The Zoo

August Roundup

2011-08-16T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hey there everyone. It's been a long while since I posted. August has flown by surprisingly. At the end of July, I thought 5 more weeks of summer was going to be really long. Now, we only have a few more weeks before Leo goes back to school and Oliver starts preschool. Some of their friends have already started school.

The boys love staying home and just drawing and playing. Some days I have to force them to go out, just to get them out of the house. They are funny that way. I think, unless we are out seeing friends, they have no interest in going to the park with just me. It's not exciting enough. And it's been hard to get together with friends this summer. Everyone is on their own summer schedule. But the ones we have seen, it's been nice to catch up.

Aug 2, 2011
Friends and shaved ice - yay for summer!

Aug 3, 2011
A failed attempt to meet up with friends at the spray park. They tried to have fun but we left after an hour. Yes, isn't that crazy. A spray park looks so much fun! I guess the disappointment of not seeing the friends was too much.

Aug 4, 2011
Awesome wild animal show at the library. This barn owl weighs 0.5 lbs. Can you believe it? Crazy. The kids saw a lemur, a black throat monitor, and a snake of course. Love the public library!

Aug 5, 2011
Took the boys to Ancil Hoffman Park by the American River. They loved it and we went back 2 more times in the next 2 days. We saw wild turkeys, a rabbit, deers and more wild turkeys. The kids loved it. Throwing rocks into the river and looking for feathers were fun too.

Aug 6, 2011
Back to the American River the next day with daddy.

Aug 7, 2011
Brunch at Taylor's Kitchen. Yummy. We think this is the best brunch in town.

Again, another day on the River, watching rafters float down the river.

Aug 9, 2011
Craft day at school friend's house. Yay!

Aug 11, 2011
Storytime at the Library. Coloring afterwards. Ran into a school friend and borrowed some books.

A little treat at the Co-Op. Pina Colada cupcake and chocolate chip cookie, the size of Oliver's head!

Aug 13, 2011

Surprise Birthday Present for ME!!

Playing in the river, trying to look for dragonflies.

Made my own birthday dinner. All the seafood looked too good not to have a feast. Dennis made a surprise visit and had dinner with us and spent the next day with the boys.

Cake on a stick from Freeport Bakery. A great idea but did not taste great. I will stick with the cake next time.

Aug 14, 2011
Brunch with Dennis at Taylor's Market.

Big hugs for Dennis - he is going to buy the boys some toys!

Yay for Uncle Dennis. He buys us toys!! We love Uncle Dennis!

2011-07-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tim took a few days off this week to hang out with the boys. Initially, we were going to the coast, but it was cloudy and cooler, so we thought we'd just stay home.

I keep convincing Leo to go ride the bike by the river. He enjoys it but gets tired by the end of the ride. He is doing about 2 miles. Oliver did it once and thought it was too tiring. So he goes in his stroller and snacks along the way while I put and power walk.

They get to play at the playground afterwards.

July 25, 2011

We went to Six Flags and convinced Leo to try the small roller coaster. He LOVED it and kept wanting to ride it. I think he did 4 or 5 times that day. And he started raising his arms up in the air by the 2nd time we went. He can't wait to go back and do it again.

July 26, 2011
Oliver sure knows how to pose.

Then we went to the river so the kids can play with sand and water. Leo tried to catch little fish swimming around. He did manage to catch one but we let it go by accident.

July 27, 2011

Camp week

2011-07-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

Leo and Oliver spent a week at camps this week. I had the morning off. 3 hrs fly by quickly when there are lots of things to take care of. Oliver LOVED camp. He went to his soon to be preschool for camp. I think he really enjoyed coming home and telling us all the things that happened at camp and all the songs he learned. Leo, unfortunately, did not have as good of a time. The teacher was very unforgiving. When he didn't want to do a craft, she didn't try to re-engage him, and just left him to wander around. He didn't want to make a paper mache dinosaur egg yesterday, but decided after all he did. The balloon popped and the teacher refused to give him another one. So he didn't get to make one. I couldn't believe it. When I talked to her this morning, she claimed that he didn't want to make it, but was given the balloon. She said she gave him specific instruction to be careful with it because it was the only one. She told me it was an expensive project and the studio only allows one per child. Are you kidding me!?!! How expensive can a paper mache be. It's just balloons and newspaper, and flour and water. I did not like her at all and did not like how she tried to blame him. I am sure he was difficult at times, but she made no effort to redirect him or reengage him into the camp. Of all the camps, he was most excited about this one. He loves dinosaurs and for him not to want to go to camp, there's something wrong with that. Luckily, management was shocked too, but I am so angry and bummed that Leo did not have a good experience because the teacher did not know how to handle difficult situations. It's summer camp!! Kids are supposed to have fun!! Anyway, we are pulling him out of another camp that he was excited about but the same teacher is teaching it. What a bummer!!

July 18, 2011
Oliver on his first day of camp. He said "Follow me, I am the leader. I will take you to camp."

Making blackberry jam.

July 19, 2011

Figs are in season now. Yummmmmm.....

Zucchini blossoms. Baked, not fried and delicious!!

July 20, 2001

Art Beast dressed up driving rocket ship.

July 21, 2001

My wild flowers grown from seeds. So pretty.

This week

2011-07-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

July 9, 2011
Our gourmet chocolatier in town has an ice cream social every month. I just found out and wanted to check it out. Today was rose ice cream with raspberries, macaroons, whipped cream. It was yummy.

July 10, 2011
We made homemade strawberry popsicles and grilled corn this afternoon. It was a nice relaxing day.

July 12, 2011
Leo lost his 2nd tooth today at camp, in the reptile house just before they finished there.

July 13, 2011
Hung out with friends at the park after a library event. It's been a while. Wish we get to see them more often.

July 14, 2011
Leo took my old camera to camp and took tons of pictures of different favorite things. Mostly documentation of things he likes. I LOVE this one of the tiger.

July 15, 2011
We took a look at the new red panda exhibit. There are now 4 of them. Here they are resting and taking a little nap. So cute.

Leo took this picture of the flamingos at camp today. They are starting to mate and are doing all sorts of fun stuff. Here he caught one of them flapping its wings.

July 16, 2011

We decided to check out the Peach Festival at Marysville. Just as we were driving into the town, we hit traffic. It was bumper to bumper, then the car behind us hit us. Luckily there was no scratches or dents. Just paint transfer. The woman said the car behind her hit her, and then she hit us. She said her wallet got stolen and she doesn't have her license. It all sound sketchy, but nothing was wrong with our car, so we left it at that. Just got her info. We should have known it was not going to turn out good. The peach festival turned out to be more like a street fair with stalls of fried foods and nothing peachy at all about it. I had imagined peach eating contests, lots of peach type foods. There was a stall selling peach cobbler and a few stalls selling peaches, but that's it. There were some rides, the kids had fun in a dinosaur bounce house. That was it. We left and went to McDonald's for lunch. It seemed just as bad as the food choices at the festival. We will not go back again!

Then we headed back home and went to the library for this wonderful display of turtles from the turtle club of Sacramento. All kinds of turtles, swimming and land turtles. Leo loved it. Oliver slept in the car most of the time and got to see this big turtle crawling around.

July 17, 2011

We watched the women's World Cup Soccer finals this morning (US vs Japan). Japan won, a well deserved game and an awesome game ending in penalty kicks.

In the afternoon we decided to go pick some blackberries at the park near our house. This is where every Monday, Leo's school went for their walks. There were lots of blackberries, Leo picked some, they played and we got some delicious blackberries ready to be made into jam. Yay. We will go back for some more later.

Back in time

2011-07-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

just a little bit...
June 26, 2011

The end of June brought us fresh garbanzo beans from the farmer's market. I should have know they would be green, and not white like in cans. They were delicious just saute in a little olive oil. It was a leisurely task to shell the peas while watching the kids play in the pool.

It also brought our very first cherry tomato from our tomato plant. Very sweet. We have since had a few more and a lot more are on the plant waiting to ripen.

$18 of endless fun!

Bunny still hanging around the house for now.

June 27, 2011

I coax the boys to go bike riding by the river. Oliver got tired quickly but Leo was impressed to have ridden for over a mile. We will have to do it more often. They had a good time.

June 28, 2011
Our weekly art group meet up.
His friend's house had an awesome backyard equipped with a little stream and pond, a tree house, chickens and bunnies. Leo came home and told me if they ever move out of their house, can we move in?

