Ruby Hunting

Some photos from the ruby hunting expedition my friend Jo organized in the San Gabriel Mountains last month.

Jascha and Aaron in awesome matching hiking shirts

 

 

Little rubies encased in the rock

We also stopped to pick a lot of blackberries.

   

Break for tea and cookies

 

 

First Day of First Grade

On August 17, Beatrice started first grade with her new teacher, Ms. Crystal. So far her favorite part of the day is eating in the cafeteria.

 

Here are a few photos from the annual Back to School Night family picnic.

 

 

  

Beatrice Plays Piano

 

Her first lesson

Beatrice started taking weekly piano lessons in February this year from Frankie Knight, a music teacher who lives in our neighborhood. So far Beatrice really loves playing and even practices without being asked. 

Playing a duet (wearing her Renaissance Faire costume)

I love B's concentration face.

This August was her first recital. Unfortunately Dev and I missed it because we were in New York, but my parents watched B play "Old McDonald" and "All the Stars Are Shining."

Every Saturday morning after class, Beatrice and I get doughnuts.

Grandma and Grandpa in Charge

My parents came and stayed with the kids this August so that Dev and I could go to New York for Midnight Madness.

I knew that everyone would be safe and happy while we were gone, but I expected I'd come back to find my parents a little frazzled after watching all three kids alone for the entire weekend, but in fact, they were thrilled! Everyone had a wonderful time and the kids were all on good behavior. It was actually a great opportunity for my parents to get to know them all better, especially William.

They did a ton of activities, including the zoo, the park, and Kidspace.

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, our trip to New York meant I missed Beatrice's first piano recital, but my parents were there to cheer her on and video tape it, too.

Thank you, Mom and Dad!

Midnight Madness

For the first time since Beatrice was born, Dev and I went away on a trip by ourselves. My parents came and watched all three kids for the weekend while Dev and I went to New York to work with our friends Mat and Andrea on Midnight Madness.

Midnight Madness is an annual all-night scavenger hunt and charity fundraiser on Wall Street. For the last year I've been working with Mat Laibowitz, the game's founder, to research, write, and test puzzles. During the event itself, I worked Game Control, helping to track and guide the teams through the city, while Dev worked as Tech Support, installing and repairing game installations.

Dev and his multimeter

Andrea installing some of the light boxes

 

At Game Control:

 

 

 

My work station

 

 

There are some great articles about Midnight Madness here, here, here, here, here, and especially this video.

It was probably the most grueling 24 hours of my life, but I can't wait to do it again next year.