Attitude

I didn't think I'd have to deal with major attitude until the teenage years. I was so totally wrong. This was because I did not buy them icecream after they had already had cookies at a local coffee shop.

Mongo Luv Pizza

Ronan is an eater, and I mean that in the best most possible way. This boy can seriously throw down. We went to eat pizza at Lanesplitters, a local pizza place/brew pub and he was in heaven eating those great big slices of pepperoni pizza.

Oliver and the Magician

As part of the summer reading series at the library, the kids have been going to weekly events at our neighborhood branch. At a magic show, Andrew (the magician) asked for someone to help him. He originally picked Dahin, but she was a little shy about doing it. Oliver was next to her with his hand up yelling, "Me, me, me!" so Andrew picked Oliver to be his assistant. Oliver did a great job and was just too adorable for words. He has now caught the stage bug and, at another recent magic show, tried desperately to be picked to go on stage. But, the magician announced he didn't pick kids who raised their hands and yelled. :) Oliver, it seems, has found his calling. I wonder if, in 12 or so years, I'll be in the audience of his magic show when he announces that he was first inspired to be a magician when we saw a magic show at his local library. At both magic shows we attended, the magicians said this is how they got their start.

We Miss You Grandfather!!

It's so hard living far apart. We wish we lived right next door to cousins and grandparents, aunts and uncles. This was such a special time for the kids and I am so glad grandfather was able to do this.

Grandfather

Grandfather has taught Dahin how to knit and they joined a knitting circle at our neighborhood library. I've learned to knit, as well, so that I can keep up with Dahin! She's begun her third project now: a bright pink scarf she plans to wear this winter.The kids had such a good time with grandfather. He got them on a regular schedule and kept them very busy with watercoloring, drawing, fixing things around the house, and knitting. They also went to the library several times a week. I call it "Grandfather Bootcamp," and know that we would make millions if we were to turn it into a tv show. When I arrived at the airport, the kids were waiting for me with "Welcome Home" banners draped across their clothes. It was so sweet! They had prepared a party at home, including balloons, cake, and presents. Dahin made me a beautiful scarf, Oliver had drawn me a picture, and Ronan wrapped up a blank piece of paper--oh well, it's the thought that counts! :)

Happy Birthday!

This will probably be the last year I can get away with one cake for both boys. Ronan is asking when his Percy the train birthday will be since Oliver had his Thomas birthday. I keep telling him that the Thomas cake was for both of them, but, since his favorite color is green, Ronan wants a Percy cake. What to do!

I bought a train cake pan from Michael's and made a Thomas the Tank Engine cake.

Grandfather taught Dahin how to knit and she knit Oliver this scarf for his birthday. Grandfather knit Ronan a green scarf.

Birthday Boys

Grandfather was able to stay a few days after I got back from Korea to visit friends in LA and spend time with the kids. For the boys' birthday we went to Day out with Thomas where the kids had a lot of fun. We almost made it out of the park without a meltdown; almost.

The blasting Thomas tunes, the toddlers, the face painting--oh, what big sisters must endure!
Ronan meets his hero, Sir Topham Hat
Oliver finally smiles. After talking, and talking, and talking about the impending day out with Thomas and Grandfather for months, Oliver got cold feet when we arrived. It didn't help that he got car sick on the way down to Roaring Camp Railroads. But, my dad rightly asserted that the boys were coming face-to-face with their heroes and feeling a little shy. After we rode the Thomas train, Oliver really perked up. Some lunch helped, as well.
Ronan and Grandfather look at giant redwoods, covered bridges, and streams on the Thomas ride.

It was very hot that day, especially in the sun. Everyone felt great after resting in the shade and drinking some cold water.