June 29, 2011

Blooming hydrangeas.

June 30, 2011

We spent the morning with friends at the park. In the afternoon, we went to Leo's school friend's birthday pool party.

July 1, 2011

Date night with Tim at Tuli. It was super delicious. I finally got him to try it and it was a hit.

July 2, 2011
Another hot day spent in the pool.

July 3, 2011
We haven't been to Six Flags since spring break. We finally made another trip. The kids had a blast and enjoying the rides more and more.

July 4, 2011
It was a mellow day. The kids spent the entire day again in the pool. They are getting lots of sun. They didn't even get to see fireworks, they were so tired at the end of the day. I think they passed out before 7pm.

The Coast

2011-07-08T23:06:00.000-07:00

We spent a few days at the coast. We have been wanting to go since last year but never made it. Finally, the weather was clear and it looked like it would be warm enough to have some fun there. Oliver is still afraid of the waves and took a little bit to warm up to all the sand on his feet. Leo loved looking for crabs in tide pools. We were lucky to have been able to do that both days. They also swam in the pool, we used the hot tub - just perfect to cut the chill of the morning. We had some awesome clam chowder and crab sandwiches. The boys loved being in a hotel and going to the beach. All in all, a great few days getaway.

summer at home

2011-06-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

Just being silly and having a good time.

Thinking...

2011-06-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

That we are just slowly getting into a rhythm of having Leo home all day long. It is not easy having them both at home especially when I am used to him being gone for at least 3 hours during the day. The good thing is he's been helpful in getting Oliver to take a nap in the afternoon. I think we have done 4/4 days this week. Woohoo!!

I, more than them, need to have some sort of schedule or events planned for them each day. Whether it is a play date, or going to the library, or doing a craft at home. I need to plan, plan, and plan. Otherwise, we all get miserable with each other and the day seem LONG.

As much as Leo likes to stay home and play, I feel that we have less conflict when we are out and about doing something. When they are home, inevitably, they get bored of playing and whines for something to do.

I was hoping swim lessons would keep us busy in the afternoons, but with Leo sprained ankle and the teacher sick, we have had no swimming all week. We finally go tomorrow. We will see how Oliver behaves not getting into the pool. I rather enjoyed my 30 mins of watching them swim.

Looking at the calendar, I only have another week and a half before we head to the coast, then Leo starts camp for the next 2 weeks. Then another 2 weeks at home, another camp, and then 1 more week after that and we are off visiting grandparents. It doesn't look that bad on the calendar, but when you are looking at it day to day, I know I have to plan, otherwise disaster.

Leo turns 6

2011-06-21T21:45:00.000-07:00

Leo was born on the first day of summer. What a sizzling hot 100 degree summer day to celebrate his 6th birthday! We spent the morning at with some school friends and lunch with daddy. Then home for some cool quiet time. We ended the day with Leo's favorite meal, carrot cake and cookies. It was a great day for my little Leo. Happy Birthday!

Heading into Summer

2011-06-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 16

The end of last week was filled with activities. We saw a wild animal show at the library where they brought in a life size kangaroo named billibong. The kids loved it.

Then that same day, Leo sprained his ankle at a friend's birthday party. Literally within 5 mins of playing, he jumped and landed on his feet wrong.

The bunny is still sticking around. It's so used to us that we can get up close and feed it and pet it. I am not sure how much longer it will stick around. But we have seen it everyday this week so far. Twice its owner, or someone wanting to keep the bunny and put a very long rope around its neck. The bunny chewed itself loose twice already this week. We shall see what happens to it.

Friday, June 17

It was Leo's last day of school. Because of his sprained ankle, he was not able to participate in circle time. He was a little upset about being at school with a sprained ankle and wanted to leave. But he made the best of it and stayed for the entire closing ceremony.

He received his book of drawings from Mother Earth.

He was taken around in his wagon because he couldn't walk.

Saturday, June 18

We had lunch at Spin Burger. Our first time and it was not bad. Everyone got a little bit of what they liked and was very happy. The kids flexed their muscles like the drawing on the wall.

Then we headed to the library for a marionette show. They paired 3 children's tale to the music of Saint-Saens's Carnival of the animals. "The tortoise and the hare," "3 little pigs," and "The ugly duckling." It was really well done and fun. I think Tim and I enjoyed it more than the kids.

Sunday, June 19, Father's Day

Daddy woke up with presents from the kids.

We went out for breakfast and came home to enjoy the nice day in the backyard.

The boys got new water guns to play with. They are having fun with them.

A new pet?

2011-06-15T21:57:00.000-07:00

The bunny showed up again this morning right before Leo went to school. They had lunch outside and I was just bringing everything towards the house when the bunny hopped right in front of me. It scared me. So we decided that we must feed it some carrots. It was hungry and ate a ton of carrots. We left some out when it ran away. By the time Oliver and I came home, the carrots were gone and the bunny was nowhere in sight.

Leo came home and said he wanted to find the bunny and leave some food for it. As soon as he was about to put down the carrot at the same spot they fed it, it hopped out and ate some more carrots. The kids were thrilled. After dinner, it appeared again. We fed it some more scrape veggies and it's been hanging out in the backyard since. Out in the open, on the lawn, not hiding in the bushes.

We will have to see if it's still around tomorrow morning. The kids are so excited! I fear someone will put a sign up looking for a lost bunny.

Weeks are flying...

2011-06-14T23:46:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted. These past few weeks have flown by. We have been busy with lots of different things. This is the last week of school for Leo and summer is almost upon us. It's hard to believe Leo will turn 6 a week from today. I took some pictures of him playing in the water slide recently and he looks so tall and big. Maybe because his swim shirt is so big on him. It hangs well below his tummy. Oliver is still stubborn as ever. Every morning and night, we struggle trying to make him finish his milk and sometimes his food. He would rather snack and eat tons of little meals. Dieters would say he is doing exactly right, but it's not easy to watch half his dinner being thrown away in the trash, knowing even if I saved it, he will not eat it later.

The boys have been battling bout of stomach flu. Leo got it first then last week Tim was ill for a few days. Leo was not well again this past Friday, stayed home from school. Then Oliver threw up in the middle of the night Sunday. Then he was better yesterday, but had more runs today, but was better by the end of the night. This last bout, we are convinced is the Chinese takeout, and we vow not to ever eat there again. They have been happy eating chicken soup with noodles or rice, and rice mixed with dried fish and seaweed.

The boys have been sleeping really well lately. Not much crying out giving us more free time at night to relax, which is great.

I bought a new lens. Still trying to decide if I want to keep it. I think I need to just keep it on my camera and use it non-stop for a week to see how I like it. I am not used to a fixed lens and a mid-size zoom as well. It's taking time getting used to. I would hate to have to return it. I bought it for a photo shoot I did this weekend. Thinking it would be good, but I ended up using mostly my old lens. Yes, I made $ photographing one of Leo's classmate's family. It was fun, but I probably could have done better. Got some decent shots, I think they will be happy. Maybe this will lead to more clients. Who knows.

May 31, 2011

Oliver really wanted to take a walk with Leo at the park today. We have not been walking for a long time with the class. They ended up here, where the kids had a blast rolling down this little incline. Of course, Oliver got hungry and tired and wanted to be picked up and carried. I wouldn't do it and made him walk back to the car, crying the entire way back.

June 2, 2011
Oliver took this picture of the sky today. I love it.

June 3, 2011

Oliver helped me peel some pea pods today. He enjoyed it very much and I had a helper.

June 4, 2011

Oliver out in the rain.

June 5, 2011

The kids wanted to go to Southside Park today. We didn't stay long because they got hungry. Then we went to the Central Library for their summer reading kick off event.
The boys got their pictures taken by a Sac Bee photographer and their pictures made it onto the website, not the paper.

June 8, 2011

My new lens arrived and I played with it.

Can't post June 9 cause it's a surprise...

June 10, 2011

still playing with my lens.

June 11, 2011

I read about this craft event at a park and thought there might be fun things for the kids to do. It turns out it was mostly vendors selling their crafty homemade things. But there was a wood working bus there where the kids could make their own wooden toys. It was great fun. Oliver made a wooden car, and Leo made a penny shooter. they both enjoyed working with the tools.

June 12, 2011

I spent the morning at the shoot. Came home and the boys wanted to play with water. Oliver looks so big in this picture. Some days I catch them in a photo and they look so grown up.

June 13, 2011

After breakfast, a little black bunny hopped into our backyard. It hung out there for over an hour. The kids even got to see it up close. They really wanted to keep it, but we figured it would just hop back home. Indeed, it did. And I swear, it was the bunny who chewed down my growing sunflower plant in the front yard!

I went to my acupuncturist who is helping me with my jaw problem. It's helping because it is a lot less painful.

Leo's school had their last day at the park. We had a picnic lunch and a surprise birthday party for Ms. Sandy.

June 14, 2011

We met up with friends at the spray park this afternoon. Summer had arrived. It hit over 90 today.

You are now all caught up!

2011-06-02T09:42:00.000-07:00

May 27, 2011

We watched our friend's kids while they went out on a date.

May 28, 2011

In the morning we went to the Jazz Festival in Old Sac. This year, we took the train ride. The kids had a blast watching the engines change from the front to the back. Our friends returned the favor and watched our kids at night while we went on a date. It's nice not to have to pay for a babysitter, and the kids had a great time playing.

Cotton candy treat. Oliver decided he didn't like it.

May 29, 2011

We went to a Buddhist temple in the morning. They had an open house and promised dragon dancing. Of course, the kids wanted to go. When we got there, we found out there was lion dancing as well. An added bonus. Oliver was thrilled. Leo did not like the loud noise of the drums and stayed away. We relaxed and hung out at home in the afternoon.

Home

2011-05-26T22:45:00.001-07:00

Flowers around our garden.

A fun afternoon drawing on the ground with new chalk from the party. A beautiful day to be outside.

Leo had the a stomach flu. He stayed home from school yesterday. He had diarrhea in the morning but all afternoon he was fine. At night, he woke up several times with diarrhea, and finally threw up all his food. After that, he was a 100% better. I could see the life back in his eyes and his demeanor was so much more alive. I knew, then, at midnight last night, that he was getting over it. He was cautious about what he ate today. We cut out diary and feeding him soup, rice, and a little bit of meat, crackers and lots of liquids. I think he should be all better by tomorrow.

The weather is beautiful. We hope to do something fun this weekend.

Can't get enough...

2011-05-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

Cupcakes...

The end of last week was devoted to cupcake making, leading up to our post-end-of-the-world party! aka Leo and Oliver's birthday party. Hard to imagine the boys turning 3 and 6.

I bought myself an early birthday present - a stand mixer for the occasion. See, it's well used already.

The first batch of chocolate came out, but with clumps of flour that didn't get mixed in completely. I didn't know I had to stir it with a spatula to get everything mixed in. Come on, it's a big and heavy machine! It still tasted good, but didn't want to serve it in case someone gets a big clump of flour in their mouth. So the next night, I made vanilla cupcakes.

May 22, 2011

Finally the last batch of chocolate cupcakes were made in the morning. Ran over to the farmer's market for fruits and groceries.

Thank goodness "Rapture" came and gone and we are still standing here. No world disasters and the world did not end. So, Let's PARTY!!

The cupcakes finally got frosted and decorated an hour into our party. Yup! Not very well planned. I blame it on the frosting I made (whipped cream cream cheese frosting) The last batch did not whipped very well, it was very runny, but what can you do. It's my first time making cupcakes for a birthday party. Lots of pressure. But they came out so cute, I was happy. Lots of work for about 3 hrs of whirlwind fun. The kids just wanted to play and could care less about what the cupcakes looked like.

The highly anticipated party favors. Not my favorite thing to figure out, but this year we made homemade sidewalk chalk. Oliver had fun helping me. Leo not so interested, except for the first batch.

Water balloons were a huge hit though we had not planned on using them at the party. Someone discovered them, and the kids had a blast.

Boys had a great time running around, being boys.

Pinata was a hit - at one point all the kids started chanting for each other. really fun. Leo struck the final blow and everything fell to the ground.

It's never easy to get great pictures when you are hosting a party. I didn't even get one of Leo and Oliver together. But they didn't care, they just had a blast with their friends.

May 23, 2011

The day after, lots more cupcakes left over. Still look and taste delicious!

Oliver pretends to be a fireman, pulling the hose, putting out the fire.

Asleep after a long day, Oliver didn't nap, and wouldn't swim in class today. They had a sub, and he started crying after swimming for 5 mins saying he was tired. I was not happy. He says he is tired when he doesn't like to do something, like in the morning when we want him to eat his breakfast or drink his milk. He is sneaky!

Hello Stranger

2011-05-15T21:30:00.001-07:00

May 3, 2011

Peek-a-boo, while waiting for the doctor.

May 7, 2011

The kids painted tiles at The Whole Earth Festival at UC Davis. They really wanted to take them home but couldn't.

May 8, 2011
Mother's Day.

We had brunch at The Rivage. It was delicious. Everyone was happy. I got my annual pictures taken with the boys.

May 9, 2011
Swim class continues.
May 12, 2011
Bike ride with friends.

May 13, 2011

Oliver's been sitting on the kitchen counter this past week. Just wanting to be a little bit taller. Leo decided he wanted to sit there too.

Drawing with chalk at Kaia's house

Have not been too inspired to take pictures this weekend.

Oliver seems to have become such a little boy all of a sudden. Leo continues to become a boy. They are definitely beyond their baby years. sniff, sniff.

The other day Leo says to me: Mom, Lucian says Kaia is his girlfriend. And he says Nyomi is my girlfriend, but she is really not. Lucy is my girlfriend.

Me: why is Lucy your girlfriend?

Leo: because we tell each other secrets when we see each other.

Funny how quickly they grow up talking about girlfriends and getting married. Way too early for me but funny to listen to how they think about it all.

Update May

2011-05-05T22:52:00.001-07:00

May 1, 2011

Our 3 and final party of the weekend. It was great fun and we were pooped.
Oliver had an allergy attack late that afternoon. His eye was swollen shut and he fell asleep before 5pm. It was crazy. Poor thing. He had some sort of virus because the next night he had a fever, just before his birthday.

May 2, 2011

Look at how Oliver just plunges into the water. Leo is really enjoying swimming this year. Thank goodness.

O felt good enough to go into the water. He didn't want to go while we were at home, but when we got there, he was willing to change and get into the water.

May 4, 2011

Look at Oliver's arm up high, swimming!! Pretty cool!

Leo has started taking a shower at night. He says he wants to be a big boy. And we are trying to convince Oliver to sleep with him at night. Not sure how much longer we will have to try. Hopefully soon.

Happy Birthday my boy

2011-05-03T21:36:00.001-07:00

He turned 3 today. And weighs 31 pounds. Hard to believe how much he had grown. He is our little pistol, full of spunk and funny expressions. Happy Birthday little one.

2011-04-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

April 24, 2011 Easter Sunday

I laid out an Easter egg hunt in the backyard in the morning. The kids were super excited. They filled their basket to the rim and there were so many eggs, they were falling out of their baskets. It is amazing to see how excited they are to find an egg.

April 25, 20011

I found the kids playing quietly in Leo's room. They had pulled all their blankets and made a hiding place around his bed with a living room and bedroom.

April 26, 2011

During outside play this afternoon at school, I caught Leo sitting with his buddy under a tree, just hanging out and who knows what else they are conspiring.

When we got home, Margo brought over some eggs for the kids to do their 3rd egg hunt of the year. They each found a toy.

April, 27, 2011

Leo was a trooper and went swimming today even though he is coughing a little. He was worried that he would gag if he swallowed water. But he did great. And Oliver LOVES to just dive into the pool.

Oliver made this picture a couple of days ago. I love how he draws completely different from Leo. His strokes are hard, strong and short. It makes some pretty cool abstract pictures. Here, he's drawn a dragon.

Six Flags

2011-04-22T22:05:00.000-07:00

We went to Six Flags with friends for the first time. The kids loved it of course. It was super crowded since it was a Friday during Spring Break. But we managed with 4 kids and had a lot of fun. It was good that they both had a friend who wanted to do similar things. Oliver rode on an animal at the carousel for the first time. Usually he find the bench and sits there. Today I convinced him if he sat on the camel, which didn't go up and down, he will be right in front of Gabby. It worked. Maybe the next time he rides the carousel, he will ride on another animal. The older boys discovered the Acme pit where they can shoot balls into the air or at someone (soft foam balls that didn't hurt). The huge walruses were a hit as well as the dolphin show.

Spring Break

2011-04-21T22:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a mellow spring break. We have been home. Doing the usual stuff around town. Oliver's nap has been thrown off with Leo at home. He has not been napping much this week. 3 out of 4 days so far with no nap. I am wondering if he is weening himself off of nap. That would be a bummer.

We finally dyed Easter eggs this morning. The kids put tissue paper on the eggs. *my favorite way to dye the eggs.* Simple, relatively mess free, and they come out beautifully - almost like pastel painted. This year, I decided to make natural dyes out of foods. Last year we tried with beets and it didn't work out well. This year I had recipes, and the beets still turned out not to dye onto the eggs well either. I am not sure why, the color disappears as soon as I take it out and turns, brownish gray. Not good looking at all. I have a few sitting overnight, I shall see if the color takes. The cabbage makes a beautiful blue and onion skins make an awesome looking orange. My 2 favorite this year.

In the afternoon, I planted some tomato plants and got some carrots going from seeds. We shall see what if any will bring us this year. The kids really want strawberries, but I am not sure there's a good place for them. I may have to do them in a pot this year. Or not at all. It would be fun to have them though.

Heartbroken

2011-04-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I write about the passing of a friend and former colleague Chris Hondros who died in Misrata, Libya covering the intense fighting between rebels and government forces today. I look up to the skies today thinking of him and Tim Hetherington who also died today in the same incident. May their souls be in flight and watch over those who loved them. Rest In Peace, my friend.

Life is fleeting - carpe diem.

2011-04-19T21:43:00.000-07:00

It has been a long while since my last update. The kids are growing as usual. Oliver has moved out of diapers and is in underwear full time. He has had only 1 accident with #2 at home and one pee accident outside. Otherwise, he's been pretty good. He has even gone #2 in the potty a couple of times. Wearing underwear has forced him to tell us when he needs to go to the bathroom. I guess we could have switched him earlier, but I think he is super ready now. Yay. Diapers begone!!

Leo's interest in Pokemon has been rekindled by his friend's older brother's interest. I am not crazy about it but it's not so bad.

My seed planting is going well this year, so far. I am not sure what will happen once I transplant them into bigger pots. It will be interesting and I will be so very proud if some of them become fully grown. Will report more in a few weeks.

Here's a look at what we have been up to.

April 9, 2011

The kids waited on logs for their morning walk around the school.

April 10, 2011

We bought our season pass to 6 Flags. Our first official visit of the year. The kids are older and they are starting to really enjoy the rides. It's fun for them.

April 10, 2011

We chilled out at home after an eventful Saturday. The kids got naked and played in the backyard in the kiddie pool. They sure love playing in the water. Oliver has all sorts of moves and mannerism that keep us laughing all the time.

April 11, 2011

Our seeds and plants are slowly growing. We may even see a sunflower or 2 this summer. (keeping my fingers crossed) The kids love to water and play while watering.

April 12, 2011

We spent the afternoon at a friends house. The kids took a bike ride to a beautiful area filled with flowers and stepping stones and fun stuff to look at.

April 13, 2011

Their swim lessons finally began after the 1st class was canceled. The kids really like it this time around. I am hoping they will, at least, Leo will swim by summer time.

April 14, 2011

Playdate at Fairytale Town with school friend.

April 16, 2011

We went to UC Davis' Picnic Day. The kids saw lots of animals, did lots of walking and crafts, and saw a rescue helicopter take off from the fire station.

April 17, 2011

Another Sunday in the backyard. This time with a new water slide. I think the kids will have a fun summer in the backyard.

April 18, 2011

Spring Break. I took the boys to the zoo in the morning. We have not been in a while and they always love looking at all the animals, especially the reptile house. Snow Leopard and the Orangutan are a hit as usual.

i heart faces - Wind

2011-04-16T22:23:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge is wind. I immediately thought of this photo from the Kite Festival at Berkeley. The joy and excitement in his face running down the hill surrounded by all the kites brings such happiness to me every time I look at this picture.

2011-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

Another week has come and gone. Tim finished and filed our taxes. Yay! We had a bunch of playdates. And Spring Break is almost upon us. We are looking forward to starting swim lessons. Though I am not sure about driving them there twice a week for the next 3 months. Hopefully, Leo will not whine about going. It will be good if they learn how to swim.

April 4, 2011

More fun with the trampoline.

New leaves on the maple tree.

April 5, 2011

I love that the kids at Leo's school will take 3 planks and make it into a tunnel through the playhouse. And the teachers are okay with that.

Kids play a jump rope game that Mr. Nathan calls chase the rope.

A friend watches as they chase the rope.

April 6, 2011

Oliver makes a pouting face as he eats a snack at the park.

April 7, 2011

Oliver found a ladybug on a log at Leo's school.

Friends came over and painted in the breezeway.

Oliver makes a face as he tells me not to take a picture of himself.

2011-04-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

April 3, 2011

Tim brought the trampoline back out after 3 yrs hiatus. The kids are having a blast with it.

A little bon bon and strawberries for dessert.

Day at the Farm

2011-04-02T22:25:00.000-07:00

They advertised that it was all about wildflowers. We thought the fields at the farm would be blooming with beautiful colorful native flowers. It was not so. Wild flowers were picked and displayed in a jar inside a farm house where there were microscopes for you to examine flowers, bugs and butterflies. Luckily, we met up with friends, and the kids didn't really care. They saw cows, sheep, chickens, dogs, a boar, and a dead toad. It was all very excited. They caught ladybugs, ran around wild and had a grand old time. The kids were beat by the time we left, but it was too late for a nap. We went to get some food and hung out at home instead.

Mating ladybugs, or just hitching a ride!

Wild Flowers, my friend calls them weeds.

Leo and daddy

Field

Little ones did not want to walk. Neither of them enjoyed the wind in their faces.

Friends

Dead Toad on the ground.

Chickens pecking.

Wild Flower, bugs crawl inside to pollinate it.

Drawing his Bug Battle World

Chase

Lunch at 11am.

This is what Oliver does: Hello, Mr. Boar, let me throw some rocks at you.

We planted some flower seeds in the late afternoon. We will see if any of them sprout into real flowers. I hope so, because it would be so pretty. The other day, we planted saved sunflowers seeds from last year's plants. We will see if any of them come up this year. I do not have a green thumb, so it will be a miracle if any of them bloom. I will be so proud of myself.

Getting out of the house...

2011-03-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

I got the boys out of the house with a planned play date with one of Leo's classmates. We headed over to Fairy Tale Town. 2 other friends showed up. The kids had a ball. Here Leo helps Oliver climb up the Old Woman who Lived in the Shoe Slide.

3.29

Leo's clone troopers battle ship. I love how Leo takes the set pieces and recreate them into something completely different.

Oliver's "Princess Leia power ship"

The sun is shining over here again. Temperature is rising. But the kids are happy playing with their Legos indoors. Both of them are happy sitting quietly (a rarity), building whatever Lego creations they can come up with. I think the tooth fairy had something to do with Leo's rekindled interest. Not that he was not already enjoying his time with them. But a new set of clone troopers and shooters can make a difference. Oliver loves the square and long pieces, and the beloved green board in which he uses to build things on.

First tooth out

2011-03-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

Leo lost his first tooth last night around 9 pm. He was very excited to receive his tooth holding pillow. And of course the tooth fairy. Over the weekend, we went to the Lego store and he wanted this clone trooper ship for his birthday. I think the tooth fairy will end up giving it to him. It's a big deal for his first tooth falling out. In the picture you can see his new adult tooth coming in on the lower front already. I didn't want to give him money for his first tooth falling out. But for the subsequent teeth, we will have to do with coins or paper money, I think. This morning, he already asked, "mom, are YOU the tooth fairy?" He asked Tim, "Daddy, Who's really the tooth fairy?" I wonder how much longer he will believe in the magic. It doesn't feel good to lie to these kids!

This morning at the park, the kids hopped like a rabbit during circle time. With a cute song and all. They have so much fun at school.

i heart faces - a slice of life

2011-03-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

There were so many to choose from. This is an old photo of my 2nd son. I caught this photo right after bath. It was summer time, so the sun was just setting. A gorgeous golden light lit up our front door with shadows from our shutters. He stood by the door and started sucking his thumb. The silhouette looked beautiful I had to take a picture.

Another week flies by...

2011-03-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

3.24 - Rainy, stormy day. The kids has been loving the photo feature on the iPhone. They keep asking me to take pictures or wanting to take pictures themselves. Leo thinks it's hysterical to make faces.

Oliver is still obsessed with his lion dancing.

