Extra Pictures

Helping Alex with presents.

From the tree in our front yard that I haven't identified.

Wearing her new skirt from Gma.

Zachy and Meghan at her birthday party.

Raider Time

On the way to pick the boys up from school, Mady and I saw a tricked out Raider Bus at Raider Headquarters. I was hoping it would still be there after picking up the boys so that Zachy could see it. Driving back by, we turned into the lot and I didn't see the bus, but while we were turning around, the bus came out of a back lot. We asked the guys on board if we could take a look, and they very happily and kindly pulled over and let Zachy check it out!

The owner of the bus was so nice and even let Zachy honk the novelty horn. They are just super fans who were in town and touring Headquarters, how lucky of us to spot them!

Music Together

Mady enjoys going to Music Together classes. And she loves to help with the class set up. I find it interesting that Zachy loved to roll out the carpet when he was going to music classes too, and the two of them never attended together.

 Hoarding scarves.

 Play along time. She typically chooses the drums, even though there are so many choices.

 The enthusiasm just shines through.

Chinese New Year - SonRise

It was field trip day with Mady's school! The class took the bus from school to Oakland's Chinatown and the Imperial Palace for Chinese New Year Dim Sum.
Mady has always enjoyed dim sum and today she enjoyed a lot of shu mai and chow mien.

Mady was in a very loving mood today.
Mady and her buddy Harding.

 With Teacher Elizabeth.

 And of course with Mommy.

 These kids really enjoyed the bus ride.

Special Opportunity

When Alex and Zachy were in preschool, one of their teachers was a former naturalist from Crab Cove. Now that Mady is in preschool, Teacher Susan has gone back to Crab Cove. And she invited the preschool to come for a special morning of learning that would also be filmed and photographed for a new advertising campaign!

Checking out the visitor's center.

 Looking for crabs under rocks.

Do you see any birds?

Oh, here's a bird. Dragging a shark. It isn't a good picture, but take my word for it, that black lump beside the bird is a shark.

And the final project!

Coyote Hills

It's a great day for a hike at one of our favorite spots. Coyote Hills! Before we headed out for the hike, the kids ran around the field in front of the visitor center and Mady became a butterfly.

To mix it up this time we headed out to Lizard Rock. From a distance it looks like a big alligator crawling out of the marsh.

If you look closely, you can see Alex leading the way.

After the Lizard Rock, we decided to continue on new paths and walked along the Bayview Trail, and then cut back across on the Nike Trail.

As usual, the hike was part scenery, part hiking and part snacking!

Fortunately, we have lots of back pack carriers for all of the snacks!

Hockey

Alex and Zachy signed up for a 4 week mini hockey camp. It doesn't start until the end of March, but today was the day for them to get outfitted with all of their gear. They even played a little bit of street hockey.

 Zachy has been working on his tough guy face!

We can't wait until the class starts!

That's Different

On Valentine's Day morning, we smelt smoke outside. Which isn't completely unusual, smoke often blows in from around the bay. However, we kept smelling it and then Phil noticed smoke coming from the neighbor's garage. The house next door is a duplex, so it was the far garage, but still a little too close for comfort. While Phil called the fire department, I knocked on the doors getting everyone to come out. While we were waiting for the fire truck, a couple of other neighbors ran over with their fire extinguishers.

After the first truck arrived, one of the firefighters grabbed a circular saw and cut open the metal garage door. I wish I had a picture, but it was kind of shocking. It didn't take long for the fire to be extinguished, and it was fortunately contained to the one garage.

All in all, there were 2 ladder trucks, 3 engines, the chief's car, an ambulance and 3 police cars on the block.

Alex even had an opportunity to help the firefighters pack up the hoses.

I guess we do have evidence of the  cut up garage door. And the disaster that was the inside of this garage.

**Warning - The video is loud!

Be Mine?

Happy Valentine's Day!

The 1st grade party was in full swing when I arrived. Lots of Valentines and yummy treats.

 The 2nd grade party needed some more setting up. Look at this eager face, ready to help.

 I debated adding this picture, but ultimately decided, what the heck! Alex wanted to take a crazy picture of me and this was the result.

Chinese New Year - CCS

Zachy borrowed a coat for the Chinese New Year chapel today. Doesn't he look handsome?

Guinea Fowl

Something is hiding in the neighbor's bushes.

The neighborhood kids are very excited, even if everyone thinks it is a turkey.

8 is Great!

Happy 8th birthday Alex!

Today is going to be a very busy, exciting day, so we started off with yummy cinnamon rolls.

Alex really wanted to have his party on his actual birthday, which happens to fall on Super Bowl Sunday this year. But, we planned the party for the morning and had a great turn out! After breakfast, we packed up the cars and headed on over to Pump It Up for some jumping and sliding and snacks.

Everyone knows the drill, first you have to watch the safety video. Of course, I've never seen the staff enforce any of these rules, but it's good to hear about them!

 Inflatable crown and then off to the first room of fun!

Mady wasn't sure she wanted to jump, but she did a couple of slides.

Musical dots. Alex's friend Kiana was amazingly good at this game!

The revelers, worn out and ready for snacks.

For an early morning party, we decided to have bagels and cream cheese and fruit. Alex chose a Minecraft theme. Gma and I did a pretty good job on grass block cupcakes and TNT blocks!

And a Creeper even made an appearance!  Look out!

I love this picture of Alex. It might be the best smile I captured all day. 

For the goodie bag, everyone got a Minecraft mystery box. There was some fierce trading, all under the watchful eyes of the Creeper.

Part 2 of the day was our Super Bowl Party! Go Hawks!

Alex also opened his presents. Thanks for the awesome hoodie Auntie Nichole and Uncle Harry!

Gma's porch picture was pre-empted by Mady's touchdown celebration!

We had so much yummy food on Sunday that we decided to postpone Alex's birthday dinner choice for a couple of days. Spaghetti and meatballs is always a good choice!