Cousin Time!

Valerie and Jack came down to visit for the last time before she has the baby. As usual, the cousins had a great time playing together.

Safety Town

Daniel attended a week long camp for incoming kindergarteners at "Safety Town" where he learned about safety in the community. His favorite part was driving the bikes around the mini-town. He had a great time and at the end of the week wanted to know why camp wasn't longer.

Daniel with Brooklyn.

Safety Town graduation.

Receiving the "Amazing Driver" award.

Will and Daniel.

 

 

 

Photo dump!

Kendall chose her outfit, head wear, and purse.

Watching Charley eat breakfast.

Practicing using chopsticks.

I see you!

Monster bite!

Souvenirs from Grandma's trip to Hawaii.

BEEP! BEEP!

Anna's Bakery goodies.

Worn out from a weekend with Grandma and Grandpa in Summerland.

Watering the garden in pirate undies.

A guest at school

On the last day of preschool, Kendall was able to spend the day as a special guest student. She was so excited to go to school with her big brother. Daniel was great with Kendall the whole time, showing her where to sit and what to do.

Eagerly waiting for the group snack.

Delicious!

Storytime on the rug.

Goodbye Preschool!

I can't believe my little guy is finished with preschool. The school celebrated the end of the school year and the kids moving on to kindergarten with a carnival potluck picnic in the park. Daniel had been diligently practicing his graduation song, "Mahalo" by singing it constantly. He had an amazing time at Goleta Valley Nursery School. He is sad to leave his school and teachers and I only hope he loves kindergarten as much as GVNS. We are sad to be leaving all the wonderful teachers too, but excited that Kendall will be able to attend soon.

Daniel and his grandpas.

Uncle B-Dub and Daniel.

Daniel with his teachers, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Koke, Mrs. Raman, Ms. Pet, and Ms. Tajima.

Daniel with co-directors Mrs. Lenaburg and Mrs. Tappeiner. Mrs. Lenaburg is "graduating" too as she retires this year.

Beach dinner

It has been H-O-T the past few days. When I got home from work earlier this week, Brian had the van packed up and ready to head to Haskell's to cool off. We ran into the Muhr family and Brian surfed while the kids played. Then we enjoyed a burrito dinner. It's beginning to feel a lot like summer!

Five years old

Last year I asked Daniel a set of questions when he turned four. This year I decided to ask him the same set of questions:

What is your favorite color?

Rainbow.

What is your favorite toy?

My yo-yo and my LEGO miner trucks and LEGO police van.

What is your favorite fruit?

Strawberries.

What is your favorite tv show?

Monster trucks.

What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?

Ham.

What is your favorite outfit?

My surf shirts.
What is your favorite game?

T-ball.
What is your favorite snack?

Pirate’s Booty.
What is your favorite animal?

A dog.
What is your favorite song?

Mahalo.
What is your favorite book?

S Went Surfing, Rincon Surfing
Who is your best friend?

Duncan, Jarrett, Caleb, Abigail, Darby, Rumi
What is your favorite cereal?

Cheerios.
What is your favorite thing to do outside?

Play soccer, make construction sites, ride bikes, play with mommy or daddy or Kendall.
What is your favorite drink?

Special drinks (Gatorade)
What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas and Halloween.
What do you like to take to bed with you at night?

Nothing.
What do you want to be when you grow up?

A ranger just like my daddy.

What is your favorite restaurant?

In-n-out and Hollister Brewing Company.

What is your  favorite vacation?

Hawaii

Daniel's 5th Birthday

Daniel's birthday fell on Mother's Day this year. He requested to have dinner at his favorite restaurant, Hollister Brewing Company. We were happy to oblige, especially since we love dining there too. Daniel was so excited to get an extra special birthday brownie topped with ice cream for dessert!

Daniel has a thirst for learning and he loves making projects and creating things. He loves his school, LEGOS, paper airplanes, digging huge holes at the beach, drawing and building. He still loves to snuggle us just like when he was a baby. Brian has been taking him to the pool a lot the last couple months and Daniel really enjoys swimming. Daniel and Brian have started reading the Chronicles of Narnia at bedtime and I've noticed a big increase in his vocabulary...it's so funny to hear some of the big words come out of his mouth.

We love you, Daniel! Happy 5th Birthday!

Double Birthday Party

We threw the kids a small joint birthday party. We got pizza, watermelon, and birthday muffins/brownies and headed to Stow Park. It was a small party with four other families but super stress-free and fun.

Owen and Caleb hiding in the trees.

Seven candles! Two for Kendall and five for Daniel.

Checking out the birthday loot.

Rocket launching.

Daniel Camping

Before we had kids, Brian and I loved to go camping. We've been talking about taking the family camping for awhile now and finally have a date set to go this summer. Brian decided it would be a good idea to take Daniel on a quick overnight camping trip to Refugio Beach. The boys got our gear together and set out for a boys-only camping trip complete with hot dogs, s'mores, and instant oatmeal. Daniel loved camping and is looking forward to going again soon!

Kendall's 2nd Birthday

Our little Kendall brings us so much joy. She is equal parts sweet and spicy. She still adores big brother Daniel and loves to be included in his activities. On Daniel's school days, Kendall and I stick around for awhile so she can play outside with the other kids. Her favorite thing to do at Daniel's preschool is to swing and she is always requesting to be pushed higher. On sharing days Kendall likes to pick out a toy or book to bring with us so she can "share" too. After leaving Daniel at school, she enjoys to go on "dates with August." Val and I take the two kids to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and have coffee while the kids share a treat.

She loves eating blueberry yogurt for breakfast and watching "Go Diego!" Kendall is such a messy eater and her food ends up on her face, in her hair, and on her clothes. She likes to sing and dance and is full of energy. She loves playing with her kitchen and playhouse at home.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Kendall! We love you munchkin!

Daniel's preschool teachers made a birthday crown for Kendall.

Daniel helped Kendall open her birthday presents and picked out a special gift for her- a mermaid doll.