3.25 - The kids are still enjoying making Legos. Even Oliver likes to sit quietly and make something out of them.

We got out into the backyard when the rain let up briefly today.

Love our flowering weeds that give us these pretty flowers every year.

3.26 - This morning we took the boys to see a puppet show on Tiptoe Lightly, a fairy. We ran into a bunch of friends.

We wanted to go check out how high the river has gotten.

Just as the rain let off, we took the boys to make some Legos at the library.

Then off to an early dinner at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant.
Oliver is obsessed with taking pictures from my iPhone. This one of the clouds is pretty cool!

Catching up again...

2011-03-22T16:47:00.001-07:00

3.17 - The weather has been rainy here. Any chance Leo gets, he is out riding his new bike.

3.18 - It was drizzly when we got to school this morning. We still went for a walk. Oliver wanted to walk as well, so we went. I took this picture of the kids all lined up waiting for their friends to finish running to the goal post.

After school, we had a playdate at a friend's house. They built a fort in her room.

3.19 - We went out for sushi at Sapporo. It's been a while since we went there. It is still very yummy. Happy hour prices on weekend is even better!

3.20 - Lily had her 6th birthday party at Youngster's Inc. The boys had a great time.

3.20 - Monday park day. Ms. Sandy put all the boots around a circle on the concrete pavement for the kids to change into.

3.21 - It was a beautiful sunny day. I am not sure if the rest of the week will be like this, so we took advantage of the lovely day and took the bikes to the park.

Oliver wanted to take some pictures, he took this great picture of Leo riding his bike!

The is the last of the blooming flowers at this park. I like to go there every year in February, to take pictures of the blooming trees. This year we missed it by a few weeks because we were in HK.

3.22 - I volunteered at school today. During outside play, the kids had fun playing with the new tepee structure.

Leo took the bike out on the street, but he was a little nervous.

drummer

2011-03-17T17:01:00.001-07:00

Check this out!

Safety of home

2011-03-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

The world seems to be falling apart. We take comfort in the safety of our home. The boys play like usual, but the world around them are filled with sadness. They watch images of the tsunami and is fascinated by the powerful force of water. Leo worries about the people and is amazed that buildings can be moved like toys on the carpet floor.

As much as we want to shield them from their inner sanctuary, they hear and see things and ask. Just for a moment, they listen to you explain to them about the earthquake, then they go back to their drawing, or their pretend play.

The boys have a very strong bond. They love each other very much. I take comfort that Leo is the great big brother, protecting his little brother from harm. This morning at school, Oliver was in the yard with all of Leo's classmates. One of them decided to push Oliver off a wooden beam, because he was not moving fast enough. Leo reprimanded his friend and told her "don't ever push my brother." He was truly on a mission to make sure she knew she had hurt his little brother. Very sweet.

On another note, I am keeping my fingers crossed for my photographer friend Lynsey Addario for her safe return home. She and 3 other NYTimes journalists are missing in Libya. My heart skipped a beat when I read it in the Times this morning.

Counting the joy of family close to home, safe and sound (asleep).

Weekend

2011-03-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

They heart their bikes. We went to a bike shop looking for a real bike for Leo. Oliver fell in love with a little pink bike. Leo was cruising on a 20" bike. Oliver is still talking about going back for the bike.

I Heart Faces Challenge - Sun Flare

2011-03-13T21:28:00.001-07:00

I love taking pictures of sun flare. I rediscovered this photo I took recently when my kids had a play date with their friends. They went to a baseball field to watch their friends' dad launch a rocket into the air. This happened just after the launch, the kids were so excited to see it go up in the air.

Almost stayed home

2011-03-10T22:43:00.000-08:00

It was unclear what the day will turn out. It was sunny, cloudy, drizzly, threat of rain and more rain. Finally, as we were about to meet up with friends, the sun came through. Just 20 mins before it was drizzling and we were about to stay home. Our friends almost met us at our house, then we told them we were at the park. It ended up being a nice afternoon. The park was not crowded an the kids played. It was good for them to be outside. The storm clouds were awesome too.

Life back home

2011-03-10T13:18:00.001-08:00

Brave Battle Warriors, new favorite toys.

Daffodils still in bloom at home.

Calla Lilies out.

Bubbles, bubbles everywhere

Where are those bubbles?

Finally, I think we are all back to normal. Jet lag gone. Leo is waking up early like he normally does. Oliver is sleeping his usual 12 hrs night. I was exhausted last night and slept for 10hrs, but woke up at 5. Not sure how I will hold up tonight with boys alone.
They have so much energy, I don't know where they come from.

It's best to take them out. Otherwise, they always end up fighting.

Last of HK pics...

2011-03-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

Our last week in HK was very busy. Not just hanging out with the kids, but lots of other obligations relating to my dad. We actually left the kids with my parents, aunts, and maids the entire Tuesday before we left. And on other occasions. Luckily, they loved the maids and they were very good to the boys. Here's the last of our trip there. No time for fixing the pics, too much to do.

Leo at the Harbor.

View of Victoria Harbor with the boys.

Chinese New Year display. The boys loved the lions and the lanterns.

The shiny and always clean shopping center in HK.

Really - is this really necessary? Dior & Burberry kids!!

Oliver's dream bed.

Lunch of Hainan chicken. Yummy.

Walking up to the Star Ferry Terminal.

Star Ferry terminal.

Zoe with the boys on the ferry.

View from the ferry.

View of HK Island from the ferry.

Rickshaw sightseeing bus at the Ferry Terminal.

View from the double decker bus on the way to the Peak.

Finally, after an hour on the bus, we arrived at the Peak. A perfect, and unusually clear day in HK. We could see all the way to Kowloon and beyond.

Zoe and the boys.

Zoe took a family portrait of us.

The boys on top of a mini double decker bus with old HK buildings in the background.

Inside an old tram. The real one was not working. Bummer.

Gelato after lunch.

Oliver passed out on the way home.

Dinner at Jockey Club. We discovered it was a pleasant, cool night outside.

Leo's picture of Grandma's building outside at night. The pool canopy is all lit up.

Mini Van ride on the way to lunch.

Lunch at Jasmine, at Festival Walk.

Leo took this picture of my grandma and I with Oliver not wanting to be in the picture. The best!!

Family portraits at home.

Last night's dinner of scallops and shrimps.

Leo takes pictures of the view of HK skyline at the peak.

The old Banyan tree, preserved at the old Marine Police Headquarters, now a fancy high end shopping mall called the Heritage.

We had a delicious dinner at St. George, at the Hullett House at the Heritage shopping center with one of my dad's friend. Amuse-bouche.

More pictures taken by Leo.

Hello Kitty crackers for the plane ride, just like animal crackers.

Food and banquet

2011-02-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Lunch at T'ang Court. Leo was still happy waiting for food to arrive and playing with Zoe.

He got hungry and food didn't arrive fast enough or was eaten up quickly by everyone. He was so upset that the service was slow and the food didn't come fast enough.

T'ang Court dim sum

Uncle Dennis playing with his chopsticks.

Zoe in his Yoshi slippers standing next to Leo.

Cousin and Aunt - so cute.

Zoe with Eunice at Loong Yat Heen, a chinese restaurant at the Kowloon Hotel.

Uncle Bobby with Grandma

Eunice with her parents and grandma.

Cousins - Joyce and Charmaine

Boys getting through a 3 hr dinner with a little help from the iPod Touch.

Leo took a picture of grandma with her grand children and great grand child, Oliver.

Tea Ceremony, paying respects to Grandma.

Zoe holds Oliver.

Our family giving tea to Grandma.

All the adult cousins and Uncles waiting for taxis for another meal.

Lobby to restaurants at the Mira Hotel.

Our best dim sum meal in HK, at Cuisine Cuisine. Yummmm.

Har Gaw with gold flakes - now that's fancy dim sum.

Turnip cake with shrimp and crispy proscuitto on top.

Ceiling of Cuisine Cuisine

Lobby of the Mira Hotel.

Banquet night celebrating grandma's 90th birthday.

Oliver with Eunice.

Family portrait

The boys love playing with Eunice, but was shy at the beginning.

PorPor and her birthday cake.

Boys with Zoe.

Boys eats birthday cake at the banquet.

Boys playing with Eunice.

More HK...

2011-02-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

Early morning play with daddy

Early morning airplane ride.

Hinding under the table

Breakfast of noodles and lots of coloring and drawing

Oliver: "hey, that man can do two!" meaning he can stick his 2 fingers up.

