Scripps Aquarium

Steve and I took the boys back down to Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla last Saturday. We had a good time looking at the different types of fish and visiting the shark tank. Along the way there are stations set up explaining how waves form to water currents, so it is very entertaining for the boys even though they might not understand the concept. J Jack started to get a little out of hand towards the end and there was part of me that felt like we were filming a Super Nanny episode. I might be exaggerating a bit compared to some of the episodes I have watched. I had to get a little firm with him and lay down the law to gain control and he quickly changed his tune and turned around for the better. It was quite funny because toward the end of the day Steve asked Zach if Jack was a good boy and he said NO and then pointed to him and said YES. HA! Meanwhile Jack with big eyes and a grin looks at me and said yes, me, yeah. :) Oh how we have different perspectives. J.

Since we really wanted to have somewhat of a quieter weekend after being sick, we went on a Sunday drive after breakfast. Steve and I would do this A LOT before we had children. We had no place to go in particular but would just drive with our mojo, looking at houses or driving by the lake, water, thinking about the future. This time we drove the coastline near our house looking at the real estate open on the market. We even saw a train go by and the boys were ecstatic. There are certainly some amazing houses right on the ocean, but man we better get a raise or two or three or four along with big promotions very quickly---wishful thinking. J Once we got home the morning fog started breaking away, and the boys helped daddy in the yard. Steve was great to stay back with the boys and told me to go on a nice walk, which I did and the weather was perfect. [Thank you Mom for getting me the Michael Jackson Anniversary Collection---I love his songs and he gets me through the long walks].

School has been going okay and it seems like it gets better as the boys get more exposure to the process. We did have some rough starts here and there and thankfully it was not every day. It can be a bit draining in the morning if that is the case. All in all they are adapting quite well since they have never really done anything like this. I do remember the first week Ms. Monica, one of the Kindergarten teachers was spot on as she informed us once the newness has worn off they might not be so inclined to be here, but in time they will grow out of it. So true! There were mornings where we experienced that with Zach but quickly passed.  They really appear to be having so much fun. I love the art they bring home, even if they are getting a little help, it still brings the BIGGEST smile to my face, and I can only imagine the fun they have during the process. The goal at this point was to have them in the program full time, meaning yes a 5-5:30 pick up.  However, after a trial run on Monday, we still have them attending 7ish-3pm since we feel this is what currently works for them. After our one and only attempt the other day and after a rough end to the day, Steve and I realized we will need to make adjustments. We believe what happened was starting at 4pm the kids will transition to the Pre-Kindergarten room for circle time, sing, read stories either in German/English or Japanese/English. Around 5pm they will transition to the Kindergarten room for an art activity as the children wait for their parents. This was the first day the boys were exposed to the various rooms and so I think they were a little confused. They stood very close to Ms. Aiko taking it all in. Additionally the children are much bigger than the boys so I think that might have added some tension, even though they interact with older children in our neighborhood. Plus their naps at school are not entirely consistent just yet. They are used to taking a 2 ½ -3 hour nap on the weekend but at school it has only been maybe 1 ½ hours long. With all the stimulation and being challenged during the day this can quickly add exhaustion. Steve and I felt horrible for them, so we might just have to slowly introduce this process a little at a time. In the meantime we will continue focusing on what is best for the kids and take it one day at a time, meaning stick with the schedule they have for the moment. There is a little girl in their class, Izzy, and she is absolutely adorable. It is generally the three of them in the morning at drop off and so they have quite the time bonding while eating breakfast. I smell a play date in the future, followed by dating and marriage. Just kidding.  I had some great conversations with Sabine the other day and she has reinforced how well the boys are doing. If Zach is sad for a minute after we leave he cheers up within seconds and is great all day. He even helped Sabine feed the chickens the other day and he LOVES it. They do tend to play with each other during free play/recess, but will interact with other kids during art, circle time, and music class. This makes me feel good. I am very proud of my boys for doing so well and being so positive with their new environment.

Zach and Jack

Shark Tank

Time to learn about water currents

Jackson

The view from Scripps

Up and Down

Jackson waiting for his snack

Zachary

Aw, my LOVE BUGS

They love their bananas

Yum!

Z-Man...time to make our way home

Jackson ready to go

Must be related,  boys went to Lowes with Daddy.
Of course they could not leave without seeing the leafblowers and lawnmowers

See, we even get hail in Southern CA. This happened a few weeks ago.
Although for a moment we asked ourselves what is that sound?
We looked out the window and here you have it...We loved it!

Here is what Jack did at School in the past week (St Patty's, Sun, Fish)

Here is what Zach did at School in the past week (St Patty's, Sun, and Fish)

Jack on his Sunday morning drive (yes he is wearing Santa jammies :))

Zach on his Sunday morning drive

Sunday Driveway Funday with the Neighbors

We don’t have a lot planned for the upcoming weekend and have to play it by ear. Of course we will try to sneak in Friday date night. We have had some great weather, of course, but are expected to get some colder weather coupled with rain. I don’t mind whatsoever knowing we will have many more days of the most perfect weather! Here is to Health, Happiness and Peace, since I know sickness is floating around these days.

Love,

Julie