Journey of a Kumquat: Week 211 and Week 123.5

You would think that someone is paying me to write about this brunch we just had at Hard Rock last week as it is about to be a glowing recommendation.

After some cajoling I convinced Matt that we should do something for Easter (not that it is something that we have ever really celebrated, but I suppose I was having a 'keeping up with the Joneses' moment).

We got there early (it starts at 10 but we got there at 11 and they were still setting up the buffet) It had the typical American fare of Hard Rock, including potato skins (is that what they are called? The potatoes with cheese and bacon on them) and roast turkey and roast beef and mini burgers made to order. There was free flow beer and pseudo champagne and a live jazz band. There was popcorn and french fries for the kids, as well as a chocolate fountain and Hard Rock burger flags in full force. It was good that we got there early so the kids could eat something (even if that something was french fries) while watching my favorite '80's videos.

But the best thing was the games and activities for the kids - no lack of friendly Filipino staff for each activity - so you could eat your mini burger in a microcosm of peace.

The girls did egg painting and guitar coloring. There was a 'guess how many chocolates are in this jar' game that a waitress bewilderingly asked Sophia to do. Here is where we learned Sophia loved to paint! The girls started with painting eggs and I did not even realize she could hold a brush but she was a total natural. The girls then went to color these electric guitar cut outs but Sophia went back to paint eggs (I think she painted 3). The best part was she won 3rd runner up for painting eggs! I am not sure if the staff was just tickled at how little yet enthusiastic she was at painting eggs (and the little egg cup that they came in). She won a little Hard Rock cat that plays the guitar when you press a button on him. Sophia was a champ - going on stage, taking her prize. We were tickled by it all - especially her natural disposition in accepting all of this attention. Charlotte would have been much more shy about going on stage. It was super cool and made our day (though Charlotte was a bit jealous that she did not win a prize!).

Sophia has so much personality these days - We heard Sophia flushing the toilet. Matt went to investigate - and she was wiping her teddy bear's bum and flushing the paper down the toilet.

Sophia wakes up, walks to Yaya's room and says "I am not silly. You silly!"

Here is Charlotte's invite for her party from last week: