to read Paul his choices on the menu.

His independence makes me realize how “big” he has become.

to snap a shot of the “stork bite” on Olivine’s neck.

to enjoy these brothers who explore together.

to capture the expression of a baby’s face, as she curls her toes in the sand.

to see a fire truck up close (even firemen shop at the Farmer’s Market).

to support “Hapa Cup” the shave ice, family run business, that had outrageous flavors like tiger’s blood.

to rest on the Sabbath.

We went to a birthday party where I wish I had snapped more photos.

Maybe Olivine’s face can describe how much fun the kids had at the Sesame Street themed, Elmo appearance, kite flying, candy table, party.

The favors for the boys included two new fish which we will call “Dorothy” for now, just like Elmo would.

It was so hot that the paranoid side of me brought a sun hat and lathered her in sunscreen, plus I kept her in the shade.

We all went to sleep early from such a busy afternoon, except Joe who went with classmates to see a play on the Queen Mary as part of his homework. Which seems way more fun, than hard.

The preschool had an art auction for a fundraiser tonight. Drinks and treats were served.

This is our version of a Friday evening out on the town.

Paul painted windchimes with his class

that we bid on and of course won

and Henry painted a picture that we bought. 

She can’t really sit up yet but that doesn’t stop Joe from posing her.

Baby Lifeguard

or using her as a diaper dispenser.

One of our parody stories of “Goodnight Moon” is called “Goodnight Goon” featuring a goon that Henry can imitate so well it’s almost more creepy than cute.

Olivine meanwhile performs Houdini moves while she sleeps. So every morning she looks like this:

Paul at the playground this afternoon with his “Yo-Ho-Ho” buddy.

Even though the weather started out cloudy- today turned out to be beautiful.

Which meant the boys headed to the seashore, 

rode bikes,

visited with Donna (Daren’s mom),

took a nap,

then I came home from work,

and they hopped on bikes again,

let the baby sleep and grow,

followed ant trails along sidewalk cracks (sincerely fascinating),

Eventually made it all the back home after traveling a twelve block radius with lots of stops to

blow dandelions,

wave at kitties and motorcylces,

cross the street carefully,

and watch clouds overhead from the front steps.

HIgh Five

It’s almost Friday!

Today was a hard day at work and friends at work know.

One student had an accident, one student was sent to the office, parents were fighting in front of the school at dismissal, and this was all in one day.

I came home to more chaos as Joe left for class.

(Please note a little Olivine sleeping in the midst of it all-unphased)

The first (may not be the last) retaliation from Henry who is still only putting a handful of words together and this sometimes frustrates Paul.

I sometimes wish that at school I had the same liberties as a parent.

We headed outside for space and freedom and to let out our energy.

This was my first evening out since being back at work,

I had yet to gather up the energy until tonight.

I took the advice of a friend and “held my baby.

The boys brought sand toys while I sat on the swing, praying and singing quietly.

I “centered” myself because it is only Wed. night.

It worked!

We came home, took baths, read stories, and now everyone is sleeping.

Thank you for simple solutions.

Sometimes while I am at work the boys eat this for lunch.

Probably indulging much more than the French would approve.

But who wants to say no to these little boys pleading with smiling cheeks.

There isn’t much entertainment bought with a dollar these days.

Until we found these kites in the dollar section of Target.

I still can’t believe we only bought two.

It also helps to live three blocks from the beach to find kite flying conditions.

That was the experiment Joe and Daren were conducting on my baby while I was at school.

By her expression-she is not amused.