Telly Revisits the ABC's</h1> <article> <h1>Telly Revisits the ABC's</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> <span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">Bef</span><span style="font-size: 14px; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; ">ore the girls were born, I shot some nutty films of Telly attempting to interact with them through Annie's pregnant belly...then again shortly after they were born (Annie and the girls have been VERY patient with me). It's amazing what a difference a few years will make. I may do another cut of this film sometime down the road...<br /><br /></span><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER7457132b-1774-4fc1-90c2-29dad9a7385e_760"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "7457132b-1774-4fc1-90c2-29dad9a7385e", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER7457132b-1774-4fc1-90c2-29dad9a7385e_760", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script> <script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "b4325c5f-7b4e-4c0e-b94d-99727a740558", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERb4325c5f-7b4e-4c0e-b94d-99727a740558_553", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script> </article> <article> <h1>More Tales from the Potty</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Word of the day: Perseverance<br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">We are in the thick of it. The potty trenches. Every day. We have potty breaks every two hours depending on how much fluid has gone in, guessing when it should be making its way out. Our girls may be twins, but they’re on the opposite ends of the potty spectrum. Lyra knows when she has to go, but doesn’t want to use the potty, insisting she have a diaper. We oblige, backing off as the experts say, but are encouraging her slowly to sit on the potty to try and go with the diaper on. She is happy to be diaper free for practice sessions, but when it comes to the immediate need she wants that diaper. <br /><br /><br />Ripley, on the other hand, uses the pot often when we have placed her there. She’ll sit a long time with a book, playing with a doll or my cellphone. However, she still seems clueless about when she has to go and will have accidents willy-nilly, coming up to us saying, “my underpants are wet.” As far as telling us she actually has to go, well she just hasn’t the time yet, playing is too encompassing. We’ve introduced “training underpants” which can help them know they’re wet but makes accidents a little less wet for us on the floor. Still, we’re hoping for a breakthrough before we have to every rug in the house steam cleaned. So, it’s not easy with one girl actually withholding more than we’d like and the other being rather <i>laissez-faire </i>about it all. Our goal is to stay open and healthy, but it’s been the most difficult milestone so far, and it ain’t over. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/contact">Any helpful stories you have to share? </a><o:p></o:p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Puppets and Puppeteers</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> <em><br />Martin & Annie, <br /><br /></em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I have enjoyed reading your family blog from the beginning to the end over the past week or so, during nap time. Thank you for sharing your family with the world and because of this blog I feel like I know you personally...don't worry I won't be showing up for Thanksgiving anytime soon:) My daughter is 18 months old so I have really enjoyed seeing your beautiful girls grow and seeing what milestones we have to look forward too!</em><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>I have learned so much about Sesame Street from the blog, which just makes me love it that much more! However, I do have a question. Since one puppeteer is several different Muppets (Telly & Snuffy, Bird Bird & Oscar) what happens if they are in the same scene together?</em><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>As parent and teacher, thank you for all that you do to help educate children. I look forward to future blog posts!</em><br /> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Dear Kristy,<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> When two of a puppeteer's characters are in a script at the same time, we pre-record the voice of one of the characters, usually the one that is featured less, and have another puppeteer perform that character while lip-synching the voice. In my case, if the two characters in question are Snuffy and Telly, then we pre-record whichever character is not Snuffy. I will not lightly ask another performer to strap on the Snuffleupagus...he is a beast, and must be approached with respect and safety. That all being said, my sweet wife wrote a show several years back that featured Snuff, Telly and Slimey all together in the same scenes. It served her lovely story idea, but set up some performance challenges for me. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">--Marty<o:p></o:p></p><o:p></o:p><p> </p><br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Karate Girls</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> <div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERff626307-4315-4838-8abd-867fef704dea_476"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "ff626307-4315-4838-8abd-867fef704dea", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERff626307-4315-4838-8abd-867fef704dea_476", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script> </article> <article> <h1>Only Mommy</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> I was checking over a bunch of my footage from the last year and found all these bits that were eerily similar, so I put them together. Granted, I was pointing a camera at the girls, but for every time I accidentally caught it on film, there were thirty other times I didn't. "Only Mommy" . . . . Most every parent will already know what this film is about. Young kids can be very mommy-centric; it seems to be hard wired into their systems. The dads of the world need to be patient, and not take it personally. As you will see, this is hard to do sometimes. <p class="MsoPlainText"> <br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER47811c23-afc1-4a93-979c-7f05bcd3ef38_483"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "47811c23-afc1-4a93-979c-7f05bcd3ef38", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER47811c23-afc1-4a93-979c-7f05bcd3ef38_483", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><o:p></o:p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Scary Santa</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Emotion of the day: Fear<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Our girls think Santa is “a little bit scary.” Their opinion of Santa Claus wasn’t helped last year when at Grandpa’s holiday party Santa Claus walked in and a four year old behind them went hysterical and was carried screaming from the room. Anyone who caused that kind of a response in an older kid definitely needed scrutiny. We keep saying that Santa Claus is a jolly old soul and will bring presents, but they always look doubtful and mention again that Santa is “a little bit scary.” “A little bit scary” is not a good label – it’s right up there with the witch in “Little Mermaid” and Maleficent in “Sleeping Beauty.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We thought it might help to bring them to the Mall Santa for a little lap time. Here’s what transpired:<br /><br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER1f1ea12f-aa7a-43c5-9395-43ef414b0d13_315"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "1f1ea12f-aa7a-43c5-9395-43ef414b0d13", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER1f1ea12f-aa7a-43c5-9395-43ef414b0d13_315", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Still, with or without Santa, the holiday spirit is growing in the house. The girls adore Christmas ornaments – so much so that all breakables are hung way up the tree – and they love holiday lights, jingle bells and the Rudolph song. Hopefully, Santa will grow on them as stories and legends begin to take hold.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">May Santa be good to you and your family this year, too.<o:p></o:p></p><br /><br type="_moz" /> </article> <article> <h1>Carousel</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Annie has been an avid horse rider ever since she was very young. It’s one of those childhood dreams-turned-obsession that stays with you your whole life. As we introduce the girls to the things we love, we know they will make their own life choices, but secretly hope they may choose some of ours. To that end, seeing as how the girls are still a bit young for riding real horses, we take them to the carousel at the mall. It also happens to be a good indoor cold weather activity as they careen wildly through the crowds on their parent-steered tricycles.<p class="MsoPlainText"> <br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERe8608262-4154-4f17-92ff-443a821bab01_666"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "e8608262-4154-4f17-92ff-443a821bab01", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERe8608262-4154-4f17-92ff-443a821bab01_666", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><o:p></o:p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Potty Time Advice</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> <em>Dear Annie,<br /><br /></em><p class="MsoNormal"><em>We are going through some of the </em><a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/tales-from-the-potty?_33_redirect=%2Fparents%2Fblog"><em>same challenges</em></a><em>. My daughter, Samantha, will be 3 years old in January. She is all involved in the potty process i.e. flushing, toilet paper, washing hands and will most of the time sit on the potty. She has actually pee peed and pooped once or twice but not since. I may have pushed her too much. Any suggestions? I am open. We just ordered Elmo Potty time video and doll. I hope they help.<br /><br />Laura</em><br /><br />Dear Laura,<br /> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Sounds like we’re in the same exact bathroom, so to speak. The girls will happily sit on their side-by-side potties and listen to stories, play dollies, sing songs, then stand up 20 minutes later and pee on the rug. I’ve been trying very hard not to push despite the fact Lyra has been having some bad diaper rash and it would be basically a non-issue if she was potty trained. So, I can only commiserate and share this one bit of wisdom from our Pediatrician. “It will happen when they are ready.” Lately, we’ve been asking if they want to wear underwear or diapers in the morning. Often they choose diapers. Ripley asked to wear underwear last night and I told her that means she needs to tell me if she needs to pee-pee. Next thing I know, she comes and says she needs a diaper and pulls me to the couch where she just had an accident. Sigh. Other tidbit: Pet carpet cleaner does the clean up job with paper towels nicely. <o:p></o:p></p><o:p></o:p><p> </p>-- Annie </article> <article> <h1>Pumpkin Choosing</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Because of the <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/24850369">“freak snow storm” </a>we’ve been rather busy cleaning up to do too much fall/holiday decorating, but the girls still learned the fun of pumpkins.