Second stripe! Mother's Day!

This week was unexpectedly busy but also very productive.  We got a really big project done and now we get to enjoy!  The weather was rather warm but we continue to enjoy the cool nights which we are thankful for, it helps us all sleep better!  School went well and the kids are dreading next week and we can't blame them.  They will have standardized testing starting on Monday.  It is hard to justify taking away the little time they have instruction to complete standardized testing, and haven't they had enough stress in the last fourteen months.  It is a bummer but there is nothing we can do about it.

On Saturday Olivier got a second stripe on his grey belt!  His hard work is showing and we are extremely proud of him!  

And today we celebrate Mother's Day!  We are very thankful for our mothers who made us who we are today, and the role they have taken on as grandma to our kids.  It is hard to believe over nineteen years ago we were lucky enough to have all of our grandmas and moms with us when we got married.  For that we will always be thankful!

Another quiet week...

It has been nice, we are keeping busy but the weeks have been fairly quiet and predictable.  We had a couple hot days and then it cooled off again which was nice.  A sign that summer is coming but we will enjoy the cool days in the mean time.  

Only four full weeks of school this year left and two partial weeks, we will enjoy the routine while we can!

Nice simple week

This week has been nice and simple.  Not a lot of weird curve balls with schedules or temperatures or activities.  When they happen it feels weird now, but at the same time they are welcome reliefs from all the juggling that we have been doing.  

On Saturday we saw the ponies hanging out in the pasture with their mamas.  Getting bigger quick!  

Matt took Taz to a dog run area in our neighborhood and let him explore with a long leash and when they returned, Taz was very ready for a nap!  

Getting ready for another week!  We shall what adventures we face in this one!  
 

Fire, construction, and finally made it to the beach for Olivier!

Last Sunday, late in the afternoon we heard a lot of sirens.  It got to the point where I was too curious and went to see if I could see anything.  Unfortunately at the top of our street, this is what I saw.  

I could smell smoke and there was a helicopter that came over and circled to evaluate the fire.  It wasn't a water dropping helicopter but clearly checking out the site.  It was a mulch site that had a fire and it was contained to the site but seeing the many fire truck and tractors the fire department took to the site, it was alarming.  Makes me nervous about the fire season to come since we have had a dry winter.  

On Monday I went to see the construction progress for my new work facility and someone took this photo of me standing in what will some day be my office.  Amazing to see the progress! 

On Tuesday we were so thankful to hear they have arrested two individuals related to the disappearance of Kristin Smart who disappeared in 1996 from the Cal Poly campus.  We are praying for her family and with so many connections to the case we are hopeful they are able to find her body and bring some peace to her family after all these year.  And bring justice for the horrible pain inflicted on them not having her here with them all these years.  

On Wednesday I caught our cat Star hanging out in the laundry basket before I brought it back down to the laundry room.  Kitty jail but she was super happy to be in!

And since the kids got their gifts from the Easter bunny Olivier has been asking to go to the beach.  Today was the first day that worked with the temperature being warm enough...barely.  After they got out of the water the were shivering and basically found it impossible to warm up so it was a shorter beach day but maybe Olivier will think twice about begging to go to the beach when we say it is too cold.  Olivier was quick to head out to the water.  

And then Anna and Mason joined him.  Not sure what Anna is doing with her board here...

And a couple times they all three rode a wave in!

One benefit of the cool wind, some kite flying was happening!  

Feels like summer is getting closer!
 

End of Spring Break

This week was cool but sunny.  Olivier wants to go to the beach but the weather all week was not warm enough for the beach, especially with the wind.  On Wednesday and Thursday I took the days off work and enjoyed extra time with the kids.  On Wednesday we went on a hike that ended up being more of an adventure but we made it and enjoyed a frosty as a treat after!  On Thursday we went downtown to see an art exhibition, it was beautiful and colorful!  

After we went to a local park to enjoy a story the parks and rec department put around the path in the park.  And along the path they had exercise equipment which the kids enjoyed.  And I loved getting this photo of them playing on the parallel bars.  

On Friday I got my second COVID vaccine.  I went with someone from work since we had the same appointment time and we have been working together through this pandemic.  We were both very excited and were happy to share the moment - COVID exit buddies!  

Thankfully we have had no reactions!  Matt is getting his second shot next week!  Exciting times!

Happy Easter!

The Easter bunny spoiled the kids this year!  They each got a bodyboard!

And tons of goodies!  They got Tootie Fruities (aka Fruit Loops), Pringles, Chex Muddy Buddies, chocolate bunnies, PJs and 100 eggs hidden around the house.  And there are three baskets with more treats!  Who knew they make marshmallow Reese's!  

We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!  
 

Feeling more like spring...or maybe summer!

This week has been warm!  We have still be cooling off in the evening but one day we hit 95, yikes!  Matt took the kids to the beach Wednesday afternoon to spend some time in the sand and get out of the house.  As Matt captioned this photo "at least he is taking a shower tonight".  

Thankfully it was rather uneventful!  On Friday afternoon the kids colored eggs.  We didn't really have any blue and very little red so they made a lot of version of green.  

They turned out amazing!  

Today during Anna's lesson I kept checking on the ponies who were in the pasture area.  They were enjoying the space and sun.  At one point both ponies were napping and their mama's were standing over them watching carefully.  

The coming week is supposed to be much cooler which is a bummer since the kids will be on spring break but maybe that means great hiking weather!  We shall see!