Red Sox Game

We made the mistake (again!) of telling the boys far too early that we had tickets to a Red Sox game.  Every day we had to count how many more days until the game, and discuss exactly when we would leave, what snacks we would have, what we would wear, if they would have to take a rest before the game, etc. As excited as they were I must also disclose that I think they were more excited about the friends, the food, the candy, and just the awesome atmosphere than they were about the actual game.

We almost left early several times because it appeared they would not win, it was way past bedtime, and frankly the kids were not really watching the game.  But, we are so glad we stuck it out - they won!!

Franklin Park Zoo

 Can you see them?

We were SOO lucky to have our wonderful friend from Colorado visit us!  Melissa unfortunately had to travel for a funeral, but it was fairly close to us, and she made to drive to see us.  Even though she was not able to bring Marlo & Brody (Conner and Cayden were very sad!) we took the day and went to the Zoo.  It was so good to see her and we had so much fun!  Hopefully, we will get to see the whole family when they return soon for a wedding!!  

Just following orders...sort of

I asked Cayden to clean up the lego mess in the playroom.  When I came back, this is what I found.  

Love this kid!

The School Bus

Conner asked repeatedly last year to ride the bus to/from school.  Even though we were less than a mile from the school, the program Conner is in provides a bus if you want it.  And, boy did he want it!!  Every time he saw a friend get on or off the bus he would ask "when do I get to ride the bus?!?"  I kept telling him that he would be able to, but . . .

I wanted to take him the first few weeks...

I wanted to talk to the teachers...

I wanted to meet and chat with other moms...

Cayden LOVED going to pick him up...

I felt silly (and certainly not very green!) having a bus when we live within walking distance to the school...

And so, it never happened.

Since we had to move, we are now on the other side of town. (Okay, I admit, the other side of town is still only 3.5 miles from his school.)  But, when talking about his summer program, he began asking again.  I gave in!  I called up Dean, and said yes!  Conner would ride the bus home from school during the summer program Monday through Thursday.  Conner could not contain his excitement!  I was the embarrassing mom who on the first day, went to the school, made sure Conner was escorted to the bus, buckled in his booster seat, took a few pictures, and then raced home to beat the bus.

Conner was SO SUPER EXCITED!!

Cayden and Allie were just as excited to race home and wait for him!

Besides the pure joy in the children, my favorite part of the whole deal is letting Allie nap longer!  All last year I would have to wake her up from her nap to go pick Conner up from school.  Who knew that she would sleep an additional hour every day!?

Now, Conner is begging to ride the bus to school in the morning as well.  Still thinking about this one...

California: Berkeley Reunion

When we finally made our plans to travel to CA, I emailed everyone I could think of from our Berkeley days who still lived in the area, and hoped that I could pull something together.  Since we live so far away, and our trips to CA will most likely be fewer, I wanted to see as many friends as I could.  It worked!  I was so happy that so many of our friends were able to make it.  We spent the afternoon at a great park, and the kids, of course, did not want to leave.  It made me a little sad when I saw how well our kids all played together, and I wished they could do so more often!

This picture does not show at least half of the group, because we all forgot to get out our cameras until several families had left.  Darn it!!

California: Donut Shop

Conner and Cayden have always loved to "build" things, but lately they are not content with building a tower, a road, or even a fort.  They are building entire airports, museums, and for some reason since we arrived in California, they have been "working" on building their donut shop.  Every day they would gather the tools and talk on their phones about the concrete being late, ordering the paint, not having enough nails.....  This went on for several days.  (Do you think they listen to dad talking on the phone???)  One morning, the day we were all told the shop was supposed to be finished, Grandma snuck out early and got some donuts for the shop.  When it was finished, they set up the cash register and shop, complete with donuts, juice, and fruit.  Grandma even loaned us all some money so we could each buy a donut.

Conner eventually took a break from his duties and had a donut as well!