<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERa28aee1a-57cf-475c-919f-66e6f252fca6_833"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "a28aee1a-57cf-475c-919f-66e6f252fca6", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERa28aee1a-57cf-475c-919f-66e6f252fca6_833", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script> </article> <article> <h1>Happy Thanksgiving!</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Word of the Day: Thankful<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Another very thankful year has passed for the Robinson family. People say that “it goes so fast” and it really does. The girls have gone, in one year, from saying single words like “self” to singing the entire song, “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s hard to fathom. I find myself knocking on wood, saying prayers, not stepping on sidewalk lines that our family stays happy and healthy. I guess that’s one of the main reasons for this Thursday. Basically, thanking everyone you believe needs to be thanked for your blessings. This year, we’ve got my Dad, brother & wife and two young cousins joining us for the meal after Marty returns from doing the<a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/3105423"> Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.</a><br /><br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERd5a562b8-54bb-4bba-a08f-c292d59529ee_715"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "d5a562b8-54bb-4bba-a08f-c292d59529ee", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERd5a562b8-54bb-4bba-a08f-c292d59529ee_715", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><o:p></o:p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Freaky Snowstorm</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> The news made a big story of the freak snowstorm ripping up the eastern seaboard on October 29, and here in Connecticut it was a doozy! This is the way I like to describe what happened: Hold the palm of your hand out and upward. Now, drop a big dollop of cement on it. Now, imagine you are a fully leafed tree, and multiply the weight accordingly. I went out five times that night to knock snow off my favorite trees with a long pole. The last time I ventured out, I could hear trees and branches falling everywhere around me. Everyone you spoke with afterwards used the same phrase: "Like a war zone." We could barely find our own driveway. The power died on Saturday 29th, and came back November 5th. Luckily, we took no direct hits. We have a good wood burning stove, and a well with a piggyback hand pump. Luckily too, my camera batteries were charged, and I shot this film.<o:p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; "></o:p><div><br /><br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER5025cbea-9d30-48fb-a3d8-555cc1a7e22e_167"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "5025cbea-9d30-48fb-a3d8-555cc1a7e22e", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER5025cbea-9d30-48fb-a3d8-555cc1a7e22e_167", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script></div> </article> <article> <h1>Soup Cooling</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> <div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERbc45164e-1c2f-4e3d-8f48-c4cd79d41b3a_893"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "bc45164e-1c2f-4e3d-8f48-c4cd79d41b3a", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERbc45164e-1c2f-4e3d-8f48-c4cd79d41b3a_893", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><br />So, we are eating hot tomato soup on a chilly day, and we show Ripley how to cool it by blowing on it. Where she got the vibrato buzz, I'm not sure, but I grabbed the camera quick. After I showed her this film, and we all got a good laugh out of it, she understood that you are supposed to blow on your hot soup, not buzz on it. Now I'm still buzzing my hot soup, trying to get her to do it again. She is too sophisticated for that now, and patiently shows me how the process is really supposed to work.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Times New Roman","serif""><o:p></o:p></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>Tales from the Potty</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Word of the Day: Pee<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Potty training has arrived in our house. We’ve been dabbling in the concept for quite some time. We bought the girls little pots back when they were 18 months old and they instantly became part of their toy stash. Stuffed animals sat on them; they were carried around the house and used as castles. They make fine hats. We have been reading potty books of every kind for at least six months. Once they started watching TV, Elmo’s Potty Video was stuck into the machine weekly. When I asked them if they wanted to use the potty themselves, the answer was always “no.” Elmo, Ernie and a myriad of other famous friends used the pot, but not Lyra and Ripley. Lately, the girls have been putting their princess or Barbie dolls on the pot and saying “PEEEEE.” I have also been educating myself with adult potty training manuals. I know the checklist for when they’re “ready” to start. I know that “no pressure” is the key. The girls can go all morning without a diaper change. They are ready. Who knows how long it’s going to take – but no pressure!