A Visit with Auntie Gina

Now that my sister Gina is a short one hour car ride away, we had to take the kids up to San Francisco to see her new place!  San Francisco living is very different living than San Jose or even Kirkland.  It has it's own feel, it's own vibe and Gina is loving it. 

The kids thought her apartment was really cool and really different.  It is updated but certainly has a 'historical' feel to it, to.  They loved looking out her bay window at the SF cityscape and couldn't wait to walk the really steep hills on our way to lunch.  We took a nine block walk into a really cute area where we noshed on pizza and sandwiches.  The kids loved seeing how people in SF live!  They saw a park and couldn't believe how small it was, realized that there are places called laundromats, noticed that a lot of people walk in the city, and that in certain parts- it smelled funny.  Michael was in his own world and kept asking us 'Am I Going to Fall into the Sky?'  Um, not sure where this came from but he was scared!  The sky was so blue today and it was really warm, too!  Nothing like a clear, warm San Francisco day. 

Gina had promised the kids ice cream after lunch and wanted to take them to Swensen's Ice Cream Shop for their sweet treat!  At first glance, they thought she had found a place that was identical to their last name!  Only on further review did they realized there was no D in this Swensen's.  But it didn't matter.  They had ice cream and plenty of it! 

We walked back to Gina's, took a few scenic pictures, Gina quickly painted Emily's toenails, and then said goodbye.  Claire and Michael are already talking about having a sleep over with Gina in SF one of these weekends.  Thanks for the great day Ween!!!

Simply Summer

I love this picture of my kids.  We had just walked into downtown Willow Glen for some after dinner frozen yogurt.  Everything about this picture looks like summer.  They are relaxed, they are happy, they are on summer vacation!  It is just the best.

Academy of Sciences & Japanese Tea Gardens

We've been wanting to head to San Francisco to see the newly renovated California Academy of Sciences.  For one reason or another, we just couldn't make it happen.  We found ourselves with a fully vacant day and a yearning to explore so we headed north to check it out! 

I went there once with Damien in college.  I am petrified of snakes.  Fact.  Damien took me there and didn't tell me he wanted to show me the only two headed snake in the world.  Fact.  Too bad it died by the time we got there.  Relief!  This was really my first time exploring the academy and it was really cool!

By the time we arrived, all of the kids were so excited to see everything this museum had to offer!  Damien was thrilled to walk in and see the first exhibit featured was the 40 foot robotic snake from the movie Anaconda.  Wonderful.  I put on a brave face and pretended this wasn't the snake the tormented me for an entire hour and a half movie years prior!  The kids loved it but the little two were a bit scared because it was so realistic!

We loved the aquarium portion of the academy, loved the rain forest area where butterflies abound, the kids LOVED seeing real life crocodiles (even an albino one), they loved the Foucault Pendulum and were stoked to have been able to see it knock over one of it's pegs, we got to walk over a see-through floor with giant sting rays swimming beneath us, the little kids loved the Young Children's play area, Damien and the boys were so impressed with the planetarium, and the yummy food from the cafeteria was just what we needed to give us a boost!

Overall, we loved it.  It has a little of everything and really helped the kids expand their knowledge of so many different things! 

Afterwards, we walked across the way to the Japanese Tea Gardens.  We have been there a few times in the past but we were just too close to it not to go again!

We ran and ran around and around the different little scenic areas.  The kids loved climbing on this giant rainbow bridge.  They must have climbed it a handful of times! 

We were able to sit down and have tea in the outside restaurant and I prayed that my overly tired two year old's lack of nap time didn't ruin our experience.  Turns out, she did great.  She is crazy little girl but uber-adaptable. 

We all had hot tea (which was great for the overcast SF day), almond cookies, fortune cookies, and the Japanese candies Hi-Chew.  It as absolutely perfect.  As I looked around the table and saw my kids so content and appreciative of our efforts to show them some new things, I thought to myself that I am truly so, so blessed. 

Here's to more summer outings and making time for these amazing experiences.

Do You Believe in Magic?

I'd like you to meet my magical girls.  Claire has donned this costume on occasion for over a year or so now.  She will come out of her room and approach me in the kitchen and say, "Would you like to know your fortune?"  I think it is hilarious.  Ever since she was little, she has enjoyed dressing up and I hope she continues to do it for years to come.  I love it!  What I love in particular about this costume is the sign that reads Magical Crystal Ball.  Amazing.

Monkey see, monkey do.  Emily went into Claire's room the other day and put on this costume all by herself!  I swear.  I about died when I saw her come in the kitchen wearing this.  When I asked who had helped her, she answered "Nobody do anything!"  Claire is a wonderful big sister and such a great example and role model for her little sis.  Here's to imaginary play and much more of it!

