First day of Kindergarten!!

As soon as we made the long, long fifteen hour drive back home from Portland, we had the busiest week of our year. Olivia went back to school and boy, Kindergarten is so much different than Pre-K.

We used to have priority parking in the school lot but now it's a struggle to find parking. Luckily, we arrived early enough to find a spot. No longer can we go inside the classroom to drop her off and see what she is working on or chat with the teachers. I would sign her in and class begins ten minutes later than the rest of the school. Now she gets dropped off outside in the Kindergarten playground without signing in. We can stay and watch the kids play but on the other side of the fence. Her teacher doesn't come out until it's time for them to line up and go to their classroom. Also, no more naps! So, less teacher interaction and everything they work on is a mystery until I can dig it out of her. I had no luck with asking "How was your day?" so I've been using these questions to get more than "Good" as her response. The good news is she is already speaking much more French than last year!

I can't believe she still fits these shoes I bought her in Paris back in March

You can see Liv's first day of Preschool 2012, 2013, 2014. 

She had a lovely first day even in 100 degree heat. We took her for ice-cream after school.

She got too hot so the socks came off!

Lizzie's Guide to choosing Private schools in Los Angeles

I would love to share our journey finding Olivia's incredible school. First, I would recommend watching Nursery University and Waiting for Superman on Netflix. Also subscribe to Beyond the Brochure. Please know, you do not have to be wealthy, have the best connections or even have the best luck. I do encourage patience, persistence and planning. This is a good article of what you want to look for in a private school.

I have this weird thing about hyper-planning. I will plan a vacation down to the minute on our itinerary, the penny for our budgets, hell, I even plan what photos I want to take. My point is, I like researching, organizing and making lists. I enjoy gathering all the information I can before committing. It's a good idea to get in the habit of being organized. Put together a folder with your child's birth certificate, their most current vaccinations, fill out admission applications in full. I have been asked to include a family portrait with applications so be sure it's one that leaves the impression you want to set. You will have to do your own homework when looking at schools. Attend the annual open house, *usually held in at the end of the year* schedule a tour of the campus or sit in on a class, meet the parents or older students and get their perspective. I asked one parent if the tuition was double would they still send their kid to the French school and she said absolutely!

Liv's teacher takes amazing photos of the class *there's a Romeo & Juliet in her class!*

When I began researching schools I knew I had a limited selection because I wanted a private school that was non-secular. I didn't want anything with too far of a commute, so many of the good schools I've heard of in the Valley or on the Westside were out. I focused mainly on Pasadena, La Canada/Flintridge and Silver Lake. Then I scoured websites, read online reviews and started narrowing down our choices. I really fell in love with a school close to the Rose Bowl but it presented too many problems for me. It only went to 6th grade so I would have to find a middle school and there are few good local middle schools. It was also very expensive at close the $30k per school year. We knew we would be investing in our child's future but it wouldn't do us any good draining all our finances for a school we couldn't afford comfortably. I was worried about potential snobbishness since the school was in an affluent area and lack of diversity. I got a book with a list of all the different private schools in LA and started looking into a multilingual program. It was a no-brainer for me to lean towards a French school mainly because of my fascination with French culture but also knowing our kid could learn Spanish directly from Grandma Maria *Antz Mom* I only knew of one French school on the Westside that is famous for it's alumni. When I looked further into it, I knew it was out of our price range and at least an hour drive each way. I spent a second interested in a new progressive school in Calabasas but again, spending 3 hours a day driving back and forth didn't make sense, even if the school was founded by a well-known celebrity *so glad I didn't seriously consider it!*