Looking down at the double decker buses from Tai Por's house. His new obsession.

Missing out on the double decker bus ride

Entrance of the newly renovated Ocean Park

Eating bamboo shoots

Hungry like the panda bear

silly balloon men on stilts

Oliver, " I want to pet the panda."

Zoe and Leo in front of the train station

Neptune's Restaurant with a view of sharks and stingray and fish swimming around

rrroar!

Ice cream and popcorn make a great meal

Leo and Oliver looking at jelly fish

The world of Jelly fish

Ferris Wheel and roller coaster with a view of the water

@ Ocean Park watching the dolphin show

Orchids at the flower market

There's been so much excitement everyday that the boys are exhausted by 7-8pm. They have refused to nap since they have adjusted to the time. We have been missing out on the dinners, which is fine, since they are long and a lot of waiting around for the dishes to arrive. But tonight Leo is determined to go to dinner with Zoe. So he is napping nicely while everyone is playing mahjong outside or out shopping. Oliver finally fell asleep after 2 hours of trying to put him to sleep. Tim and I have been running around town meeting up with people. Not a fun thing to do, but necessary since we only come back every few years. Lots of obligations. Lots to do with very little time with the kids around.

Grave Sweeping

2011-02-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

Leo and Oliver went to a cemetery for the first time. We took them to pay respects to my grandfather and great grandmother. Leo was fascinated. There were tons of family. An interesting experience for all.

Grandpa's grave site

Lunch at Jockey Club

Auntie Sandra with Leo at the Jockey Club luncheon

Grandma plays MaJong with my mom and Yeema and husband.

Hong Kong...

2011-02-21T00:57:00.000-08:00

Walking to the market to buy food.

Oliver met my grandmother for the first time.

A family portrait.

Leo wanted to take pictures with my camera. I really like how he got the sense of the place.

PorPor and all her kids looking at old pictures of themselves.

The maids prepared lunch for 10 adults and 3 children. They, like my grandma, really enjoy having all the people around.

Oliver woke up to see 2 lions heads on the table waiting for him. He was so excited.

Leo and Oliver woke up to a surprise... 2 lion heads. They have been lion dancing ever since. We got them just in time - all the New Year's decorations and celebrations have all died down.

Oliver rides the subway for the first time.

A really late lunch after the kids sat around while we met with Dad's friends. They well deserved a little bit of a happy meal with a very cool toy. Much better than in the US.

Watching Oliver draw.

Hong Kong

2011-02-19T13:57:00.001-08:00

We survived the dreaded plane ride - almost 15 hrs, and rainy when we took off. The boys were exhausted but didn't want to sleep on the plane because it was no comfortable. They couldn't lie down , too much noise, too many lights (you get the pictures). Finally with only about 5 hrs left, they fell asleep until close to touch down. Was I glad when the plane landed. Only get through immigration and getting the luggage. By the time we passed immigration and went to get our bags, ours were the only ones going around and around the carousel. Oliver was wild eyed with excitement. He's been like that ever since.

An instant connection was made as soon as Leo and Zoe (8) met for the first time. They've been playing ever since. The kids are so excited to have someone else to play with them.

Jetlag abound. We woke up at 3am and tried to get the kids to go back to sleep. 2 hrs later, I fell asleep but Oliver didn't. The other 2 boys were up as well. Luckily, it was close to 6:30am. woke up and wanted to play with the boys. We walked down to get some breakfast Chinese style. Congee, steamed noodle rolls, macaroni in broth (loved it when I was growing up) - the kids were in heaven. Loved it. It's all about eating here. We skipped lunch for a nice long nap instead. It was much needed. Went to dinner, but Oliver didn't really eat much because he was jetlag.

Looking forward to another fun filled day.

Happy Chinese New Year

2011-02-05T23:24:00.000-08:00

Oliver has been waiting for a year for Chinese New Year. They have been making New Year's crafts all week. He LOVES lion dancing and I promised I would find somewhere to take him and Leo to watch the festivities. I figured a Chinese grocery store would probably bring in the dancers for good luck. We waited and waited - watched them set up, watched people gathered, and waited some more. With anticipation, it began with BOTH lion dancers and a long dragon. Leo was super excited to see the dragon. Oliver was mesmerized. They couldn't have had more firecrackers. It was so loud, Leo wanted to go back to the car. Oliver toughed it out. They enjoyed it so much, Oliver said where are we going to go next.

So I found out last night that a restaurant downtown was going to have a celebration tonight. After nap, we decided to go check it out. Again, we waited and waited. This time for almost 45mins. The kids waited patiently. It was dark by the time they began. It made for a nice rich red hue for the pictures. The Buddha, who was missing in the morning show, was a fun addition. Oliver didn't even cover his ears when the firecrackers went off. I hope his ears are okay. I think he will be dreaming about lion dancing all night.

It's been too long...

2011-01-29T00:38:00.001-08:00

January 26, 2011
Decorating Valentine Hearts

At the park.

January 25, 2011
Leo's boo-boo on the eye.

His lego creation from the morning.

January 23, 2011
Tire Swing at the park at sunset.

Posing on the bench at the zoo.

January 22, 2011

By the river with friends.

January 25, 2011

At the park with friends, more tire swings.

January 26, 2011

At home around sunset. perfect light for some nice warm portraits.

After putting the kids to sleep and working out, it's late. I haven't had much time to organize my photos, caption or even pick one. About a week's worth of photos sat in Lightroom waiting to be combed through. Finally tonight, (early morning now), I captioned everything (minus the last 3 days) and went thru and did a rough edit, picking out some of my favorite pictures. There are a lot. Not that I have been making amazing pictures, but ones that tell our everyday life.

Last week, I went to look at Leo's upper grades. Wanted to check out 1st grade to see what it was like. I ended up walking thru 4th grade. I was impressed and got reaffirm of our liking of the Waldorf education. I have to embrace the fact that he is not going to learn his reading until later. I am okay with that. Because there is so much more to look forward to as he climbs up the ladder. In 3rd grade they learn survival skills, learning to cook, to make clothes, to build shelter. It sounds so much fun. And the teachers were so amazingly dedicated. I was really impressed and happy to have learned more. It's almost a thematic approach. Everything from science to math compliment each other in each grade, making a nice integration.

One of Leo's new year's resolution is to become a better drawer. He had really blossomed into quite a creative artist. His drawings are more detailed and they are just really fun to look at. I have to remember to take some pictures. He drew a picture of Tim, totally abstract, with lots of colors. It was really awesome.

He got another boo-boo on his left eye again. He hurt it while on a playdate with some school friends. He went on a scooter and somehow his eye got whacked by the handle.

The kids are excited about Chinese New Year. Next week, we will do something at school. On the preschool front, I visited one and 2 more next week. It's hard to believe Oliver will be heading to school in the fall!

Home

2011-01-19T22:32:00.000-08:00

It's been that kind of winter. Lots of time at home. Not motivated to get them out of the house or they don't want to get out of the house. Either way, we've been finding a lot of time doing crafts. The kids are also going a little stir crazy. Though I think either way, they are a little crazy (active). Lately there's been a lot of drawing, making snow flakes, stencils, painting, sponge painting. The list goes on and on. We went to Michael's to buy a bunch of crafts. Fusion beads, feathers, stickers, and lots of other knick knacks. Some of which I am saving for our trip.

Even with the sun coming out in the afternoon these last few days, it's been hard to motivate to get outside without dinner in mind. 3 o'clock rolls around - I am thinking about what to make for dinner, 3:30 rolls around - snack time, 4 o'clock rolls around - kids want to go somewhere - oops, it's too late now. It's been like that lately. Will have to plan better.

Still playing

2011-01-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

I forgot how much I love the medium format look, the nice square image. It makes me want to break out my own (uh, not really, if only it was digital, hehe) Got to love the iPhone apps. The sun is finally shining again. Not that we were really under the clouds for too long. I have become quite the CA girl. Loving the sun and hating the slightly colder weather. :b

It's hard to believe January is almost over and we are heading into February soon. Chinese New Year, Valentines Day, and off we go on our long trip. I have been gathering things for the plane ride for the boys. It will be a long one. I am hoping the flight will have outlets for us to charge our various devices. Much to think about. Long lists to make.