Swimming Lessons

I have the BEST memories of taking swim lessons when I was a kid.  It was such a highlight of the summer for me!  Jill and I were usually in the same class or in the pool at the same time while my Mom somehow managed to juggle three other kids on the edge of the pool.  (It is moments like this where I look at the great accomplishment my Mom achieved by raising the five of us.  How did she do it?)  I loved swimming in the sunshine (okay, the rain- too) and I especially loved the day where you got to wear all of your clothes in the pool to tread water in the deep end for safety's sake.  I remember showering afterwards and watching Jill use the shampoo that prevented blond hair from turning green from the chlorine while thanking God that my hair was brown and I didn't have to use the stinky stuff!  Then I remember the quick trip to 7-11 on the ride home to grab a small treat.  Swimming lessons were the best and it makes me nostalgic to see my kids enjoying the same.

A few years back, I enrolled Michael and Claire in an outdoor swim session at the Camden Community Center.  They loved it and it was so much more affordable than the other local options (with amazing swim results).  This year, I did the same and they loved being under the sun in a great big pool!  Matthew and Emily loved the wide open space on the side of the pool where they could run around and play games together.  I loved the brief thirty minutes where I could sit back, sunglasses on, and soak it all in. 

They both started in a Level 3 class but after the first day, they were asked if they didn't mind switching up to a Level 4!  Good job Michael and Claire.  I was so impressed with the instruction they got in their class.  They were taught so much in two weeks and I can definitely see an improvement in their strokes and pool skills. 

Matthew and Emily were insanely jealous the whole two weeks.  Luckily, I bribed away the jealousy with snacks and goodies.  Sugar is my friend!  I am so glad that I was able to find a pocket of time this summer to give Michael and Claire this opportunity.  During the school year, they are booked with other sports and mounds of homework.  Swimming skills are so important and I think summer will continue to be the time of year we designate to becoming stronger swimmers and continuing pool safety!  Ah, I love summer.

My Date With Matthew

So, we have this gift card giving ritual on both Mother's Day and Father's Day.  Basically, we take the kids to the store and let them pick out a gift card with the intention of giving it to Mom/Dad for a one-on-one date!  I love seeing where they want to go and love when I actually get to take them there!  This year, Matthew picked a really swanky restaurant Subway (which also happens to be one of his favorite places)!  I thought it was the perfect pick!  And to be honest, I could use a nice healthy sandwich, too! 

Our conversation over lunch was absolutely priceless.  I loved being just with him . . . alone with my little boy.  I am not going to say that I don't have guilt that stems way back from when Emily was born.  Before she was born, he was MY little guy.  A total mama's boy.  It is amazing and in some ways sad how the birth of another sibling can affect kids.  One minute- he was my main focus and the next, he was a one of the big kids and instantly a big brother.  I remember the day I came home from the hospital with Emily and how Matthew just wanted to be with me.  Those big beautiful eyes looked at me and said, "Remember?  I am your little baby?" My heart broke.  I wanted to give him my all, my everything. Problem was- I had to take care of Emily.  I gave him as much time as I could but the sad truth is, it probably wasn't enough in his eyes.  I know that at the time, I gave him every ounce of energy I had- it's just sometimes I miss that little baby boy who only wanted to crawl into his Mommy's lap.  I loved when he was my littlest baby and this lunch made me realize how important it is not only to me- but to Matthew to get time alone together.

Over our turkey sandwiches (Matthew's had only turkey, cheese, mayo, and lettuce) we talked about life and funny memories.  I was in mid-sentence when Matthew reached across the table and grabbed my hand.  He held it up like a Prince would do and kissed the top of my hand.  Then his left dimple peeked out as he grinned ear to ear.  Seriously?  He is the cutest thing ever.  After a few moments of trivial conversation he sprung a BIG question on me.  "Mom, will you marry me?"  He said that he would buy me flowers that I could have on our wedding day.  Of course my answer was yes.  Matthew is just too much.  My little lovey.

I was so happy to have had lunch with Matthew.  He really is amazing and I am glad that I was reminded of our times together before Emily.  I was happy to hear about his Star Wars dream the night before.  And mostly, I am happy that I apparently have captured the heart of my youngest son.  Little does me know, he has had my heart since the moment I first laid eyes on him.

FIREWORKS

Days before the Fourth of July, I drove the kids twenty-five minutes north to a small firework stand where they got a glimpse at firework heaven.  They literally couldn't believe that you could legally buy fireworks!  Okay, it isn't legal in San Jose, but apparently it is legal just a few miles north!  This is the third year we have purchased fireworks and the kids just love it!

We left Healdsburg and arrived home around 7:00 p.m.  It was perfect.  Mark, Brennan, and Gabe ended up coming over which made my kids so incredibly happy!  Last year, the cousins joined us so my kids expectation was that they would be there again.  I swear, my kids couldn't have been happier.  Our neighbors Sam and Sheila also joined us which was so wonderful.

Before the sun goes completely down, we always light off the smoke balls.  These make the kids just laugh!  Having just read Harry Potter books, Michael and Claire kept yelling, Dementors, at the smoke.  I had no clue what that meant but it was cracking up Brennan and the little guys! 

