Summer School!

Evan and Ellena started summer school on July 19. It was a very exciting time for all of us, well, maybe not Evan - more on that later. This is the first school experience for Ellena where I drop her off and pick her up - previously, we would attend together. It really helped to have big brother in the same class - at drop off and pick up, they walk together and she does not have any abandonment/separation issues. We shall see how this changes in the fall when she attends alone while Evan starts Kindergarten! I am excited because it's been a long time since I've had alone time! I usually get to a gym class, but the last few weeks I've had neck pain and am taking it easy instead. Still nice to have some me-time!

Evan is the least excited about summer school. I think he's of the mindset where he's already finished Montessori school and is practically a Kindergartner, so why does he have to go to his old school again? When I tell him it's a school day (they only attend 2 times a week), he groans and gets huffy. This will rub off on Ellena because she does everything that Evan does. We've had talks about his negativity and it has improved a little in the last week.

Here are the kids at pick-up with their teacher, Mrs. Hoffman. Afterwards, I asked Ellena what her favorite part of school was. I could see the wheels turning in her head as she thought about it and she replied very seriously, "When you came to pick me up." Aww!

Karate Kids

The kids started karate classes and it has been an experience. Evan is really into it and practices on his own at home. Ellena was a bit overwhelmed during the first class and ended up having a HUGE meltdown. The next class I went in with her and helped her and she did a million times better. Phew!

Swim Update

The update on the kids' swim classes. After rocking out the first 3 classes, Ellena decided she no longer wanted to do them. Nice. So she sat out some of the classes and I asked her to just sit on the stairs with her class for the last 2 - at least she was in the water again. Evan is currently registered for another session and is doing great! He's really getting the coordination of his arm stroke and will now have to work on the side breathing. While Evan is in class, Ellena goes in the little pool on her own and has progressed to walking on her hands so that most of her body is in the water and is blowing bubbles the whole time. We told her we'll try classes again next summer.

4th of July

Another great barbeque and fireworks show at the Nishioka farm for the 4th!

While waiting for the fireworks show to start, the kids got into a tickle fest!

Ellena got to meet one of the chickens up close and personal. She also got to feed them strawberry tops.

Visit with Aunty Sandy

Uncle Alex's mom, Aunty Sandy, was in town for a visit and we got to spend the evening with her - the kids LOVED her! They enjoyed showing her how they weed the backyard and swing, and together, they made up fantastical stories together. They didn't want to let her go when it was time to say good-bye. We look forward to her next visit!