end of preschool

Ryan had his last day of preschool two weeks ago, and it marks the end of one "era" of his short little life.  In the fall he will start Transitional Kindergarten, a sort of pre-K here in California.  It'll be 5 days per week, at the elementary school, same hours as Kindergarten.  With a class full of kids born between September and December, all who were born just after the cutoff to begin Kindergarten.  

Pretty cool if you ask me.  

So we said goodbye to his great little preschool, with a picnic day and lots of hugs for his favorite preschool teachers.  This was a great two years for Ryan -- it helped him grow leaps and bounds in his confidence, comfort with being away from home, and I think he truly enjoyed learning and playing in that environment.  

with Teacher Joanne -- one of our favorites! (and Humpty Dumpty in the background)

Last Day of school!

 A look back at the first day in September…how much have these two changed!?!

More last day pics….

A tradition I started last year,  a stop at Jamba Juice for lunch after school

Our new backyard addition for those hot summer nights (that seem to be few and far between so far!).  Bring on the summer!!

Father's Day

In case I haven't said it enough, we are so lucky to have so much family so close by!  

We celebrated the great dads in our lives on Sunday, with a big ol' family picnic with Eddy's family, Uncle Chris' parents, and my parents.  And it was so much fun!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Great Dads push you on a swing while you're standing…because that's so much more fun

Ryan is all about climbing these days

these 2…exploring the Stomp Rocket together

Great Dads let you drink some of their Italian Soda…because it's so yummy!

Finally getting some instruction from the Stomp Rocket pro

a crazy see saw

Drea wrangling the two escape artists

Great Dads push you even higher, so you can get the biggest swing on the rope swing

Great Dads come to family picnics…even when they are feeling a bit under the weather (but you couldn't tell by this photo!)

these two...making each other giggle at the table

Great Dads make you LAUGH way harder than anyone thought possible

Great Dads find room in their lap (and in their heart) to fit all of their grandkids

Great Dads do their best to get those kids to giggle and smile for the camera when its WAY past nap time and there is nothing but tears and crankiness coming from these two

Great Dads make the best wrestling partners, and give the best kiss and tickle attacks

this girl...

She is almost two.  And every bit a two year old, with her strong personality shining through.
She has become well versed in the word "no".
She wants to do everything herself.  "I do it mama".
She is speaking in full sentences, nonstop.  "See it mama? That's a butterfly. I pet it"
She plays hard, sleeps hard, and is still a pretty picky/choosy eater…yet loves spaghetti, yogurt, and pretty much anything else that makes a complete mess while eating it.
She loves to "color" with crayons, aka scribble all over the page.
She loves to dance.
She LOVES animals, of all kinds/shapes/sizes.
She loves to make a mess, and then some.
And last week, twice, she took off her pants and then dirty diaper after her nap (while still happily enjoying her quiet time in the crib), and "painted" her crib/bumper/Stella and then herself with her own poop.  Yep, disgusting.  Thankfully (for me), they were both days when I was at work and Tracy (our Nanny) found her.  The second day was bad enough that Kaitlyn needed a bath.  Needless to say, Tracy earned a bonus Starbucks card that week for dealing with things way beyond the call of duty.  And we have been extra quick to get K out of bed once she wakes up.

This girl will be our artist, and I have no doubt that she is going to LOVE getting her hands dirty in preschool art (unlike big bro who still would rather not).

And we love everything about her.

a Frozen birthday

Cousin Alexandra just celebrated her 4th birthday…and who can guess what kind of party she had?  Only the most popular choice for all girls ages 2-12 these days, Frozen!  The kids wore their favorite princess costume (well, Ryan and Lucas got to wear snowman shirts instead), they had treats from the Frozen theme, and even Princess Elsa made an appearance for face painting and story time.  Everyone had a blast -- sadly I was at work that day, so only got to hear about the experience afterwards.  Happy Birthday Alexandra!!

hanging out with Nonno pre-party

story time with Elsa

K's first face painting

and because little sister did it, Ryan had to do it as well -- first "face" painting, on his arm 

the birthday girl and Elsa

more Tahoe pics

Aside from the bike ride, we had an all around super great weekend in Tahoe.  The weather was gorgeous, still a bit chilly but some warm sunshine for our faces.  It's always so refreshing to be up there!

our mini hike to the lake on Saturday, and Ryan with his pockets and hands full of rocks, ready to throw in the water -- is this boy prepared or what?

he's ready to throw 'em

wonder where he learns it?  

aside from my crazy hair, I love this shot!

aside from my crazy kids, I love this shot too!

On Monday morning, we took a short walk behind our cabin in the woods.  We came upon an area that had a fire a little while back.  Made for an interesting hike, lots to try to explain to the boy who asks questions about EVERYTHING!

how far can you see Ry? 

the Bayer cubs