Anna's 7

This year, Anna's birthday landed on the 100th day of school. Anna brought 100 treats to celebrate with her classmates, and Steve made an accompanying flyer, clever!


After school Anna opened some gifts, including a pair of boots (on sale at Stride Rite). We then headed over to Disneyland.


We also caught the Electric Parade at California Adventure. Love Sammy's double chin here.


For dinner Anna and Sam enjoyed chicken and happy face potatoes, Steve had a shrimp po'boy and I had gumbo.
In a couple of weeks we'll have a party to celebrate Anna's birthday once again.

Gabbi's Day

A couple of Saturdays ago we went to Gabbi's house for her 7th birthday. She had a Star Wars themed party, do you spot R2D2 on the cake?


We also played bingo, which the kids, including Sammy, thoroughly enjoyed.


We enjoyed a huge cheese Z Pizza, tri-tip, and mashed potatoes and gravy among other delicious foods.


Gabbi even had a Darth Vader pinata, that was one pinata that the kids didn't mind destroying!

Sam and Mom Days

Learning sidewalk chalk art by holding 3 pieces at the same time...


Popping as many bubbles as possible with one's body...


Whee...


And dressing in Anna's old Halloween costumes, so Mom can see if they still fit someone...


Ooh, major staredown. Ok, I get it, the costume doesn't fit. Better help him get out of it.

Sam Reads

"One monkey, Two deer
Three mice, Four butterflies
Five birds, Six hedgehogs
Seven fish
Eight Hippos
Nine Raccoons
Ten Fox(es)"

"The End."

"Good reading! You're a good reader, did you know that?"

(Pause) "Oh."

Book: Animals to Count by Brian Wildsmith

New Beginnings

This past Saturday we drove to L.A. to check out the new "crib" Mari and Rob will be moving into this upcoming weekend. They will be renting this lovely home which is located walking distance to the beach.


Here is the view from their balcony. The backyard slopes down to an awesome clearing which has a huge teepee structure and a stage. Yes, a stage. Also some great trees to hang a hammock from.



This amazing stage is located in Their Backyard.

Currently Mari and Rob are putting finishing touches to the house, i.e. painting, putting up closet walls, ceiling tiles... Rob is quite the handyman. (Steve, you're handy too!)



Mari and Rob enjoy lunch on The Stage. To say this house is an entertainer's delight and a child's fantasy playground is an understatement.


Here we are at Mari and Rob's apartment. Bye-bye apartment! We have good memories of you! Hello, new home!

Rah, Rah, Rah!

Anna participated in a cheer clinic Thursday afternoon along with other elementary school kids. The following evening, the girls participated in the varsity basketball game's "halftime show". Can you see her in the center of the photo, head bent down?


Here's a better picture. Go Anna!


Steve and Sam made it to the game as well. This was taken pregame...
We made it through halftime, an exciting first-half, but by then Sam was yelling, "Race Car Bed!" So loudly, the screams of the crowds almost didn't drown him out.