Snow

2011-01-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

We had made plans to go up to the mountains with some friends. Unfortunately, their daughter is sick and couldn't go. It was a perfect winter day for the snow. Warm, sunny, and snow pants to keep us from getting cold. The boys were reluctant to sled at the beginning but once Leo started, he didn't want to stop. He had a lot of fun. Oliver finally warmed up to it. Leo's first run was a little scary. They were going so fast they sled right past the gate. Luckily, Leo's head was down or he would have smacked right into the pole and had to go to the hospital. It was scary to watch and very lucky that he didn't get hurt. The kids can't wait to go back. I am sure there will be another weekend to go up and play, hopefully, this time with friends.

Fun with Apps

2011-01-13T23:58:00.001-08:00

Just downloaded some fun apps for the iPhone. Love the grain and the old style print/negative and large format look.

Leo got sent to sit in the office today at school for being too loud in class. It was his first time and hopefully his last. His new year's resolution is to try to be quieter. It obviously is not working so well! We keep reminding him at home as well. It's been a bad week behavior wise for him. He bit Oliver, like Oliver used to do to him. I couldn't believe it! He knows better, of course, but did it anyway. 2 days in a row. The second time I caught him before he made any damage.

Growing Oliver

2011-01-11T22:54:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe turning 3 yrs old is on the horizon. It hit me the other day that I needed to start visiting preschools. Luckily, he is on a few lists. So I haven't been too much of a slacker. But 3? It's almost a milestone for us. Starting school, maybe finally potty trained, being a big boy and just growing up. Just this week, I am weening him off sleeping on me to fall asleep. I told him he couldn't because I was sick (true) and I didn't want him to get sick too. So he complied reluctantly, but has been doing it for 3 days now. Yay!

The tantrums are mostly under control. He actually wants to be in control. We have established a good one that he loves - choosing his clothes to wear in the morning. Even though it KILLS me that there are new clothes (not Leo's) that I bought for him that he won't wear! Even if they were bought on sale. He just won't touch certain ones. No sweaters (beautiful vests and sweaters) - won't wear them. A cool silhouette of a moose shirt - won't wear. There are just certain ones that he will never pick. It's so hard for me not to make him wear it at least once, but I have decided no crying fits are much better than daily meltdowns. So those clothes lie in the drawer unworn. I am okay with it.

He started putting on his pants recently. He wants to start learning to put on his shirt too. He was determined the other day to learn how to button my sweater but his little hands just weren't quite ready. He tried hard though.

What else, he likes to swing on the big swing. He took his first steps riding his tricycle - finally, his legs are just long enough to make a few rounds. I need to write these down, so I won't forget.

Tim got the boys into watching Opera. They ask to watch opera! We have La Boheme and both of them love the market scene. Funny!

He knows how to say "it's not my fault." "Leo did it." That's it for now. Update soon on Leo.

Happy New Year friends

2011-01-05T22:26:00.000-08:00

Yes, a photo mom - not helping my nearly falling child, but snapping a shot instead!

I just realized I have not posted since the end of last year. It's been a busy couple of weeks. New Year's was a blast and school just started. Everything is slowly getting back to normal. Starting to think about school for both Leo and Oliver. Need to check out first grade for Leo and preschools for Oliver. Much to do, time to make some calls.

Photos have not been wonderful, but that's life. It's been chilly (though I cannot complain compare to my East Coast friends). I have gone CA - can't stand the cold anymore. It's been hibernating mode here at the Zoos. Just going to school, running errands and being home. We went to the park for the first time today after school, since I can't even remember. The sun was out, so there was no excuse not to be out even if it was chilly. It tired them out.

The kids have been enjoying their Christmas presents - even the capes from Santa. It was not a hit at the beginning, but they are having fun with them. I really need to get a video of the boys running around with them on. But they sure love their Legos. I was not a huge fan at the beginning. I just remember have pieces to make into whatever we wanted. Now they come in these kits specifically for some Star Wars ship or a Toy Story Rocket etc... I think it's really neat, but I end up making them while Leo helps me find the next pieces of Legos. He was NOT making them himself. So when I saw a box of smaller pieces that you can make houses, vehicles, not any movie themed war crafts or spaceship, I told my mom to get it for them for Christmas. I was right, they just love making up things with them. Leo especially. Oliver is getting into them as well. That's what I remember Legos to be - being creative, not trying to recreate what's on the box! They are having so much fun with it. Yay!

Looking forward to better photo opportunities/inspiration. Happy 2011 everyone.

End of the year...

2010-12-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Tim and I celebrated the end of the year with a little lunch at Hawks. I bought a Groupon to it a while ago and finally used it today. Tim said their home brew beer was fantastic. The mushroom soup was delicious and the rest of our meal was yummy and delicious.

It's been a busy 2 weeks off for Leo and Oliver. Christmas came and went. They are still enjoying their toys. They are warming up to the capes. Leo is loving the play silk that Aunti Charmaine and Uncle Hery bought for them. The legos and zoobs are still a hit. Guitars and drum are music to our ears! Drawing sets from friends and other toys have been a great hit too. All and all, the boys are having a great time.

Leo said the other day that he is school sick. He has been going wild a bit without school. It's normal, I know. But it's driving us crazy. He is loud and not listening. Luckily, with some playdates set up, we are doing better. Only 4 more days of vacation, I think we will be enjoying ourselves.

The reality of school politics are setting in for me finally... You know how you never want your kids to be excluded. You want them to make friends, get invited to play at people's houses, get invited to birthday parties, etc... You don't want to feel sad that your kid is left out. I know we do it. We never invited everyone at his preschool to birthday parties. How can we, 20+ kids plus at least one parent?! Anyway, by accident, I found out that one of his classmates is having a birthday party this weekend. And Leo never got invited. I feel so sad for him. Not that he ever talks much about this boy. But still, right, wouldn't you feel just a little sad, and wonder WHY not my boy? It's like that one Parenthood episode I saw where the kid with Asperger disease didn't get invited to his friend birthday party. And I want to be that mom who hounded the kid's mom and ask why wasn't my kid invited to the birthday party? Anyway, it's silly. On the bright side, I don't have to shop for a birthday present. And Leo, hopefully, will never find out, unless, of course, one of his friends talks about it.

Oliver loves to say "mom, I am stuck with you and Leo is stuck with daddy." usually clinging to my legs after running towards me when he sees me and Tim hugging. Very funny. It's very sweet.

Christmas and after

2010-12-27T22:47:00.001-08:00

Christmas Day - December 25, 2010

The calm before the storm. Presents all out. Got to remember not to show this one to the kids. Leo would wonder if we saw Santa.

I think all Oliver wanted to do was to open the presents. He didn't really care what he got. But opening them were so much more fun.

Leo and Oliver both LOVE the toy guitar the babysitter gave them. While they are totally lukewarm with our presents. Oh well, they will eventually grow to like them, I hope.

The swords are beginning to be fun for them. The drum, not pictured, has become a huge hit. It was a great day for the kids.

The aftermath.

Monday, December 27, 2010

A little midnight video watching as Leo waits for us to be finished with chores.

Snow in CA! (bubble blown snow) The boys had a blast watching them fall.

And a little bit of old style diner lunch at Johnny Rocket's.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T23:16:00.000-08:00

It's been a lazy day. A late morning and lots of play before lunch. Then off for a nice long nap before getting everything ready for Santa to arrive.

Reindeer food. Check. Cookies for Santa. Check. Milk for Santa. Check. Letter to Santa. Check. Presents for Santa. Check. Our babysitter told the kids that Rudolph likes to eat oatmeal. So we made oatmeal for Rudolph and they took it outside with their reindeer mask that they decorated to help guide Rudolph's landing to our house. Super cute. We told them that Santa may not take their presents because he has so much to do tonight. But he might leave them a Thank you note. They were okay with that. We tracked Santa's movement earlier in the day. Leo was excited about it. There will be lots of presents under the tree tomorrow morning.

Can't wait.

Today

2010-12-22T00:17:00.001-08:00

was a stay home all day kind of day. We stayed in our PJs until late in the afternoon. I got to nap while the kids played by themselves after their own naps. It was wonderful.

Since they didn't go out all day. We went out to see our annual tour of the lights in Tahoe Park. The kids always love looking at Santas, reindeer, and the lights. We spotted Santa on a motorcycle sleigh with a Christmas tree on the back and Rudolph in the front. We followed it around the block and the kids loved it. They wondered why Santa was out and about in a motorcycle sleigh. The moon was eerie with the clouds. It made for a great picture.

A lovely day. Lots of wrapping to be done in the next few days. Still waiting for presents to arrive.

