Gilroy Gardens, etc

I am feeling guilty this summer. I am trying my best to give the boys a summer of fun but it is difficult being this far into my pregnancy. We are good for about one outing a day and then I am beat. I hope they understand. We have been to the beach a handful of times, MyMuseum, parks, the library, etc and last week we drove to Gilroy Gardens. It's a small amusement park that is perfect for kids 2 years - 10 years. I have to say even though the rides are smaller and more tame Cohen still went on more than Ethan did. It was warm in Gilroy and I was pretty swollen by the end of the afternoon but I think the boys appreciated it!

Strawberry Picking

I took the boys strawberry picking a few weeks ago to a farm in Watsonville. A bunch of the women from church came as well with their little kids. I think my boys were the older though and definitely the best pickers. I was beat after two rows - my back was killing me! Then it was home to make some freezer jam. I tried a low sugar recipe I found online and it turned out YUMMY!!

Pierce's Visit

We love visitors!! It's great to live in a beautiful place so people will take the time to come visit every once and a while....even if it's just a pit stop on their way somewhere else! The Pierce's came to town on their way to Napa and the boys (all 6 of them combined) had a great time they wished they could have stayed longer. We had to get in our favorite beach bonfire at Carmel Beach. It was actually fairly warm until the sun went down. Poor Stacy got burned by a marshmellow skewer. It was great to have them!

Father's Day

Ed & Diane brought the boys back just in time for Father's Day this year. It was great to have Grandpa here to spend it with Eric and the boys. It was a difficult goodbye for Grandpa especially on Sunday when they had to go home. His tears started me crying and I was a mess - right there in church. Cohen said later that day, I can't stop thinking about Grandpa. So sweet.

Summer Trip to RSM

The very day the boys finished school we packed up and headed to RSM for a vacation. It was Memorial Day weekend so Eric was able to come with us. The boys were so excited to get back to Grandma & Grandpas house and to see all their friends. School was still in session down there so each day Ethan would wait patiently for them to finish with their school day and then disappear for hours at a time. He really misses having those friends so close.

We hung out with Anne & Mike & Lucy a lot!  We played at the beach club.  Swam with friends at our pool.  Visited the Ladera Ranch water park.  And went to Laguna Beach for a day as well.  It was a great break. I got to stick around for a few days while Eric had to go back to work.  He came back for me though and the boys got to stick around RSM with Grandma & Grandpa.  They LOVED their time with them solo.  I'm sure they were spoiled more than ever.  Almost two weeks without their parents was probably a dream come true.  I started to miss them - it was weird being at home without the boys. Normally if we don't have them it's because we are on a trip somewhere, but we were just hanging out at home.  I got a lot of baby preparation done as well as working a bunch in Eric's office.  Lots of odds and ends to file and organize, etc.

End of School Parties

Both boys had end of school parties at a park close to school. The kindergarteners went to George Washington park - they all walked there and were exhausted by the time they got there, it's over a mile away! Mrs. Renteria was Cohen's kindergarten teacher. He really grew to like her and his classmates, especially Angelo.

Ethan got to drive to his party at Newton Park.  His buddies; Elian, Gavin and Adam played for hours! I think Ethan ate at least seven snow cones.  Mr. Jones was Ethan's 3rd grade teacher this year.  He was  great teacher - really cared about Ethan and getting to know his personality.  He was always very concerned about what Ethan needed in regards to his diabetes as well.  

End of School Program

The boys each had an end of the year program that they had been preparing for. Apparently this program/dance is a long tradition at Robert Down. Apparently everything Robert Down does has a long storied tradition!! Cohen had an Egyptian themed song and Ethan was a 50's dance. This was their last event of the year. It was a great school year. They really love their new school. Until next year!