The Birthday of Birthdays

Lola turned seven in a fairy wonderland this year, in a place called "Fairies and Dragons," tucked demurely inside an Encino strip mall. Hordes of little girls swarmed the place, got their pick of floofy costumes, crafted interesting little fairy houses, sipped from a pink lemonade fountain, watched a puppet show and left Lola with a bounty of gifts. When I asked Lola what she wished for, she said, "That this party never ends."  

Lola's Falcon Study

Lola's class spent weeks studying falcons and other birds over the fall. As part of their lesson, they ventured out on a couple field trips. Here, she looks out from the top of Mulholland Drive into a canyon, keeping an eye out for the red-tailed hawks that swoop and dive in the area.

Here, Lola poses -- for two separate trick or tricking events -- with her good friends Emilia (top) and Emma.

Halloween-A Family Affair

This year, we decided to dress-up en familia. And since Lola chose to be a gypsy, Michael (not pictured, though dutifully dressed as a pirate) went along with the theme. Mercifully, this was the only photo that survived of Mom. Though, Lola sure was cute!

The Baby Front Teeth = History

Just three weeks ago, after weeks of working her teeth back and forth as vigorously as her little fingers could, Lola finally lost both her front teeth. She likes the fact that she can make "fangs" out of the remaining teeth. Just in time for Halloween!

Another tooth -- gone!

Belated First Day of First Grade Photos

Lola started first grade this year, an occasion that turned out to be more notable a transition than any of us anticipated. She has a "firm" teacher, that is, firm by progressive school standards. And is expected to do much more than kindergarten. After a few touch-and-go weeks, and many mini-dramas with girlfriends, Lola has settled into first grade life with great aplomb!