Big Fancy Fun Stuff!

Last week, Alex was in New York at a conference for all the state teachers of the year, so PaDa came out to help me with the kiddos (thank you, Dad!!!). Here's a glimpse of him and Kal bonding, on the balcony at my parents' Oceanside condo.




Then, this weekend was the 2009 "Salute to Teachers" in San Diego, the formal, Oscars-style, televised show at which Alex was crowned a San Diego County Teacher of the Year last year, beginning his award odyssey that ended at the White House this spring. At this year's show, Alex got to be a presenter (and a rapper!), and (in my unbiased opinion) stole the show.

As a holiday present to us, my mom came out and joined Dad for the weekend, they got us a room at the beautiful U.S. Grant hotel across the street from the theatre, then stayed with the kids during the show so I could attend with Alex! It was a wonderful time, a gorgeous venue, and though we are thoroughly pooped, well worth all the effort. (Thank you!!)

Here we are, all "fancy," as Sen says, getting ready for the big show:








The morning after the show, our dear friends Karen & Eric (& baby Katya) met us at Balboa Park to say hello and witness Sen's first carousel ride -- and take a little train ride with us as well! A perfect way to cap off the big weekend.









Once again, great photos snapped by J. David Pincus. :)