Last Days of First Grade and Kinder

 Matthew received an award at school on Tuesday for academic achievement.  He brought home a "straight A" report card this semester. 

 Enrique, Matt's best friend at school, also received an academic award.  Two smartie pants!!

 Micah's last day of school was themed "Camp Rancho Vista."  We got a babysitter for Melea (first time she has been left with someone other than family) so I could be a "camp counselor."  The campers had a blast getting their faces and arms painted, "cooking" in the sandbox, going on a scavenger hunt, and playing various other games.

 Micah racing through "Rancho Vista Falls."

 Camping food included a hotdog wrapped in a tortilla with embellishments to make it look like a person in a sleeping bag, ants on a log and a marshmallow.

 The bell has rung... Matt is officially a 2nd grader!  I dashed over to Matt's class for the last hour of the day after leaving the camping festivities at Micah's school.  It is days like today that having the boys at the same school would be nice!!

We spent the afternoon at home watching an "Air Bud" movie and playing in the backyard with the chickens.  The boys are really into talking dog movies!! 

Let the summer begin!!  Tomorrow might be a little tough for Matt because he didn't go to bed until almost 10:00pm!  Not sure if it is coincidence or not but Matt got glasses about a week ago and read an ENTIRE chapter book tonight.  The glasses are meant to be worn when reading or watching TV.  Tonight was the first time he didn't want to stop reading.  He is into the Pixie Tricks series. This is an older series but new to Matt.  

The boys have swim lessons tomorrow.  The county pool down the street opened and all 3 kids LOVE going to the pool.  Melea is fearless!  It is a little scary.  Micah is so excited because he is finally tall enough this summer to touch the bottom in the shallow end!

Bitter sweet feelings today.  It is hard to see your babies grow up but so much fun at the same time!

They are such smart, kind, happy kids.  I'm excited for all our adventures this summer!  Our family has a busy summer planned.  Lots of good family time!  My favorite!

The Last Two Weeks

 Micah had Open House at school.  Kinder is a special year.  The classroom has such an innocent feeling.  I've spent a fair amount of time in his classroom volunteering this year and have gotten to know most of the kids pretty good.  Even the little punks have a sweet innocence about them!! They are all still cute! Micah was proud to show off his classroom to Daddy.  He is such a good student and sweet boy.  I can't believe he will be a first grader in less than a month from now.  Where is time going...didn't we just bring our little Moo home from the hospital?

 Matt spared for the first time in karate tonight.  He was really nervous before class...another event that caused him anxiety.  He worked through it great though and came home very proud!  He borrowed the sparring gear from his teacher but wants his own.  Karl and I are trying to think of a way he can earn the gear.  Matt seems to really like karate.  It fits him well because you have to be very precise and detailed with the movements.  I think he likes the challenge.

It's baseball season!  Need I say more?  I took the boys to see a production of Snow White on Sunday and left Karl with a shopping list to be completed after Melea's nap....Hummm....Shopping not completed but very cute pictures instead!  Karl set up a little photo shoot.  PLAY BALL!!

Ciclavia

Ciclavia started in Venice this year. We rode about 6 miles and ended at the beach where the boys conquered the REI climbing wall multiple times. We then HAD to hit the beach for awhile! It was an awesome family day. Beautiful weather and beautifully behaved kids! Everyone had fun and we made it home safe and tired! Can't ask for much better than that!

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Yellow belt testing

The boys tested for their yellow belts tonight. They did great and were so focused! Hopefully the next picture posted is of them with yellow belts!

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Melea's friends

These are the friends Melea sleeps with. She will let you know if someone is missing. Her friends include a large and small Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, a giraffe, a chick, and "Mickey Blankie." Sometimes a horse joins the sleepover. He was left out tonight for some reason!

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California Science Center

 We ditched school a few weeks ago and went to the Science Center in LA.  We saw Endeavor!  It was beyond amazing to be so close to the shuttle! 

 "Hi fishies!"

 M is for Matt, Micah, and Melea...oh yeah, and McDonalds!

Using a lever to lift a truck...what strong boys!

Backyard Fun

The weather this weekend was awesome! It was a spring tease. While Karl and Matt were at piano lessons Micah, Melea and I planted 3 more fruit trees in the backyard. In addition to our 2 peach and apricot we now have 2 apples and a nectarine.
I painted an old bird house we had in the backyard. I think it turned out cute. The boys and I plan to paint a few more and make a little bird house village in the back corner of the yard.

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Crafting

This was one of Melea's first crafts...she loved it. She placed sparkly puff balls on her name.

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Advent Fun

 Our friends had carriage rides around their neighborhood this evening. The boys loved it but Melea was a little unsure.  The carriage was covered in Christmas lights and Melea kept saying "hot, no hot." 

 Our elves, Hans, Shivers, and Spark, returned from the North Pole again this year!  The boys run out to the living room every morning to find them and see what mischief they got into during the night.  This morning the elves brought a new train set and had it set up and were playing with it!  The Fitch kids came over early to play.

Fun at the park!

One more week of school before the break!  Can't wait!!!

Merry Christmas!

Last Basketball Game and Lydia is 2!

The boys had their last basketball game today. Karl did a great job coaching. His patience amazed me!







Tonight we celebrated Lydia's second birthday.

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