1.21.2011

Anne Frank and I


This year Avery and I had the opportunity to see the play "Anne Frank and I". I was a little hesitant taking Avery at age 8 but she had recently read the book "Number the Stars" and knew a lot about the Holocaust. I didn't know when the play would return to Orlando so I decided to go for it. The play was amazing but the part that hit me most was meeting a Holocaust survivor after the play. She told us her story and I will NEVER forget it. She was an amazing person and what she lived through I can only imagine. Avery wanted to get a picture with her. There aren't too many Holocaust survivors anymore and this was a rare opportunity. The little boy clinging to her is her grandson. She pulled me close and said "This is why I wanted to live" and looked down at him. I think we all live and breathe for our families. I am so thankful to live in a place and time where I have the freedom to be with my family and live in the moment. She definitely made me want to cherish every waking moment I have with my family. She was such an amazing lady, so full of life. This was a day I will never forget and I am so thankful that I had this experience with Avery.

1.20.2011

Mt Dora Art Festival

Who doesn't love a little art festival in their lives? We decided to go to the Mount Dora Art Festival this year. It's one of the biggest art festivals in Florida and we wanted to be pART (get it, yes I'm a dork) of it. What a treat! The kids enjoyed free face painting and ice cream at the local ice cream shop. We had our first fried Oreo- it was actually quite tasty. Kevin and I got free back massages (I was a little hesitant, but so glad I decided to do it!) The art was incredible to look at and the local musician we listened to was fantastic. We bought a c.d. and I still haven't stopped listening to it. He had 3 albums and I wish I bought all 3 but only ended up with one.The kids loved painting on a huge mural they set up in the park. They cried and whined when we made them stop. It was such a treat! We'll be back next year :)