Sightseeing

Today's adventure was visiting some local animal attractions.

First we went to a koi place. They sell koi of all sizes and prices. If you want a fish for several hundred or thousand dollars, you can get it here!

Ben and Breck were ready to jump in with their new snorkel gear.

Next we went to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. This is a non-profit group that rescues, rehabilitates and releases stranded or injured seals and sea lions. We couldn't get too close to the animals, but they were interesting to see.

California

Here we are in sunny California! We have come here to visit Brad's sister Tara and her family. Susanna and Ben love seeing their cousins Breck and Piper. They are having lots of fun together.

Today we went to Laguna Beach. Its not too hot outside, but the kids don't mind. They loved playing on the scenic beach.

Summer vacation, day 1

So today was the first official day of summer vacation. Susanna's last day of school was last Friday (one extra day for snow in Texas!) Ben was out a week earlier, but that was just preschool.

I can't say it was the most exciting day - hopefully better days are yet to come. We spent the morning in a futile search for the children's version of a certain allergy medication that is currently unavailable due to recall. Even though this took us to three different stores, I couldn't buy much because you can't buy anything in Texas in summer unless you are taking it straight home. Tomorrow the shopping will continue, this time for a pill splitter to properly split the adult medicine I bought instead into child friendly doses (after first triple-checking with the pharmacist, of course.) Wednesday's fun will be getting my 5-year-old to learn to either swallow it or eat it crushed up on applesauce.

Its all just as well because its just to hot to go outside. Ben asked many times today to go outside and I kept putting him off. No one else was out and I knew he'd get bored quickly. Finally at 5 o'clock we got the bikes out and headed out front. We were back in at 5:05.

We did go out to play around 7 when everyone else finally came out. It was manageable, but still a bit sauna-like.

Bedtime was late, but since its summer and there is no reason to wake up early, my kids are naturally inclined to be up by 6 a.m. So I'm hoping to shift that just a bit...

We actually have a good summer planned. A few trips, a few camps, the pool... plenty to keep us busy. Bring it on!

Preschool graduation, Texas style

Today was Ben's last day of preschool. A graduation ceremony was held, along with a little show. The theme was "Texas" and it was great. They danced around on stick horses, sang songs, and stated Texas facts. I had no idea Texas had so many "state" things - the state small mammal? armadillo. The state pepper? Jalapeno. The list goes on and on. Do all states have so many? Maybe they do.

After the Texas show, the kids changed their hats from cowboy to graduation. They each got a diploma and a few hugs, then we all had cake!
Susanna's last day is next Friday. Its already in the 90's here, so its time for summer to really begin!

No girls allowed

This is Ben's first official attempt at written communication:

Pool season

The neighborhood pool has officially opened for the season! We went on the second day (May 2nd) and though the weather was reasonably hot, the water was cold (so I was told.) Not sure if its gotten warmer at all, but of course the kids don't mind at all! We went yesterday for Susanna's end of year Girl Scouts party and she was in the pool almost continuously for three hours. She already has a great tan (despite the SPF 50!)

Karate Ben

Yesterday was Ben's last day of karate class at the Little Gym. All the kids had a chance to demonstrate their karate skills for the parents. Ben had fun in the class and definitely learned a bit, but I don't think he really learned any true karate. Obviously if that is the goal, this is probably the wrong place. But he liked it and had fun with the gymnastics stuff, so it was good for him.

After their little show, each child received a medal and some kind words from the main teacher. They then got to break a board - Ben did it on his first try!