Some time went by and I found a school nearby that I've driven past for years but for some reason I always thought it was out of our league financially and we would be denied admission due to not being French citizens. I sort of dismissed it and focused on finding a good pre-school. When we found Camelot Kids Pre-school, I fell in love. I began meeting parents who knew people whose kids went to the French school but they all spoke French. The owner of Liv's pre-school told me about an open house in December of 2012. We went just to satisfy my curiosity, totally under the impression the school would be too expensive. Just driving up to the campus I was struck by how stimulating the campus was. Unlike most LA schools, there are no prison style fencing. The grounds are on six acres uptop a hill which gives it a sense of solitude away from the city. There is an organic garden that is tended by the students and the local community. The buildings are historically protected 1960s modern designed by famous architect John Lautner. I loved the concept that the children learn at different paces. So the kids with a French background don't have an advantage over non-French speaking kids. As a matter of fact, most of the kids that come from French speaking homes may understand it well but aren't speaking French confidently yet. The teachers said they usually become fluent around 1st and 2nd grade. It was astonishing to hear children speak French so effortlessly. I expected to only see French kids but there were Korean, African, Haitian, Swedish, Japanese, Hispanic all happy and eager to say Bonjour to us. I am so used to LA pissy attitude from kids that I was shocked to encounter such politeness and genuine courtesy. I know I may over-talk this school but honestly, I invite anyone to attend their open house and tell me if you aren't blown away by the history, the philosophy, the down-to-Earth feeling, the community awareness, the academic curriculum, so many awesome activities about the school will make you a believer. The tuition was pricey but not as expensive as other schools. I also loved the idea of Liv attending one school for her entire academic career. It makes her learning consistent and puts less pressure on me finding good schools later. I put Liv on the waiting list and was disheartened to discover she was on the 3rd tier list. The way the school works is priority is given to French students *one or more parent must speak French or have European citizenship* of course siblings are given priority admission, then other International students are on the second waiting list and folks like me with no French language are on the third list. The school only allows admission to non-French speaking students up to Kindergarten since the learning of a language is most effective during a child's first five years. I was hopeful but also nervous. The first year went by in a blink and by the following year I was sweating. We put her back on the waiting list but we were still at the bottom waiting in limbo. I was a mess when they finally called me for her interview last January. I was planning to send Liv to Camelot Kids full-time but I decided to continue part-time so we could save for the French school. We reached out and met parents from the French school. We asked people to put in a good word for us. We did as much as we could without a cash bribe. In hindsight, I didn't need to worry as much as I did because the school has three pre-school classes *close to 40 spots* and we were a perfect fit for the school. I am sure they seek students of different nationalities, students who show a desire to learn and parents who are committed to their kid's education. It's important to showcase your personality, for example, I don't have a French background but I'm still very knowledgeable about France and spending the summer there with Olivia was helpful. I still stressed out when we didn't hear anything and we started thinking about a plan B. There aren't that many French multilingual schools but people told me about charter schools *I wasn't so into the idea of lottery based admission* and top public schools in good neighborhoods *but really lacked diversity* Our hearts were set on the French school so we were willing to stay on the wait list another year with our fingers crossed. Well, just around the time to re-register Liv in Camelot Kids we got a phone call that Liv was accepted!

It took almost three years of waiting to get Liv into this dream school. I love her teachers! So far she already has made new friends and lucky for us, she has no qualms about speaking French aloud *she's much better at pronouncing her R's than I am* I have phrasebooks, iPad apps and my friend, Fanny is tutoring me once a week via Skype so I hope to keep up with her so we can practice together at home. I have already memorized the days of the week and the months of the year!

Her first visit to her classroom last month

She loves her new playground

Many people ask me why we chose a French-language school. Aside from being bilingual by 2nd grade, she will be challenged academically. We are excited that Liv will graduate with a dual diploma, an American high school diploma and French Baccalauréat which will make her eligible to attend any university in Europe. The fifth grade class spends two weeks in Paris for their class trip. The graduating class has 100% Ivy League school acceptance rate! The extra-curricular and athletic programs are excellent. The school embraces technology and is constantly upgrading their facilities. There is a strong alumni relationship and most of the students return to teach or volunteer for events. They celebrate many international holidays *so excited for Winterfest in Décembre* and have many cool field trips planned.