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Our main strategy is practice. The girls practice twice a day, morning and night. They can choose either the little potty or the big potty with the potty seat. And if they pee or poo – THEY GET A STICKER! My girls will basically do anything for a sticker – except pee or poo on the pot. I can’t believe that the sticker trick isn’t getting that pee flowing into pots on a daily basis. Each girl has had one clear success (not an accident swiftly moved onto the pot.) A few weeks ago, Lyra had a tremendous morning delivery on the small pot. We must have praised her too much because she hasn’t done it since with one of us. However, last Sunday when we were visiting my Dad, their God Aunty Catherine took them off for a jaunt. They returned 15 minutes later claiming that each had gone on the pot. Catherine confirmed. She had held them over the toilet and each had contributed a little something. We were thrilled. Stickers were awarded when we got home. The next morning, they sat and sat on their potty seat, and not a drop was had from either girl.<br /> </p><p class="MsoNormal">And so, the journey continues…<br /><br /><br /><o:p></o:p></p><o:p></o:p><p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>A Spidery Craft</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Word of the Day: Halloween<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">In the spirit of Halloween, Marty created two spiders for the girls out of simple craft materials: paper plates, pipe cleaners, string, and a little pulley. He used plastic, pre-made eyeballs, but eyes can also just be drawn or created from plastic spoons or other objects. Now, Marty isn’t as up-to-date on the Sesame Street curriculum as I am, so I was surprised and thrilled to see he had done a little STEM project without even realizing it. For those who follow the blog, we’ve written about <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/22857773">STEM</a> several times. STEM is the curriculum for the new format, <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/10104737">Super Grover 2.0</a>. It stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The key elements that make this a STEM craft are the pulley and the spiders attached to either end of the string. The girls love playing with it, which alone is a great reason to do crafts. The added bonus is they’re naturally learning about technology and engineering by observing how pulling on one spider affects the movement of the other. Take a look!<br /><br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERa54986d7-d699-4f3b-9f4d-dbd73745be8e_618"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "a54986d7-d699-4f3b-9f4d-dbd73745be8e", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERa54986d7-d699-4f3b-9f4d-dbd73745be8e_618", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><o:p></o:p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Happy Halloween!</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> Word of the Day: Boo!<br /> <br /> <p class="MsoNormal">Halloween is big in our household. Marty began his journey to puppetry through Halloween doing scary monster make-up and costumes as a kid. He started throwing wild Halloween bashes while living in New York City, and I joined the tradition when we got together. Our house lends itself to Halloween, with high ceilings, gothic chandeliers, and stairways that lead to a variety of balconies, nooks, and crannies. Here are some highlight photos from Halloween parties in our recent past:<br /><br /><br />Our chandeliers take on a more haunted house appearance.</p> <br /> Decorations usually begin a day before and include everything from flying bats to talking heads.<br /><br /> <br /> <br />Annie and Marty in Halloween outfits with Larry, the evil rooster (deceased).<br /><br /> <br /> <br />Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Abby Cadabby) and Bob McGrath with true Halloween spirit.<br /> <br /><br /> <br />Marty always sets up a mad scientist laboratory on our dining room table.<br /><br /> <br /> <br />Marty offering a Halloween toast to our guests.<br /><br /> <br /> <br /> Filmmaker Cindy Meehl (Buck) as a Halloween cocktail waitress.<br /><br /> <br /> <br />Marty in one year’s ghostly costume and puppeteer Heather Asch.<br /><br /> <br /> <br />Annie with our daughter Lauren and fiancé Sam as frozen mountaineers.<br /><br /> <br /> <br />Annie and partygoers dancing in a smoke filled room. Marty loves using the smoke machine.<br /><br /><br /> </article> <article> <h1>Homemade Playdough with Grama</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> <strong>Homemade Playdough</strong><ul><li>2 cups flour</li><li>1 cup salt</li><li>4 teaspoons cream of tartar</li><li>2 tablespoons oil</li><li>2 cups water</li><li>Food coloring</li></ul><br />Mix ingredients in saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring with a strong spoon. Once blended, remove from heat and let cool. Between uses, keep in covered container fridge. <br /><br />We found this great recipe for homemade playdough, mixed up a batch one rainy day, and are still using it a month later. I try to keep my mom engaged with the girls regularly even though she lives far away in Michigan. The following little film was one way to do that...<br /><br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERaabc6793-470d-45f4-b3fb-fc1f25ac60b5_71"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "aabc6793-470d-45f4-b3fb-fc1f25ac60b5", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERaabc6793-470d-45f4-b3fb-fc1f25ac60b5_71", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script> </article> <article> <h1>Magic in the Office</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:15Z</p> <br />We had just finished a writer's meeting with Kevin Clash when this little boy walked by the glass door. Kevin grabbed the tiny Elmo puppet and started to talk to him as Elmo. A priceless moment.