Little Reader

Alex completed the Summer Reading Program through our local library branch the other day, and received a certificate, a book and some other prizes. He also received a tamborine at the halfway point. We had alot of fun reading library books, as we usually do anyway, and Alex loved getting to put a sticker on his card every time we finished a book.

Some of the favorites which we found during that time period were, "From Head to Toe" by Eric Carle, "Llama, Llama Red Pajama", by Anna Dewdney, and "Silly Suzy Goose", by Petr Horacek. These ones were so popular that I think we will actually be getting them to put in our own library. We'll be off to visit Fairyland, MOCHA, Oakland Museum of California and some other cool places, courtesy of the generous sponsors for the program.

My name is....

On our way home in the car today, I was chatting with Alex and asking what his name was. I answered the question for him a couple of times and then he answered the question himself. We promptly called Daddy on speakerphone, so he could hear it for himself. Alex was quite proud of himself! There isn't really any "l" in his pronunciation, but he definitely has the idea.

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Hey Mama, I'm inside of a tree trunk!


Pretty good balance there, little guy.


Alex planting rice. He was quite enamored with this task.


Running on the replica of the Golden Gate Bridge

We had a fun time at the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito yesterday morning. It was a gorgeous day and Alex really enjoyed our visit. There are so many cool things to see and do, who wouldn't have fun? He loved the fish in the stream area, just like he did in February and we were able to explore more outdoor areas than we did on the last trip, since it was so nice outside.

All Snuggled Up....

Typically, Alex is not into snuggling with any of his stuffed animals when he is going to sleep. This afternoon, I gave him Wendy Wombat, who was given to him by his cousins in Australia, and he snuggled right up with her for his nap.

Fun with the Gandy's

How cute is she?


Charlotte demonstrating her ability to go down the slide backwards


Hey mom, look...garbage cans (an absolute obsession at this point in his life).

Hey Alex, come over here!

Mmmm...ice cream

Sunday got off to a great start with a bike ride to Jordan Park and then got even better in the afternoon, when we drove up to visit the Gandy's. Alex seemed to be right at home as soon as he saw the kids splashing in the pool along with their parents. Pool, sunshine, toys galore....jackpot! He had fun using floaties in the pool for the first time, while watching Ryan and Charlotte demonstrate their diving board skills.

After swimming, the kids had a great time on the slides, playing in the garden, and of course, the playing in buckets of water is always a hit! We had a yummy dinner and just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful weather and great company. Thanks to the Gandy's for having us over for such a fun filled afternoon.

Happy Birthday Mika and Esmond!

The birthday girl Mika, with a yummy cupcake!


So pensive for a two year old


Alex tasting the big balloon ball

Nat the cupcake monster

It was fun to celebrate Mika's 2nd and Esmond's 25th (I'm sure that is correct) birthday on Saturday. There was an afternoon full of playing in the backyard with sand and water, as well as a yummy lunch and cake for dessert. As you can see, Tessa's gluten free cupcakes were quite a hit with the crowd! Here's to a happy year ahead for both Mika and Esmond.

Friday Fun at the Co-op

Alex crawling through the tunnel


Everyone was already up on the sofa, looking out the window, when two orange helicopters flew over...imagine the excitement!


Fun times!


A big smile from Luke in the tunnel

Carlsen Street Links

Good chip and he's off walking up to the next shot. Look at that concentration!

This is fun!

Tough shot, but I can get it!

Alex tried out his first golf club today and had quite a fun time chasing that ball around. He did get into some trouble by Xena's house, but was able to do a trick shot to get out. The Carlsen Street club is quite casual, not opting for collared shirts and heck, pants are optional too. Call for a tee time, it's a fun place!

Little Artiste

Alex is putting his new table and chair set to good use! It has been transformed into an art station for most of the time. We cover it with paper and he can color and draw to his heart's content. Luckily, there are two chairs, so one is reserved for Alex and one for Mama or Dada, whoever happens to be around at the time. Lots of serious coloring going on in our household. I always loved my crayons when I was younger and it looks like Alex does too. Thanks Crayola for washable crayons...they are the best!

Cutie Cowboy in the Summertime

Building with Daddy

I've got this side, Daddy


Hmmm, let me concentrate on this


Daddy, do you need me to help you?


I've got it

We bought a new table and chair set for Alex last night at Ikea and he had quite a fun time helping Daddy put it together. Now he can color on the butcher paper which covers it, to his heart's content, or perhaps read a book, or even eat a snack. Pictures of table and chairs in use to follow.

Happy 4th of July!

Hey Mama, I can just pretend your head is a drum!


Fun at the parade

Studying the upcoming parade entrants

Cool steam tractor

Fun with ice


Hey, this water is so much fun

Hee...hee....hee!

Happy Independence Day to everyone, which of course also means, Happy Birthday to Uncle Brant! Hope you had a great day. We had alot of fun on this, Alex's second 4th of July. We attended the good, old-fashioned, folksy parade in Piedmont and met up with Johnny, Carrie, Pat & Geraldine. There were plenty of cool vintage cars for the boys to enjoy, along with some bagpipe troupes, dogs and a cool old steam tractor.

Later in the afternoon, we went over to the Graham-Lee household for a delicious barbeque, with yummy cheeses (which Alex loved, of course), tasty burgers, salads, wines and some dynamite Jumbleberry crisp (yum!). The boys had such a fun time playing with one another, which made for some happy parents. They are so much more interactive now, it is so cute! Amazing how much they have changed in a year. Last 4th of July they both slept through most of the parade and now this year, it was actually fun for them to watch. In addition to Johnny's cool toys, the big tub full of ice and drinks was quite a hit, as you can see! Thanks so much to Johnny, Carrie and Pat for having us over. It was a very enjoyable 4th.