Such a happy little guy.
Turning in for some sleep after a few early mornings (that none of us are quite used to!).
Friday, August 31, 2012
First week
Luke loved, loved, LOVED his first full week of Kindergarten.
Such a happy little guy.
Turning in for some sleep after a few early mornings (that none of us are quite used to!).
Such a happy little guy.
Turning in for some sleep after a few early mornings (that none of us are quite used to!).
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Mia's first day of preschool
Mia started at Mandala Children's House today. She has been going two days a week over the summer for their summer school program, but today was her first "official" school day in her class for the year.
Since Luke was in their Early Preschool, they have split that class into two: one for children who are just 2 years old (Cocoons) for two days a week, and one for children who are 2 years + 9 months as of September 1st (Caterpillars). Mia is just on the cusp, but after attending their summer school program it was apparent that she is completely ready to be a Caterpillar (which means that she attends 3 mornings a week).
The teachers in her classroom are Miss Denise (Luke's EPS teacher), Miss Tabatha (who Luke had when he was 3), and Miss Sharada (Luke's teacher from last year). Mia is very lucky - what a wonderful team of teachers.
Since Luke was in their Early Preschool, they have split that class into two: one for children who are just 2 years old (Cocoons) for two days a week, and one for children who are 2 years + 9 months as of September 1st (Caterpillars). Mia is just on the cusp, but after attending their summer school program it was apparent that she is completely ready to be a Caterpillar (which means that she attends 3 mornings a week).
The teachers in her classroom are Miss Denise (Luke's EPS teacher), Miss Tabatha (who Luke had when he was 3), and Miss Sharada (Luke's teacher from last year). Mia is very lucky - what a wonderful team of teachers.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Along with a new school year comes...
... SOCCER!
This is Luke's first year playing in a league. Previously, he has taken weekly soccer classes where they played mock games, but this will be the first time he will play regular games against other teams.
He is on a U6 team through NVYSL, and his team's name is the Sonicks (yes, with a "k" ... I have no idea). They practice two afternoons a week and have games every Saturday.
This is Luke's first year playing in a league. Previously, he has taken weekly soccer classes where they played mock games, but this will be the first time he will play regular games against other teams.
He is on a U6 team through NVYSL, and his team's name is the Sonicks (yes, with a "k" ... I have no idea). They practice two afternoons a week and have games every Saturday.
The soccer player's sister ... patiently watching the game and waiting for her turn to play
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Paw's 60th Birthday
Happy Birthday to one of our favorite guys!
We celebrated Paw with a little pre-party at our house that included our favorite parts of any party: cake and presents.
Very excited to present the cake
Paw had a car-themed party this year. Not only did he have a car cake, but he also bought himself a car (not sure if that was actually FOR his birthday, but it arrived just in time for it), so we bought him some accessories for his new car, and Uncle Todd bought him a crazy-fast adult remote control car.
We love you and couldn't ask for a better Paw!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The Kindergartner
Hard to believe that our baby boy is starting Kindergarten. We know he's ready. We know how smart he is. We know he will do well. We feel completely confident in the choice of school that we've made for him. Still, it's hard to believe (and a bit nerve-wracking ... for me!).
I can't say enough good things about St. Martin's. After touring nearly 25 schools, there really was no question about where we wanted him to go. From the first morning that I stepped onto the campus, I knew that there was something special about it. It was joyful. Kids wanted to be there; loved being there. It was organized, yet students were engaged in learning, not just sitting in desks listening. Teachers were nurturing and loving. They believe in educating the whole child, thus offering Spanish, art, music/band, P.E., technology with specialized teachers. It had a "feeling" about it, sort of the same way that Mandala (Luke's, and now Mia's, preschool) does. And so I knew. We put all of our eggs in the St. Martin's basket and just hoped that we would get lucky. I can't tell you how relieved and overjoyed I was the day that that letter arrived in the mail to learn that Luke, and someday Mia, would be able to attend there. I'm telling you, if this is what elementary school is like, I dread the day that we have to apply for high school and college (ugh!).
St. Martin's has one class per grade, and Kindergarten has two full time teachers (as well as two aides): Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Lawrence.
