Christmas Party

 A few snacks for the partygoers

 Feed the Reindeer game

 More feeding of the reindeer

 Transfer the M&Ms using a straw

 A jump rope break

 Transfer the cotton balls using only your Vaselined nose

Decorate some cookies!

Last Wednesday, we had three of Alex's classmates over for a little Christmas party.  I decided that it might be wise to keep things structured with four boys and a little sister in the house, so I planned out a bunch of games.  Many based on Minute to Win It games.  I haven't ever seen the show, but some of the games which I read about were pretty cool.  Turns out that the boys liked them and had fun with some friendly competition.  To round out the party, we decorated some sugar cookies.  It was fun to have some friends over and see them playing the silly games.

Fun with Friends

On Sunday, we had a bunch of David's USC friends over for a get together, since Angela and Hai and their family were in town from Southern California.  We had a fun time eating, drinking and catching up.  All of the kiddos had a blast playing baseball and just getting to know one another.

More Party Pics

Posing as a Lego Man

A Lego Party!

This afternoon we have a few of Alex's friends over for a Lego party to celebrate his birthday.  Even though we had decorated inside, the weather outside was so nice that we decided to move everything out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine, instead.  David made a ramp last weekend and thanks to Berkeley Parents Network, I had snagged a huge copy paper box FULL of Legos of all kinds, a few months ago.  I had gradually sorted through them and we picked out enough wheels and axles to give each child a set as a base for their car.  They spent the first part of the party building cars, trying them out on the ramp and then modifying them until they would make a clean run down the ramp.  The little had the Duplos out to play with too, so it was fun for all.  After the car building, at some point they all became a wolf pack (most likely our son's idea) and they had fun chasing each other around up and down the downslope and howling while they were at it.  We had snacks, another Lego cake and ice cream and then a game of pin the shades on the Lego man, took some photos in the pose as a Lego man booth and then everyone headed home.  Made for a fun afternoon.  Happy Birthday, Alex!

Tilden Carousel

Last week we planned an outing for Alex's Praying Ponies class, so that we could get together during the Christmas break.  We met up at the Tilden Carousel which was open all of last week.  The kiddos had a fun time going on the carousel again and again, probably ten times total.  While they all seemed to enjoy riding the individual animals, they also had a blast riding on the little carriage and spinner car where they could sit together, as well.  It turned out to be a beautiful day and we were able to enjoy a nice picnic lunch outside afterwards.  Thanks to all of the classmates for coming out!  We had a great time!

Play Cafe

The fireman with his dog

Getting ready to jump!

Chillin' in the ball pit

We spent a nice Tuesday afternoon at Play Cafe (http://www.playcafellc.com/) this past week.  We hadn't checked it out before, but found that it was alot of fun for the kids and the lunch options were pretty good too!  Johnny and Alex enjoyed the ball pit, as well as the trains and the dress up clothes (the fireman's outfit in particular).  Plenty of fun options for a chilly day.  

Long Time No See!

Photo op with Theresa in front of the Christmas tree.

We had a nice surprise when Theresa called last night to let us know that she is in the area for the week.  Luckily she had some time and was able to come over for the evening.  It had been way too long since we had all seen each other, so it was great to catch up.  Hopefully we will be able to get Matthew (3 in December) and Alex together sometime soon.  It sounds like they have lots of things in common and would probably have a blast playing together.  Alex loved Theresa!  He talked her ear off once he got to know her.  

ToddleBop Class

Co-op buddies Alex, Will and Grace at music class yesterday

Happy Boys

Tadgh sharing his new wagon with Alex.  Thanks for the ride Tadgh!

Ezra Turns 4!!

The birthday boy and his cake.

Blowing bubbles with friends.

Mmmmm...cake!

Fun with the slip and slide

More slip and slide fun!

Who doesn't love some cool water on a nice summer day?

Happy Birthday Ezra!  Ezra's 4th birthday party was on Saturday, which turned out to be a beautifully sunny day in Sunnyvale.  Fun was had by all, with bubbles, a slip and slide, the great play structure, lunch and of course, cake!  Alex asked about cake every time that I mentioned Ezra's birthday last week.  He has definitely made the connection that birthday parties typically involve cake.  As always, there was plenty of friends, food and fun at the Wankel home, so it was a great way to spend our Saturday.