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!

Open House 2015

Today was Open House at the boys' school. They both performed a couple of songs in English and Mandarin. Then they took us to their classrooms to show us all of the hard work they have been doing this school year. These are a couple of my favorite projects.

Alex's "I Am" poem.

Zachy's Vines sculpture.

Keep up all of the great work boys!

SJTM

Alex's class had a field trip to the San Jose Tech Museum today and I was able to chaperone. The class watched an IMAX movie about under water creatures, and then were free to wander around the museum and try out all of the experiments. Alex had a chance to design his own roller coaster on a computer, test the crash rating of the ride, and once it passed the safety test, he got to take it for a spin.

And a still picture of the build up.

The kids spent a large portion of the time waiting for a computer to draw their portrait.

A good group of boys.

 A bunch of awesome 2nd graders!