Dancin

Late Winter and all into Spring, Amara spent Wed afternoons at a Tap/Jazz class. As always, I follow the kids lead. Amara had asked to join a dance class and so we signed up with a school in Hercules.  

Each week, she learned some moves in preparation for a dance show in June. When she started, Amara was gung ho about the class ; she would practice at home, putting on a weekly evening show for us.  She loved her tap shoes and she could be seen moving through the house, the kindle playing music in the background.

Amara was even more thrilled for the Madonna style custom costume she got to wear for the big recital (she had not idea who Madonna was, however) that the teacher was having them work towards. And while Amara was happy to have participated in learning to dance for a performance, it got repetitive only learning one dance. Amara wanted to learn more moves. As a parent, who spent money and lots of time and driving energy to/from class, I felt they could have done more overall learning and then time focused on their performance. Being the assertive communicator I am, I shared this information with the school at the end. Amara's teacher (who we loved and was on point as teacher) thought Amara was the ideal student. She could tell Amara practiced weekly and I am sure she would have liked to seen her continue on. I am hopeful that my feedback may encourage a shift in teaching dance vs. teaching dance to do only a performance, if that makes sense.

Still, Amara was excited and anxious about the Big Dance Day; her nerves got the best of her prior but once she got down to rehearsal (and had lunch!), she was on point. Amara only had one number to do but being on a big stage in front of an auditorium would be hard for even a seasoned performer. Amara did awesome and we were all so proud of. To make it even better, Nana was visiting so she got to join us and it was Don and I's 10th wedding anniversary. It was a perfect way to spend it; watching our shining pearl dance away.

Cassini Ranch

A whole heap of Coughlin and Millers (first cousins, aunts, great aunt, uncles, significant others), recently spent the weekend together at Cassini Ranch up on the Russian River. It was part bike trip (some of the family road from Vallejo up into Sonoma and back to Berkeley) and part celebration of my brother-in-law Tim's 70th. It was a sweet collaboration of bike riding, canoeing, cooking and just plain ole' hangin out.  Being off-line, in nature, with family was a perfect way to spend some summer days. 

A magnificent Bay Laurel graced the yard of our campsite and made for a perfect place for the littlest cousins to hide in.

 

Ms. Amara learned to ride her bike on this trip, which was a huge milestone (check out this blog post for photos on that! http://rubiesandpearls.typepad.com/my-blog/2016/07/two-wheelin.html) and we ended the weekend by heading to Jenner and then down breathtaking highway 1 for a bit. Seals, a stop at a farmers market and lots of cow and horse a long the way wrapped up a lovely weekend. 

Two Wheelin

When Amara turned eight she wanted a bike  for her birthday. Amara was thrilled to wake up on her eighth birthday to find a new bicycle waiting. However when reality set in, and she had to learn how to ride it, well that was a different story. Amara tends to be skittish of new things. (that's putting it very mildly). Don put training wheels on her new bike and we both took turns taking her out learn.  It's didn't go well Amara is a bit of perfectionist and she is, skittish. I don't think we made it out more than ten times in the past year.  And I was okay with that; I have long felt that following a child's lead works best (in most situations!) because when they are ready, they will learn.

Fast forward a month past her ninth birthday and Amara decided she wanted to truly learn to ride her bicycle. Don took her out a few times (still on training wheels) with some success. This past weekend, when we were preparing to go camping with Don's side of the family, we packed her bike up so she could continue practicing. Amara had her doubts that she would ride without those training wheels but when we got the campsite and two little girls about her age rode by on their bikes, I caught the flicker in her eye. I know my girl and I knew what she was thinking; If they could do it, so can I. And I am not exaggerating when I say that within thirty minutes of seeing those girls ride by, Amara had on her helmet and sneakers, her dad at her side and off they went; training wheels still on. Not twenty minutes later, as our large group of about twenty four, hung out in the yard, there went Amara, riding by, with her training wheels off the ground, dad not holding off and a grin a mile wide. Our whole family broke out in a loud cheer; Amara did it! She had learned to ride a bike. 

That Amara, she really is, something else. When she puts her mind to something, and walks through her fear she is an unstoppable force. 

Summer Art Camp (RAC) 2016

Amara and Havana recently finished summer camp at the Richmond Art Center. That makes summer #4 for Big Sis and summer #2 for little Sis.  And once again, the RAC has been one of the highlights of summer.  For Havana, who has natural artist ability, we saw her gift grown significantly. Havana learned about color blending, improved her hand coordination with drawing and painting and made some beautiful art as a result.  Amara, she became much more confident in her own ability to create. We saw significant progress for her as well. Her ability to hone in to fine detail allowed her to focus some of her expansive mental energy. It was lovely to see the end results in both their art work and increased level of their skills.

We love the RAC but sadly, this may be our last year. There was some painful glitches in organization that almost got in the way of even attending our favorite summer camp. There was the unfriendly and confusing website/sign up, which was too time consuming, the changes in schedules (it was great camps were shorter, with 1-2 week camps with different morning and afternoon camps) but that meant it was out of reach financially and logistically to do the full 3 weeks like we had in the past. The RAC has always been extremely generous with their scholarships (which allows so many of us to even attend) and for that I am most grateful, but when they cancelled Havana's morning camp with just two days notice, I wondered who was making such decisions (what a challenge that was to working parents who plan months in advance for their kids). When I attempted to get Havana, unsuccessfully, into Amara's class, the director didn't even have the courtesy to call me back after we had spoken and he said he would. That was disappointing. I was left with the feeling from staff that they didn't care.  Most upsetting however was that one of the kids (and not just ours) favorite teachers was no longer working at the RAC (we were relieved that Lisa was still there). The girls ended up loving their new teacher but it was sad to that a beloved art teacher, who had been there a long time, had been let go. Like everything in life, however, I tried to use this as a learning experience. Havana had to sit with deep disappointment. Both girls had to accept change (new teachers) and I had to try once more to be patient and let go. No easy task.

Those things aside, working on their craft and having fun in the process, while also making new friends, stood out and made for another wonderful summer art camp.  Whether we continue next summer or not, we have several years of great memories and permanent lessons and skills that will continue.

Father's Day at Drakes Bay

Don decided last minute, that on Father's Day, we would take a drive up to Pt. Reyes.  Initially resistant to the long drive and quick packing of snacks and swim bag, my mind quickly changed once we headed off the 101 and hit the peaceful and picturesque back roads towards the coast. Through Lucas Valley and further West, we all thoroughly enjoyed the quiet beauty of the California Coast.

The girls as usual found themselves fully immersed in all things sea and sand. Climbing, jumping, exploring the wonders of nature with their beloved Papa. It was a perfect day.