Cheer-acolypse!

Oh my gosh...this weekend we had our first cheer competition. Being a good social butterfly, Gia has been involved in a number activities, dance class, softball, soccer. I really thought I was prepared for this--we've been going to practice every Thursday since November.

I wasn't.

Not. even. remotely.
I should have known when I saw the prep...

I learned it is possible to feel excitement, amazement, revulsion and boredom all at the same time. I was amazed by the stunts that these little kids were doing--I mean they really got Francesca up there!!

But the outfits and makeup...well, we know the girls loved it.

It's not unlike watching Iron Chef (the real one, from Japan) when they are doing a really weird food, you are familiar with all the pieces (those are chefs, a grill, food) but not how it goes together (sea urchin ice cream??) and ultimately, its too long to watch who wins so you change the channel.

This was one of two tables of trophies. There were WAY more teams than trophies. That's a lot of routines to watch. (and to be honest, we did not stay the whole day!)

This was skating right on the edge of being too much for me to handle; the girls however--barely impressed.

After her routeine, I tried to have a 'moment' with Gia to tell her how proud I was; she was amazing! I honestly was impressed

Umm, yeah. I got a Lollipop!! Can I have it?! can i? canIcanIcanIcanIplease?

I can't wait for the next one! (fortunately I won't have to--its in a couple of weeks!)

Shnitzel!

Our new favorite cartoon is Chowder.

It centers around a magical chef and his family. All the characters have food names--Panini, Truffle, Gazpacho. The writing is plenty witty enough to keep the adults among us entertained (the main character, Chowder, has a pet called Kimchi that is a little stink cloud--genius!)

Plus the skits are interspersed with trippy dancing fruits and other foods. Particulary fun when you're all hopped up on Sudafed and Advil. Plus I love that Gianna asks me about new foods; last trip to the grocery store, she suggested we buy an Endive to try.

Mike's favorite is Shnitzel--who is described as a rock monster.





He is a sous chef in the kitchen. Like Coco on Foster's Home, his speech is limited-yet he has no trouble expressing himself. Mike clearly idenitfies with him for this reason (radda, radda?).


So, being the uber-mom that I am, I made him a Shnitzel from a grey t-shirt (note the apron-hellooo...props anyone?). He was not all that impressed. :(



It does come in handy for smothering your sister I suppose.