Liv's school is best described by their core values:

1. First and foremost, academic excellence.
2. Collaboration, communication and community.
3. Commitment to the curriculum.
4. Utmost respect for all individuals within the school community.
5. Cultural diversity.
6. Intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.

I look forward to this new chapter in our lives. J'aime l'école française!

Thanks for all the support and well-wishers, we are so happy to share this adventure with you. Bonne chance!

First Day of French School 2014

I can't believe it's finally here. Two years on a waiting list. Driving past the campus thinking to myself, "One day my little girl will go to that school" and yesterday was the big day. I will not mention the crippling traffic *two streets on our route were blocked* we encountered which almost gave me a heart attack. However we made it just in time and Liv is a happy pre-schooler *for the third time* at her lovely new school. You can see her first school days here and here.

I really love her Fjallraven Kånken backpack and her Misha Lulu Apple skirt just perfect for the first day of school.

What a difference from her first day of school two years ago!!

Liv's classroom has this cool white board which is pretty much a giant computer screen. They use them for everything and it's really impressive. I wish I could hide in her cubby and learn French too!

Story & Chris brought Liv this sheep from their trip to New Zealand. I'm so curious to how they get the kids to take a nap since Liv only takes naps at home when she has worn herself out from playing all day.

The teachers go by first names

I've requested that Liv's teacher only speak French to me!

Antz and I give each other high fives all the time for making this happen. I am writing a post detailing our school search and the admission process soon. Happy Back-to-school!!

Picnic at Barnsdall Park

Liv's new French school had a picnic at Barnsdall Park for the Pre-Kindergarten class. It was a lovely afternoon. We met so many nice people. I feel so fortunate to send Olivia to such an esteemed and diverse school with really cool kids. Liv really hit it off with an older girl who taught her how to do a handstand. I have been saving my Oh Joy for Target party stuff for just the right occasion. I didn't take that many photos because I was too busy running my mouth!

So excited to finally use my Oh Joy for Target picnic basket

Olivia's new classmate, also named Olivia!

Such a perfect view

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We made a drink with pomegranate juice, lemonade and sprite

Liv is super stoked to start school next week

The first day of school is coming up soon. Si excité!

Olivia's Frozen Going Away Party

Yesterday was nuts in a totally fantastic way! Not only was it Olivia's last day at school but I had tons of errands to run for our trip. I spent an hour at the bank ordering foreign currency and then I put on my party planner hat. I'm sure if you have a child under the age of six, you know Frozen is like kid crack. I may not be the biggest Frozen fan but I love my kid so of course I threw a Frozen themed Going Away party for her class. Let me say, blue colored cupcakes are scarce in LA but luckily I found a baker who would airbrush vanilla cupcakes to look Frozen-esque. I searched every party store for weeks looking for Frozen party supplies but no luck. Finally, I checked the pinata/99 cent store on the corner and all that was left was a paltry bag of favors and a mylar balloon. At first I was all ambitious to make a huge Pinterest worthy craft project but you know what? I have too much going on at the moment so, I found her an Elsa crown and called it a day. As they say, let it gooooo!

The kids got kaleidoscopes, tattoos, rings and stickers. The boys were more into Frozen stuff than the girls

Liv and her bestie Sara

Liv was delighted to wear her Princess Ana dress to school and I played Michael Jackson during her party

Liv hugged me and said "This is the best party ever Mommy, thank you so much!"

Those crazy eyes and happy face are all worth it! I am so grateful for our two years at her school. We feel like part of a happy family and I know we will stay in touch with everyone. We handed out some parting gifts for the staff.

We made a cartoon of Mrs Crissy and ironed it onto a tote bag, she loved it!

Mrs. Crissy gave Liv a scrapbook filled with photos of her teachers and classmates. I cried when I read what she wrote in Olivia's Oh! The Places You'll Go book.

