1st week of August

Two more weeks of August until school starts.  We are winding down the summer with more swimming days, gathering with friends and ice cream. 

Last week we invited Toby and Charise over and they came again two days after.  We rode our bikes back to the house and it was a nice bike ride back home with Adam.  One of the things we need to remind Adam is that when he plays, he forgets all responsibilities - which is very normal.  But I feel like he needs to be reminded to not be destructive and mean when he is having fun. 

Mrs.  Ho made Chap Chae and we ate it all that week.  

Last week was also Avery's first week of school.  The kids were all so excited for her and I love this photo of them.  They have all been in this classroom and this school just gave us so many fond memories of their childhood. 

Today Alice was whining about how I dont spend enough time with her while I spent the whole day with her.  She then all of a sudden told me the reason why she talks differently is because she likes her daddy squeeze her very hard in the morning.  

San Diego - Weekend at Little Elephant - Wizard of Oz

Well, let's see.  Two more weeks until they go back to school.  Last week was the last week of their musical camp and this summer they did the Wizard of Oz.  The soundtrack is great and it's just nice to see them having fun at the camp with the people there.  Alice did not have her meltdowns after starting at this camp and had so many with the art camp.  Adam has fun playing games with Gautum at this camp. Due to the covid surge, their time at the camp was cut short and became half day instead of full day.

We watched the show last Friday and as always, Amber had the best time watching the play.  She truly enjoys these performances and I hope to take her more this coming year.  Ashley watched her first play and she did pretty good!  She did make a few noises ...eek. 

We are putting Amber at Tzu Chi for another 2 weeks before school starts.  It is going to be a 2 year break from Tzu Chi before Ashley starts.  Ms. Rachel is also leaving and it will be interesting to see who will be there when Ashley starts. Avery is also starting now so it will be nice to still be able to visit the campus from time to time.  

Last party of her class will be for Alysha.  They had so much fun at this indoor playground.  It was nice.  So many things for Ashley to do!  She even took a nice nap in the baby carrier. 

On Sunday, Adam went to SD with Bryan and he was so happy.  He had the best timing bonding with his uncle and he was so disappointed to come back.  Watching him having these feelings and seeing how he handles them is very challenging.  The disappointment and the sadness - things we all have to go through.  He was ok shortly after but before he went to bed, he told me he wants to go back to SD tomorrow. It's so nice to see that he enjoyed his time with the uncle I know he will be ready to move away from home when it's his time.  

Santa Barbara Natural Museum Day Trip

This weekend is a busy one.  We invited some of Amber's friends (Jackson, Camilla, Dora) over to swim and for bbq.  Jackson's Dad bought over Panda Express enough for everyone and maybe more.  We played freeze dance, Alice had her girl time with Kylie and Caitlin and Ashley was a good sport keeping up with the later hours.  Amber is so happy spending time with her friends.  At the end of the night, she told her dad and me separately that she had fun. 

The next morning, we took the kids to the Santa Barbara museum to see the butterfly exhibit. There was traffic going there and we didnt arrive until noon and we left a little after 9.  We went straight to the butterfly museum and met with our friends there.  All the kids enjoyed meeting the butterflies.  We went to eat a late lunch at On the Alley and the fish and chip was very good.  Amber was so tired that she couldnt continue to walk.  It was a very beautiful day and the breeze was so cold. 

The kids are on a point system with Scott and they are accumulating points by doing laundry, cleaning  the play room and removing Scott's white hair.  Adam is very motivated and uses his points for picking what and where to eat for dinner.  Adam saves but Alice is very short sighted.  She simply says she doesnt care and gets what ever she likes because she wants it.  

Going to Santa Barbara was fun and I am enjoying these day trips with them.  Its always nice to be able to travel for the day and sleep in your own bed. Ashley did phenomenal on this car ride!