The Starlight foundation treated us to a San Francisco 49'ers game at Candlestick Park. We were surprised by the gorgeous sunny weather and happily left our winter coats in the car. Isabel and Gabriel really got into the spirit, cheering when Alan cheered and were very impressed by the Blue Angels that soared overhead at the start of the game. I left with the kids at half time, full of sunshine and popcorn.

We spent a fun morning sledding on some man made snow (shredded blocks of ice covering a downtown street)! Since it never actually snows here, it's a fun experience to give the kids. They had a great time.

Isabel put on a Native American presentation in her classroom, featuring some wonderful artwork. It was set up like a museum and the parents strolled by each display while the students described what they were looking at. Here she is explaining how "the Coast Miwok people used nets to catch food. They would trade shells for arrowheads, food and clothing. They would also wear shells as necklaces and use for decorations. "

Isabel showing the kotchas and sweat house.

She described how the granary was used and the different uses for animal fur.

We went to the movies to celebrate. I told Isabel to give the chipmunk a kiss. She had other ideas.

Gabriel followed suit.

First the bad news. Alan totaled his car in a vicious accident last night.

Alan had been on his way home around midnight from an employee party when it happened. He was driving down Nicasio Valley road (which is windy but he's been driving it every day for seven years) when he took a turn (going the speed limit) and his car suddenly fishtailed, spinning him around and slamming him into one tree, then another and another. He finally crashed head first into a fence post. He didn't get home until 4 in the morning. I had been worried about him because he never called to let me know where he was or if he was spending the night at the country club where he works. It was disconcerting that my phone calls wouldn't go through to his cell phone since he was on the back roads and out of cell phone range.

A woman heard the crash and found him standing dazed next to his car. She let him use her house phone to call a tow truck. It took two hours for the tow truck to arrive and another hour and a half for him to get home. Alan is bruised and achy but overall he's fine. We spent our bill money getting it towed to our house. He really could have died so I'll take the financial hit with relief.

Thank God he's alright.

Now for the good news. Alan was well enough to attend Gabriel's pumpkin pie social this morning in his kindergarten class. We were treated to many songs, one in sign language, and each child showing their art work and reciting what they were thankful for.


Gabriel is a sweet, compassionate boy.

Then it was time to enjoy the homemade pumpkin pies that Alan had made with the children earlier in the week.

I left the kids playing board games with Alan while I slipped out and enjoyed an exhilarating night out watching the Pixies in concert!

Isabel's blood counts are perfect again. She had the lead in the class play today and did so well. I was smiling through the whole thing watching how totally rad she was. She was acting her 7 year old heart out, totally cool up there and loving every minute of it, catching my eye and smiling hard, just full of joy. Isabel had a great experience and has many more performances to look forward to. It was so fun. Gabe sat on my lap in the front row while I videotaped with one hand and took photos with my other! Total mom dork and loving it.

Her second/third grade class put on the play of Dr. Seuss' The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins. Isabel played the part of a magician during the first show and the played the part of Bartholomew Cubbins in the second show.




Isabel as Bartholomew Cubbins, nervous and excited behind the curtain.






She had a great time. She thought it was really fun and can't wait to act again!

After the show, the parents hosted a wonderful cast party in the classroom. Look at these adorable cake hats made by one mother!

We had 20 gold balloons with stars attached with each child's name, date and character written in gold.




Isabel's teacher was so happy he literally stood on his head, to everyone's delight!


Bravo, Isabel!