She is such an incredible teacher. I really love her. She is so rad. I apologize for my inability to form sentences, I am writing this a midnight so I'm very tired but I have an exciting post coming soon. Goodnights!

Huge News!

I am so happy to say Olivia will be attending preschool at the French school this fall.

Liv standing in front of her lycee

We are so proud of Liv and elated that she will be not only learning French but at an international school which promotes global awareness. Olivia will meet kids from all over the world. In all honesty, living in LA can feel insular. I wouldn't know anything going on in the world if it weren't for Jon Stewart.

Most of the people I know are from the same economic status and we are not a culturally diverse group. I am looking forward to meeting new people and expanding our horizons. Another benefit is the curriculum is taught at the individual child's strengths, so kids who already speak French don't have to wait for the kids who don't to catch up. The kids who are learning French, don't feel pressure to speak right away, it happens naturally. I am so excited to learn along with Liv. We will be a French speaking family in no time!

I am sad to be leaving her current school. The teachers are remarkable and the last two years have been wonderful. We have met so many wonderful people and Liv has friends we hope to stay in touch with. Antz and I want to thank everyone for the encouragement and support. My Mom and Aimee have been saints allowing me to be a basketcase and patiently listened to me go on endlessly about the new school. I couldn't have kept my sanity without your love.

I was so proud of Olivia for achieving such a huge accomplishment, I went against my better judgement and did something not so bright. I downloaded Disney's Frozen for Liv. If this isn't proof that I love my daughter nothing is. I am not a fan of Princess films. I have endured Cinderella, Snow White, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid only by the skin of my teeth. I was so happy when she fell for Wreck-it-Ralph and Hayao Miyazaki films. I prefer my heroine to be smart, clever, funny, ambitious and sensible. I can't say the same for Disney characters whose main quality is having luscious hair, biting their lips, being clumsy and falling instantly in love with a dude they just met. Don't even get me started with the corny songs. I adore musicals. I think Adele Dazeem was incredible in Wicked, yet I'm not so convinced in this film. The plot *which makes zero sense* is too absurd for words and the songs are just lazy narration and loudly obnoxious to me. I don't hear a loveable character I am rooting for singing, I hear the desperation of an actress wanting to win an Oscar being screeched at me. I never made it to the end but I heard most of the songs from another room and it sounded too church choir for my taste. Sorry, I am not feeling the Frozen hullabaloo. Regardless of my own opinion, the film makes my kid happy and she has earned this special treat. So I'm choosing to "Let it Go!"

Good thing I downloaded it from iTunes, now she can watch it on my iPad using her HEADPHONES!!

Cool Books for Toddlers

My three and a half year old is beginning to read. Like sounding out words, recognizing letters, colors and so it begins. I was an avid reader growing up *maybe it's a common trait among only children* so I fondly remember begging my Mom to take me to the book store, or ordering books through Scholastic. I went through about eighty of the Babysitters Club book series during the summer. Then I graduated to the Sweet Valley Twins/High series. How I survived in a pre-Amazon society, I'll never know.

I am now looking for toddler-friendly awesome books for Liv to read unassisted *she is going through an "I can do it by my own!" phase* We love Taro Gomi books and the Leslie Patricelli books, also very excellent for toddlers to read on their own.

Here's our current favorite bookie wookies.

Baby Lit series

I think I mentioned these before but they are pretty great. I got a stellar deal for this entire set *we already owned Alice in Wonderland & Dracula* from Groupon for half off.

Of course Dracula is her favorite. Each book has a different interaction, like counting, or colors, sounds, etc. Do you lovelies have any awesome book suggestions? She has almost every single Little Golden book Disney makes.

Liv has been very inquisitive lately, she always asks where we are going? Where are we driving to? She also wants to know if women we encounter are Moms or she asks, "what's her name?" It's cute, I love seeing this kid grow up into an awesome little person.

Downtown LA in the Arts District