Claire's Birthday Party

This past Saturday we had a birthday party to celebrate Claire turning 6. We just invited family, but just with family we had 37 people at the party! It was really fun. The kids played Pin the Bow on Hello Kitty and also did pillowcase races. They got a candy medal at the end. Here are some pictures of her party!

At the end of the day when Claire gave me a hug and kiss goodnight, she said,

"I love you mama. It was the best birthday ever."  :)

4th of July

For Independence Day this year we joined a bunch of Robert's family up in Chino, CA. His Aunt Marlene invited us all up for food, swimming, and fireworks. In Chino you're allowed to buy and set off fireworks, so the kids were really excited. It was their first time seeing fireworks up close, even their first time using sparklers. We had a great time. It reminded me of Independence Days when I was growing up.

Summer - June

So, June has been the month of the pool. The kids are in the second session of swimming lessons right now. Bruce is trying out water polo. They're all doing great at swimming and they're happy they can swim in the deep end and jump off the diving board now. Claire is still in the shallow but is good at swimming and her floats. Now she just needs to tread water a little better to be safe in the deep end.

We made a trip out to the desert this month for cousin Irene's birthday party. We also loved having the Davis family come and visit us for a few days and hang out at the beach with us.

Other than that we've been enjoying long walks, sleeping in, reading, and hanging out.

Before and After

Here is Bruce on his first day of elementary school,
and on his last day of elementary school.

Wow!

He started at Eagle View Elementary in Fairfax, Virginia
and finished at Palmquist Elementary in Oceanside, CA.

He attended 5 different elementary schools.
Eagle View
Garrison
McAuliffe
San Luis Rey
Palmquist

Heading To Father/Son campout

*They had fun playing soccer and football up at camp with the other boys. There was a fireside before bed.  Bruce was able to pass of some requirements toward his arrow of light award. They had a good time.

Our Last Kinder Graduation

Well, it's been an emotional couple of days for me, even though I didn't let myself cry even once. :) Yesterday, our oldest graduated from elementary school, and today our youngest graduated from Kindergarten. They're growing up so fast. I love every minute and I'm not sad that they're growing, just recognizing that they are and that these moments with my kids are the best times of my life.
Claire was a little bored during the graduation and actually fell asleep for a minute, although we didn't capture it on film. :)
She will miss her teacher and friends during the summer, but she is looking forward to sleeping in all summer long! :)

 

Is it over yet?  :)