Last day of school

2010-12-17T22:47:00.000-08:00

It's been a great couple of months at Leo's kindergarten. Winter break has arrived signaling the end of his frist trimester of kindergarten. Spring break arrives in April and then he will be out in the middle of June. Time flies.

This time of year is so much fun at school. The kids are doing lots of projects. They have made lanterns. He has been working on making a play horse harness. He is sewing his harness together, now he has to learn how to finger knit. He made a star calendar, a star ornament, received a wonderful acorn necklace from his teacher and I received a small bouquet of flowers at the last day of school. So many fun things the kids are doing at school. Gotta love it.

Oliver is still refusing to do #2 in the potty. I don't know how we will get him to do it. I guess we will see. He still refuses to go pee a lot of times. But we are getting better at it. The tantrums are being controlled. I let him choose what to wear everyday, so he doesn't run away from me when he sees something I picked that he doesn't like. Just little things we are changing to make it easier on ourselves. He is still stubborn, there's no doubt about it.

I don't remember at 2.5yrs old, if Leo was as verbal. He talks so well, it's scary. And very funny sometimes because some of the things he says he really shouldn't be saying at his age.

Finally catching up. Still need to do lots, but the kids are having fun and we are too. They want to write a letter to Santa. We didn't tell the kids that they usually write/ask Santa for things that they want. So Leo said he wanted to tell Santa Merry Christmas and have a safe trip. I will have to write it all down for him tomorrow. Can't wait!

Lights

2010-12-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

Engrossed in the show

We went to Old Sac for their Theater of Lights show last night. We wanted to take them before the rain arrives. They loved being out at night looking at the lights. Oliver has been asking to go back all day today.

Before that we made some chocolate persimmon cookies. A first for us. It turned out yummy. Will have to keep the recipe for future cookie making. Or at least for the rest of the winter for fresh persimmons.

The boys found roasting marshmallows on the stick by candle light a hoot. They ask any chance they get to do it.

Today was the last day of school. Leo has 2 weeks off. We are planning some playdates and hopefully some fun stuff at home too.

This week's roundup

2010-12-12T00:09:00.000-08:00

Leo made this lantern at school

Winter Faire at Camellia Waldorf

Loving the soup they had

Watching some dancing.

The kids are getting excited about Christmas. The tree is up, the mantel decorated, stockings are slowly filling up, and I have made some awesome looking Christmas stars. We still have lots to do before the big day. Go see some Christmas lights, listen to some music, see the tree at the Capitol, light show at Old Sac. Lots and lots to do...

Behind

2010-12-06T22:59:00.000-08:00

So very behind and very busy. Thanksgiving with the folks were great. But kids and I were under the weather. Oliver had it the worst. Finally everyone is healthy again, I think. Leo's cough is lingering as is mine. Oliver has entered "The Twilight Zone." A monster has emerged. I don't recognize him. He has been very picky about what he wears, how he wears it, fights me on everything. It's been a rough couple of weeks. I am looking forward to better times. Must endure.

It's been busy as well since my sitter was sick last week and I haven't had any chance to do any shopping except online. Still looking for presents for many more people. So behind. Not sure my orders will come in on time. Presents probably won't be received until after Christmas this time around. If I am lucky, some of them will get theirs in time.

I have not stopped taking pictures, though just not very good ones. But very happy with the ones below. A little glimpse into December.

I love our tree. It's the biggest one we have gotten so far. I am very happy with it. Still a few more ornaments to put on. Here's a round up of the last couple of days...

Heading into Dec.

2010-11-30T22:15:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks with my parents and sister and brother-in-law visiting. The kids loved having other people to play with. Thanksgiving was wonderful. Time flies and we are heading straight for Christmas. Failed to get a tree today. Will have to try again this weekend. Made advent envelops (a new tradition) that I have always wanted to do with the kids. Little surprise notes for them to discover every morning. We start counting down tomorrow.

Presents have not been bought yet...so much to do, so little time!

Thanksgiving week

2010-11-24T22:33:00.000-08:00

November 24, 2010

We came home from Leo's doctor's appointment and decided to take a walk and show Auntie and Uncle Leo's school. Leo got onto the monkey bar and went upside down. It was the first time I have seen him do this by himself.

In the afternoon, Leo had his last science class at Art Beast. They learned about gravity. Here Leo works on securing an egg to see if it will break once he drops it 3 stories high. Unfortunately, it broke.

November 23, 2010

Went out for dim sum at Asian Pearl with mom's friends. The boys finished eating and wanted to play with Auntie Charmaine. Hard to keep them still once they are done eating.

November 22, 2010

Tim and I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary. A cake was bought and eaten. Yummy and great to be celebrating with family.

November 21, 2010

Beautiful clouds in the skies today. Getting cold and stormy around here.

November 20, 2010

Leo and Oliver get in the groove with GongGong and PorPor, making music and dancing around the house.

November 19, 2010

Grandparents arrive in time to take a walk during Leo's school weekly walk around the yard. Leo and Oliver are very excited to have family visiting.

Crafty day 2

2010-11-16T23:30:00.000-08:00

This morning before 9, Leo asked if he could make a kitty cat puppet. Since my felt clothes were out, I obliged. I sewed the eyes and tail. He did the rest. Voila! Pretty impressive for a 5 yr old. I am impressed.

In the afternoon, there was a craft event at the library. We made fairies out of wires and yarn and beads. I helped Leo with the body, he did a lot of it. Super cute.

It is amazing the things people actually know how to make.

Crafty

2010-11-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Gnomes in the house.

We have done a lot but I have not had a chance to post. Here's my latest project.

Fall colors

2010-11-09T22:20:00.001-08:00

I finally had some time to take some pictures of the trees in our neighborhood. Who said you have to go to New England for fall foliage. The trees are turning wonderful shades of orange, red and yellow. The kids have gathered enough leaves and pine cones for the winter. In fact, a "whiskey friskey," aka squirrel came looking for nuts in one of the kids' nature boxes. It climbed right in and helped itself to several acorns. Oliver was fascinated watching the squirrel climb into the box, and take a nut out and nibble on it. It's been a fun Fall going on walks with the kids and finding all sorts of stuff to bring home.

The end of the week

2010-11-06T22:55:00.000-07:00

Friday, November 5, 2010

In the morning we took a walk around the neighborhood. Oliver hitched a ride from Leo at the end of the walk.

Leo found a prying mantis on a building door just outside of where we ate last night. He was so excited that he wanted to take it home as a pet. Instead he let it go and we watched it fly onto a tree. He was thrilled that it crawled all over him. Just last year, he would have not even wanted to touch one.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

We have been obsessed with the colorful fallen leaves at our house. The kids have been sweeping the leaves into a pile almost daily. It's been nice and dry, making the leaves shine in the afternoon sunlight. Sadly, it will all be drenched in rain tomorrow. Luckily, I got some nice pictures of the boys playing in them. Phew! It was a gorgeous Saturday. We decided not to take a nap and let the boys play outside. Then off for an early dinner before heading to the park and watching the sun set. The kids fell asleep within minutes of hitting their pillows. A great Saturday.

Moving into November

2010-11-03T22:16:00.001-07:00

October 30, 2010

Davis Farmer's Market had a mini Halloween event. We took the boys there despite the threatening clouds. Glad to say, they had a blast. Ran into a few friends. Leo finally got his face painted. The boys played the drums with Music Matt and had a wonderful time. They did not want to leave the drums. It was a full day with a Halloween party in the afternoon.
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November 1, 2010

Reichmuth Park day. Ms. Sandy has been taking the kids into the nature area at the park. It's a wooded area with a nice little hill for them to climb and jump. The kids ran around and around in circles. It was a fantastic good time.

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November 3, 2010

A nice little wooden airplane appeared on the school yard this week. I think it's too big for the kindergartners, but just the right size for Oliver. He discovered it today and got on it like he owned the toy.

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

a day late. We went to the zoo. It was great fun. shows and candy and train ride and carousel.

It's not easy

2010-10-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

getting good pictures of the boys together. One is always not willing to cooperate. It doesn't matter what I try to do, say. They like to run away from the camera. So it is rare that I get some decent pictures of the kids. Here are some recent ones, funny, serious and just darn cute.

This year I avoided carving a pumpkin when the boys saw these and wanted them for their pumpkins. Of course, once Leo was done today, he said "I wish I can carve my pumpkin." Urgh..., can never predict the moods that they will be in.