A Taste of Summer

Today we got to go to the Lagoon for a few hours and it was so great. It made me excited about Summer and what I love most about it. It wasn't too hot or too crowded- just right. The boys got to play with their best friends, I got to sit, relax, read and be with my friends too. Now that the boys are older and water safe, going to the Lagoon is so much more fun for me. I also can get away with bringing hardly anything (which I love).

Claire and Nathan

Pickle loves the water!

1st Grade Open House

Last night was Nathan's Open House at Brywood Elementary School. There was 100% participation from all the families in our class- speaks well of the great teacher! This year has been amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better teacher and class for Nathan. We have had many challenges as we have struggled through paying attention, staying on task, emotional instability, not eating food, etc.

Fabulous Ms. Ferguson (with Nathan)

We started Nathan on medicine to help with his ADHD- that too has been a roller coaster. Some meds have worked and some haven't- it has been a challenge to find the right dose. It certainly hasn't taken away the problems, but has minimized them greatly.

Second grade will be a challenge with a new teacher and bigger classroom sizes (with great expectations on the students), but I am prayerful that we will get through it just like we did this year- with humbled knees in prayer, our heads held high and smiles on our faces.

Recycling Update

I haven't written in awhile about recycling, but we are still going strong. I couldn't do it without my mom- she collects over 25 dollars a week worth of bottles. We are now over $1,600 in our Hawaii fund. It is a lot of hard work, but well worth it!!

This week's haul- $57!!
Not too bad!

Esther- In a Nutshell

Tonight I wrapped up a 9 week study (that started in January- we had a little break) of The Book of Esther by Beth Moore. What an amazing study and group of women that I got to walk this journey with. The title of the book was "It's Tough Being a Woman". Yeah, she got that one right.

Charlotte, Holly, Michelle and Stephanie (Eden in front)

Heather and Monica

Myself, Kara (our hostess), Betsy and Stephanie (our facilitator)

Hamantashen (Haman's Ears)
A cookie made during Purim to celebrate the fall of Haman
and the victory of the Jewish people!!

Happy 1st Birthday Pickle

Today is my favorite red- haired baby's birthday. Yesterday we went to her pickle party and had so much fun. Although it was cold, the big kids still went swimming. We played fun pickle games and ate a delicious cake (a la Tricia!!). I can't wait till she can walk and talk!! We have enjoyed sharing this first year with her and look forward to many more!!

Side Note: AToday is extra special because my other favorite "red" head shares the same birthday. Today was my wonderful Mommy's birthday. She is 73 and looks 15 years younger. She is my best friend and I love her so much!!

A Family Adventure

Today we had quite the day as a family. We left first thing in the morning and headed up to Pasadena for NASA's JPL open house. This is an event that takes place once a year and we wanted to see what it was all about. There was a bad accident so we had some yucky traffic and once we got there it was over an hour since it had begun. Needless to say, everybody and their mother was at this thing today- it was PACKED. We didn't see much due to long lines, but it was a good experience and we know what we will do differently in the future.

Boys outside in the plaza- where lots of food was for sale!

Actual Mars Rover that will go out at the end of 2011. This one is designed to look for living organisms.

Test Rover- smaller scale, but so cool!

One of the great activities available. The campus was huge and impressive!

Thankfully we had another place to go while we were up there. After lunch in our car we went to Kidsplace- Children's Museum. This is located in the Rose Bowl Park area of Pasadena. It is a little costly. I could see being a member if we lived closer, but I am glad we took advantage of being so close. There was a rock climbing wall, creek and some ponds to play in, a tricycle track, cool in-door climbing towers and lots of other neat things.

The boys climbing the root wad structure

Boys having fun in the water area-
good thing I brought a change of clothes!

We ended the long day with a great dinner at a new favorite restaurant. The Lazy Dog Cafe. I had the best pesto chicken with hummus salad. This too was pricey, but worth it after a long day in the sun. We will definitely go back for a special occasion or a date night!!

All in all, it was a wonderful day with my wonderful family- we are blessed beyond our imagination!!

Nathan- Study of Sharks

A couple weeks ago Nathan had to choose a creature from the sea to study. He chose a Hammerhead Shark. He had to do a report at home and then he has been doing stuff at school about his shark too. Another aspect of the study was to make a habitat for your animal.
We had lots of fun putting this together last weekend! We turn it in this Friday and it will be up for Open House at the end of the month- I can't believe Nathan is already wrapping up 1st grade. Where has the year gone?