Tween.

For those of you unfamiliar with the definition of a tween, it refers to the brief period of time between the ages of 9 and 13 (at which point one becomes an official teen).  We didn't make such distinctions when I fell into this category (three thousand moons ago), but it truly is a remarkable time. You're not quite a kid, and not yet an adolescent. You still like a lot of the toys you grew fond of during childhood, but you're also doing crazy stuff like taking ballroom dancing at school where you have to (eek!) touch a girl's hand (and you kinda think she's not all that icky). You still need your parents' help with a lot of things but you also think you know way more about cool music than they do and you're surprised that yes, in fact, your mom does know what Gangnam Style means.

Long story short, I love this little gentleman-in-the-making. I've always believed he was amazing and it's a privilege to watch him morph from little boy into young man.  

(And yes Cavan, mommy is crying tears of joy again.)

Ten Bucks If You Pick Out the Class Clown.

All jokes aside, I've known most of these kids since Kindergarten and have seen them mature and become little ladies and gentlemen. I'm amazed and impressed with their intelligence, kindness and individual talents. Cavan thinks its funny that I cry at school presentations but one day that little whippersnapper will understand the miracle of watching a child grow. (Mom, you can wipe that smug grin off your face now. I stand corrected!)

xx

WANTED: For International Naughtiness.

If you spot one of these two wily rascals please contact your local authorities immediately. Be forewarned: they are extremely charming, crafty and skilled in the art of persuasion.  We're told they're attempting to obtain passports (hence the photos), leading law enforcement to believe they intend to expand their crime syndicate. If you come into contact with them please do not attempt to take matters into your own hands. Their knowledge of naughtiness knows no bounds.

Note: the one on the right is especially dangerous.

Three little monkeys splashin' in a tub.

What do you get when you put six cousins together in one house? EXTREME CHAOS! Three boys (Cavan, Donny and Beau) and three girls (Rowan, Aurelia and Lulu) all met for the first time this week. They became fast friends and wasted no time making a big mess of Grandma's new house in Delaware. And despite the fact that her home exploded into near ruin and was littered with trucks, doll furniture, Barbie shoes, lincoln logs, baby dolls, plastic monsters, random game pieces and yogurt, the smile (miraculously) never left her face.

Now, lets see if we're ever invited back.

Happy Holidays!

Lincoln Center Here We Come.

It was a big night Saturday night. Lulu's first trip to see a real live ballet. The Nutcracker! Mommy meant to buy tickets to the Saturday afternoon matinee but - oops! - got tickets for the 8pm show by mistake. Since they were non-refundable (and not cheap!) we had to cross our fingers and hope for the best. Lulu loved it and powered through, only falling asleep during the last ten minutes. Cavan was less enthused, but very patient. He was more excited about his coat and tie. After an epic cab ride home (holiday traffic - yuck) we all fell into bed and dreamt of toy soldiers and sugar plum fairies. Another element officially added to the McHale family NYC Christmas tradition.

Happy, happy holidays!