastic "Oh Mom"

Political issue that you care about: civil rights

Friends: Barbara, Abby, Rachel, Maya

What do you do best: singing, dancing, and drawing

What are you absolutely terrible at: gymnastics and any other sport

Favorite song: The Skyler Sisters

Favorite TV show: Supergirl and The Good Place

Favorite artist: Glen Keane and Dad :)

Favorite movie this past year: Wonder Woman

How many times she re-read Harry Potter in the last year: only re-read two individual books last year

What 3 things would you bring with you to a deserted island: sketchbook/phone/Sherman

Favorite thing to do with Kassidy: being a big sister

Favorite thing to do with Keira: being a big sister

Favorite thing to do with Lennon: deep conversations

Favorite thing to do with Lukas: video games

Favorite thing to do with Mom: talking

Favorite thing to do with Dad: talking

Where do you most want to go on a trip to: New York City

Katharine pooled all of her birthday money together and is saving up for an iPad pro.

Favorite thing to do in summer: taking a break from school

Birthday meal: Glorias

Christmas Lights

I found this photo on my camera roll today. I'm not sure who took it, but I like it :)

Guitar Heroine

Keira picked up the guitar last weekend and started to jam on some tunes, inspired by an impromptu lesson from Sam.

Hope it sticks- she was good!

Open Doors

The doors are always open at the Martels, which is extra nice when there are frousins in town.

Emperor

Keira made a felt doll penguin, naming him "Emperor".

She then made him an igloo and a car, which requires 6 ice cubes for fuel.

Don't worry about it getting soggy- the ice cubes are made out of folded paper :)

Indoor Zoo

It's cold outside, so it is nice to have an indoor zoo to visit- courtesy of Lukas, Keira, Kassidy and Lennon.

Love the cat exhibit!

Happy New Year!

Celebrating New Years Eve with frousins and friends.