Because the fireworks are 'technically' illegal in our county, we are constantly making sure we aren't getting caught.  The last few fireworks, which we deemed part of our finale, were bright and loud!  I happened to be videoing all of the kids from the back as they were watching the firework finale and it was just amazing.  They are all sitting there, taking it all in, when the firework starts popping SO LOUD!  They all start moving backward in a crab walk and start falling all over each other!  It was awesome! 

We finished the night off with smores and truly had a fantastic Fourth of July.  No one burned themselves (although we had several close calls with six kids all holding burning morning glories at the same time), we were surprised at how awesome our fireworks actually were, we helped our kids make memories that will last forever, and we got to stuff ourselves with patriotic doughnuts and smores.  Can't wait until next year!

4th of July!!!!

We were happy to wake up at E and Papa's on the Fourth of July!  I don't know why I love this holiday so much.  I love getting all of the kids dressed in patriotic colors, I love the excitement that builds throughout the day for fireworks, and I certainly love the food!  I had so much fun with my girls today!  I painted their fingers and toes red, white, and blue and they looked adorable!  I knew Claire would sit still throughout the whole process but I was shocked at how patient Emily was!

We got to celebrate Mark Sr.'s birthday today which was really fun!  Everyone helped out and came together to help prepare a proper firework feast!  In order to make the day as celebratory as possible for her husband, Marlene rented a cotton candy maker and a sno-cone maker which was so much fun for the kids!  Michael and Claire were really into making these sweet treats! 

While we cooked, the kids swam and had the time of their lives!  Seriously, everyone had a really nice, relaxed day.  We stayed just through dinner and cake and then headed back to San Jose to light off some fireworks and roast some smores.  What a great Fourth of July!!!

A Third of July Party

We headed to the Gullotta's house, commonly referred to as The Sky Palace, for some fun in the sun!  They always have a party near the 4th of July and my kids seriously look forward to it every year!  Because we were staying in Healdsburg, the drive was only one hour long.  Emily took a little snooze on the way which brought me great delight!  As we pulled up, all the kids cheered because they knew how much fun was ahead of them!

The pool is always really warm which makes the swimming really comfortable.  No cold kiddos, just smiles all around!  They all love to swim and go down the slide!  I was curious to see how Emily would handle the slide this year.  Would she go down?  It didn't take me long to figure that out as she went straight for it and asked Daddy to help her.  She whipped down so fast, went under the water, and came up laughing.  Seriously.  Matthew thought it was awesome and wasn't timid like last year.  Michael and Claire continually scared the heck out of me as they tried going down every way you could imagine.  I just had to stop watching them.  They were laughing and having the best time- even though I was nervous! 

When we weren't with the kids in the pool, we were up chatting with the adults and making/eating homemade pizza that the Gullottas cooked in their outdoor pizza oven.  It was so yummy!  This was the first year in a long time where I could actually relax.  Now that Emily is in a life jacket, life is safer and easier by the pool.  As usual when leaving, we had to drag our kids away from the party.  I am pretty sure two out of the four were crying because they just didn't want to leave.  I don't blame them.  Fun was had by all and we are already looking forward to next year!

Healdsburg Weekend

We are so excited to be spending the weekend in Healdsburg with Damien's family!  We plan on hanging out a lot at the house and splashing in E and Papa's pool, we want to take the kids down to the river for some more swim time, we look forward to lazy afternoons, many ping pong games, partying at the sky palace (Lani's in-laws house), celebrating Papa's birthday, and having lots of fun leading up the Fourth of July weekend!

Our weekend started just at the right pace.  No sooner did we pull up to Damien's parent's house did the kids get in their swimsuits and head to the pool.  Damien and I were thrilled to sit in a few lounge chairs and relax while watching our little ones swim.  It was perfect.  After swimming, we all spilled out to the driveway in the front of the house where the infamous ping pong table resides.

Ping pong is always a huge hit when we are up there.  The adults love to play and now Michael and Claire are honing their skills!  We were all playing ping pong when Marlene started a water fight.  She is not known for doing anything small.  Think water fight on a grand scale! 

It started with a little water and ended with Damien cornering his Mom ten feet deep in the hedges with hose water.  It was so ridiculously funny.  After she had gotten him drenched- she didn't think he would actually come after her.  She was wrong and everyone was laughing so hard watching this memorable moment!  The funniest part was that Damien and his Mom were laughing so hard- they could barely move!

Later in the day, we took the kids down to the Russian River for a swim.  Since I have known Damien, we have driven over this river what seems like a million times!  I have heard so many stories about how Marlene and Damien's grandmother, Hellie would take all of the kids to the river when they were young.  How was it that we had never taken our own kids?

My kids absolutely loved it!  Both Michael and Claire had to take a swim test in order to swim on the other side of the buoys and they both passed!  Of course Emily and Matthew were complaining about having to stay in the 'baby area' but safety first.  The kids had a blast.  The water was pretty murky but it was refreshing.  It was a great end to a day that was already jam packed with fun!