The Collins Clan: January 2009

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Look What I Can Do!

Friday was "Look What I Can Do" day at Riley's new school. All parents were invited to check out the activities the children perform regularly in class. It was really cute to see all the kids in their element...they were each so proud to show off!

Riley's friend Anna teamed up with us because neither of her parents were able to attend. She and Riley took turns picking out things/activities to show us.

Anna and Riley complete a puzzle map of
North America and Mexico.

Riley was so proud of her work!

Anna and Riley place numbers on their mat.

Making great progress...

What teamwork!

Anna tries cursive first...

Then Riley gives it a try...

Success!

Trying a "t."

Tightening screws.

Rolling up her activity mat--she posed
for this and insisted we take her picture.

At the end of the hour, Riley was upset to see us go--I think she thought we would be staying with her all day. She was quite upset, but one of the teachers helped to calm her down so we could leave. She and the teacher made muffins especially for us that she gave us when I picked her up later that afternoon. So sweet!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Bodies in Atlanta and a Tattoo

Last Friday, Charles, Riley, George and I went to "Bodies...The Exhibition" at Atlantic Station in downtown Atlanta. The exhibit is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!! Riley loved every minute of it, too. I'm glad she liked it because I was a bit worried that she might find it too graphic for her five-year-old brain.

Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos of the exhibit. If you've not been, or if you aren't sure what the exhibit is like, here's a video that shows much of what is on display (be sure your speakers are on)...

We had a great lunch afterward in Atlantic Station and then George took us to a great little shop, Liberty Tattoo, so I could get a tattoo I've been thinking about for several months now.

Rye and Charles watching me get settled in the chair.

Riley can't believe her crazy mommy.

Just after Bill finished the tattoo.

After the bandage came off.

All cleaned up.
This is the druid symbol for the holly tree.

I'll end with some random photos Charles took of Riley while he was playing with his camera settings. He's taking classes from the New York Institute of Photography.

What a nice pose.

Well, that didn't last long...

Now she's just plain goofy...

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Crazy Christmas

Wow, the holidays went by in a blur! It was a very busy time for us, but we had fun. On Riley's birthday, the 24th, Jack and Nancy came up to celebrate her big day and to celebrate Christmas with us.