I'm pleased to report that although slightly teary, I did not cry. However, that might be due in part to the fact that the scene in front of the kindergarten classroom was like something out of a comedy skit. Literally, it was like paparazzi with all of the parents trying to get a peek, and then a photo, of their child inside the classroom. Finally, the teachers came out and asked us all to leave! :)
Luke had a great first day - he loved it! We are so proud of our big boy and his new endeavor!
I can't say enough good things about St. Martin's. After touring nearly 25 schools, there really was no question about where we wanted him to go. From the first morning that I stepped onto the campus, I knew that there was something special about it. It was joyful. Kids wanted to be there; loved being there. It was organized, yet students were engaged in learning, not just sitting in desks listening. Teachers were nurturing and loving. They believe in educating the whole child, thus offering Spanish, art, music/band, P.E., technology with specialized teachers. It had a "feeling" about it, sort of the same way that Mandala (Luke's, and now Mia's, preschool) does. And so I knew. We put all of our eggs in the St. Martin's basket and just hoped that we would get lucky. I can't tell you how relieved and overjoyed I was the day that that letter arrived in the mail to learn that Luke, and someday Mia, would be able to attend there. I'm telling you, if this is what elementary school is like, I dread the day that we have to apply for high school and college (ugh!).
Our excited Kindergartner on his first day, with his Robot backpack and lunch bag, and sporting his new green shoes that match his uniform
St. Martin's has one class per grade, and Kindergarten has two full time teachers (as well as two aides): Mrs. Anderson and Mrs. Lawrence.
Mrs. Anderson taking Luke in on the first day
In front of the school
I'm pleased to report that although slightly teary, I did not cry. However, that might be due in part to the fact that the scene in front of the kindergarten classroom was like something out of a comedy skit. Literally, it was like paparazzi with all of the parents trying to get a peek, and then a photo, of their child inside the classroom. Finally, the teachers came out and asked us all to leave! :)
Luke had a great first day - he loved it! We are so proud of our big boy and his new endeavor!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Luke the Builder
Luke loves his legos. He received several sets for his birthday and has been busy ever since. After about a week of practice with us helping him to follow the instructions, he was able to build every set he has on his own.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Jonathan & Stephanie Visit
We had some very, very special visitors for the last weekend of summer vacation - cousins Jonathan and Stephanie came all the way from New Jersey to hang out with us.
Many might remember Jonathan as our housemate shortly after Michael and I moved to California from Brooklyn. He came to study at the Culinary Institute in SF, and stayed here with us ... in what is now Luke's room (which Luke finds sort of funny and sort of strange - he wasn't sure quite what to make of that piece of information) for about a year.
This was Jonathan's first visit back, and Stephanie's first visit since Luke's 1st birthday party. We loved having them - they were the easiest house guests and completely adjusted to our schedule, which is not always easy with two young kids.
They spent a ton of time playing games with Luke and playing with Mia in the backyard, but the highlight of their visit might have been our day in Santa Cruz.
We ate lunch in Capitola, and then played on the beach for a few hours. The kids loved the sand.
Many might remember Jonathan as our housemate shortly after Michael and I moved to California from Brooklyn. He came to study at the Culinary Institute in SF, and stayed here with us ... in what is now Luke's room (which Luke finds sort of funny and sort of strange - he wasn't sure quite what to make of that piece of information) for about a year.
This was Jonathan's first visit back, and Stephanie's first visit since Luke's 1st birthday party. We loved having them - they were the easiest house guests and completely adjusted to our schedule, which is not always easy with two young kids.
They spent a ton of time playing games with Luke and playing with Mia in the backyard, but the highlight of their visit might have been our day in Santa Cruz.
We ate lunch in Capitola, and then played on the beach for a few hours. The kids loved the sand.
Next we spent the evening at the Boardwalk. The kids rode several rides, and then joined me for their first trip on a Ferris Wheel - they both LOVED it!
Thank you to Jonathan and Stephanie for making the long trip out to visit us. We loved having you!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
The last (Happy Hollow) Hurrah...for now
Oh, Happy Hollow family pass, how I love thee...
We have used our Happy Hollow membership SO much this year. As this is the last official week of summer for Luke, we decided that we better get one more visit in.
We asked Day to join us, and spent nearly the entire day at one of our favorite places.
We have used our Happy Hollow membership SO much this year. As this is the last official week of summer for Luke, we decided that we better get one more visit in.
We asked Day to join us, and spent nearly the entire day at one of our favorite places.
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