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Helvetica","sans-serif"; color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>Word of the Day: Vanity</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:16Z</p> Vanity. OK, it's something we all have dealt with at some time or another. For me, puppetry was a great way to short circuit the "look at me-don't look at me" tendency that I've always had. I could be as crazy as I wanted to, but in the end it was the puppet whose face was hanging out there, flapping in the breeze, not mine. That all being said, I have earned the 57-year-old face I have, lots of good times, some really terrible times, a bit of misuse thrown in there; a face with some history written on it, NOT the face that was put up on this site the week of Sept 12th. The shot of <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/telly-monster-trivia?_33_redirect=%2Fparents%2Fblog%3Fp_p_id%3D33%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dparents-top-content%26p_p_col_count%3D1%26_33_struts_action%3D%252Fblogs%252Fview%26_33_delta%3D5%26_33_keywords%3D%26_33_advancedSearch%3Dfalse%26_33_andOperator%3Dtrue%26cur%3D2">Telly and me</a> is from at least 25 years ago. The shot of <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/blog/-/blogs/how-snuffy-survived-the-sombrero-incident?_33_redirect=%2Fparents%2Fblog%3Fp_p_id%3D33%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dparents-top-content%26p_p_col_count%3D1%26_33_struts_action%3D%252Fblogs%252Fview%26_33_delta%3D5%26_33_keywords%3D%26_33_advancedSearch%3Dfalse%26_33_andOperator%3Dtrue%26cur%3D2">me with Snuffy</a> (wearing the excellent Snuffy sweater hand-knitted by the fabulous Beth Kroupa), is older still—27 or 28 years ago when I was like 29 years old. I have no need to fool the public or appear younger than I actually am. I have earned the lines on my face and the grey in my hair. The following photos are much more recent.<p class="MsoPlainText"><span style="color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p> </article> <article> <h1>Carol Spinney Prepares his Script</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:16Z</p> <div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER5839ce68-15f0-4b12-ad3f-834bf9fc916a_552"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer" target="_blank">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "5839ce68-15f0-4b12-ad3f-834bf9fc916a", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER5839ce68-15f0-4b12-ad3f-834bf9fc916a_552", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><br />If there was ever a sweet young bird living inside a grown man's body that's Caroll Spinney. It has been such a joy working with him for the last thirty years. Part of his daily schedule at Sesame is arranging Big Bird's scripts, which can be very long, into a format that can fit inside the bird costume and remain within his eye line. Caroll looked so idyllic as he sat at the Muppet table quietly working, I just had to shoot this short film.<br /><br /> </article> <article> <h1>Hello Season 42!</h1> <p>2012-02-05T11:30:16Z</p> <div><strong>Number of the Day: 42!</strong></div> <div> </div> <div>In 1969, an experimental show launched on public television touting the notion that if preschoolers can learn commercial lyrics like “pop pop, fizz fizz…” (Remember that one, older parents?), they can learn their letters and numbers the same way. While they were at it, the <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/theshow/behindthescenes/founding">creators</a> figured why not attempt to break other stereotypes, and placed the show on an urban street with a multi-racial cast of people and monsters. They hoped for a few groundbreaking seasons at best.</div> <div> </div> <div>Beam us 42 years later and another season of Sesame Street begins airing today. We’re still on public television and still teaching letters and numbers with funny lyrics, catchy tunes, and a multitude of Muppets. This season was an especially challenging one since the guiding curriculum goal was STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math. These are not topics that make you want to bust a gut. Still, we think you’ll be laughing as the Muppets try to keep <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/theshow/episodes/humptys-big-break">Humpty Dumpty</a> from breaking when he falls off the wall, or as a human cannonball (puppet, of course!) shoots himself across Sesame Street. STEM is also the educational goal in our new format, <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/theshow/episodes/super-grover-2-0">Super Grover 2.0</a>, where our fuzzy and blue super hero attempts to unleash his powers, usually unsuccessfully, to help others.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sesame Family Robinson has its own tribute for the launch of <a href="http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/theshow/watch/this-season">Season 42</a>. One day this spring, we had the gift of the entire studio being empty while the rest of production was in the smaller studio. In honor of all those dreamers 42 years ago, here are Lyra and Ripley exploring how to get to Sesame Street.</div><br /><div class="simple-video"><div class="border-mask2" id="_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERa74c32eb-c6c4-40fd-b5d7-31e63d68ba3c_164"><div style="border: 1px solid rgb(153, 153, 153); width: 420px; height: 378px;"><h2 class="structure-heading">No Flash Player</h2> <div class="structure-flash"><p>Fun features on SesameStreet.org - games, videos, playlists and more - require the latest Flash player.</p> <p>Don't miss out on the full experience, download the player now.</p> <p>Get the latest Flash Player here!</p> <a target="_blank" href="http://adobe.com/go/getflashplayer">Download Now</a></div></div></div></div><script type="text/javascript">Sesame.VideoPlayer.embed("LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYER", "@street_group_id@", "a74c32eb-c6c4-40fd-b5d7-31e63d68ba3c", "_86_LARGE_SINGLE_VIDEO_PLAYERa74c32eb-c6c4-40fd-b5d7-31e63d68ba3c_164", "/DAMAsset/street/sesame_video_control_skin.swf","@flash_version_id@");</script><br type="