Summer of Mastering Swimming

Okay I won't lie E you had a hard time learning to swim.  You were stubborn and wouldn't listen to us or the instructors.  You ran from teachers, you talked to get them to not put you under and you cried a lot.  Finally we found a place and a girl named Michelle that you felt comfortable with.  And this summer has been huge for you and your brother.  Z is swimming, he is more and more comfortable in the deep end every week, you aren't crying any more but are still struggling like a fish out of water.  But we are making progress and with continuing it I am hopeful!

It's all about a good attitude and challenging yourself! 

Strawberries and Butterflies

How lucky are you both...we watched a Monarch land on our milkweed plants and lay tons of eggs.  After she settled down for a rest on your arm E (which is supposedly good luck).  We have been raising Monarch catepillars for awhile now in our backyard but never have we seen them lay so many eggs, and have them land on one of us.  Only two see 18 or so baby catepillar's about 4-6 days later eating away...freshly hatched!

Every other week we pick up our CSA box filled with fresh organic fruits and veges.  Today though you wanted to pick strawberries so we did...and we got a lot!  They tasted really good.  Man you look like a teenager to me here.  Stop growing!

Karis Graduates

Today our carpooler, friend, my helper and our neighbor Karis graduated 8th grade.  We went to her graduation and then out to lunch after.  She is such a kind, smart person and you both loved her a lot.  She protected you and helped you at school Zackary with meeting you after class, giving you a hug during school or making sure you washed your hands before lunch!  She helped mommy in the car when what I said wasn't working, and she always gave you guys little presents.  Zackary you loved playing games with her when they drove you home.  We love you Karis-it has been fun!

Picture Morning

We were so silly-sitting on the front porch while Zackary was in school, taking a lot of silly pictures.  But this one was my favorite one cause it's just capturing you...your sweetness, vibrance and cuteness!

Mom's 40th!

I can't believe I am 40.  I remember very clearly when your Grandma (my mom) turned 40.  I thought she was so old and it would be an eternity before that would happen to me.  And now look, it's here.  Time flew by so very quickly.  My advice to you from my past 40 years...enjoy each moment.  Don't think about what you can't control just be present cause before you know it that moment is gone.  And time is moving on not allowing you to go back.  Also, write down the big things, the moments in college, etc that you don't want to forget.  Cause you will...and those special fun memories are precious.  

On my actual birthday I was away with friends in Malibu at the Malibu Wine Safari but the day after we had a family celebration and it was so special.  Thanks you two for celebrating with your old mom...haha.

Yummy cake!  Grandma makes good cakes.

We are so silly!

Baba and Jedo, Pro Baba, GG, Grandma and Charles were there.  E, you and Baba did a missing word puzzle together for awhile.  It was so cute.

Raise the Flag

A girl from Emme's class got to raise the flag today so the whole class went out to help.  They held hands and sang all the songs-Grand ole Flag, God Bless America and said I Pledge the Allegiance.  

Last days of the class....adorable kids this year.  I think it will be a hard adjustment for E, leaving these girls and moving on.  She really got along with the girls and had a wonderful year in Pre K.

Knitting and Basketball

In first grade the kids start knitting.  Z had to bring his flute case project home to work on it some.  I do not know how to knit so I couldn't help much-he was teaching me.  But he finished it and you can see it below.  All the kids worked hard on their cases during their handwork class.  

I opened up the summer community center magazine to see what classes to sign the kids up for next and there was Zackary in an action shot from his last basketball class.  Both kids love playing.  Ben and Emme are sitting on the bleachers.  Can't believe I wasn't there for the picture...haha.  Go Zack!

Frederick

Z's class performed their first play today...Frederick.  The teacher re-wrote the popular book and put together this adorable play for us parents and certain classes to watch.  Zackary was lavender and even though he was a bit nervous he was more excited and proud.  Him and I read the story together before the play (which I am glad I did so I understood it) and the class performed it beautifully!

Kids, teachers, parents all knitted the outfits, and helped bring in supplies for the production.  I wanted to capture this moment for Zackary so I snapped away.  Here he is with his two teachers (Ms. Wilde and Ms. Tanya) 

Frederick is all about this mouse who instead of collecting supplies to get him and his friends/family through Winter he collects colors, words and smells.  When winter approaches and all the supplies are gone he has the other mice close their eyes and he helps them envision what all the other seasons were like through smell, color and his poetry. 

Zackary, Kai and Raymond...they are so proud and stinkin cute!

Said Perfectly

From Mommy to you two!  Love