Another milestone reached

As Matilda is nearing her 2.5 years old anniversary in few days, she has also reached another milestone. She is fully potty trained and wears her Kai-Lan undies with big pride. Where did the time go? When did she start talking in full sentences? When did she start to bossy her brother around? When did she become this sweet person we can't get enough of?

Partners in crime:

I'm cute like that

She put the whole outfit together by herself.



Hello sunshine!



Flying high!

The rising Kungfu Star

Lukas' new interest is Kungfu. I have found a summer camp with some kungfu teaching, Chinese language and arts/crafts and so this week Lukas is attending that camp. He loved the first day and was excited to go back next day.

New moves.

Our summer so far

As you might have noticed, I haven't posted any photo since Lukas' graduation two weeks ago. Since he is off school, we have been doing lots of fun trips and excursions. We have visited the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum twice, went to the beach and picked strawberries at an organic farm in Watsonville, went to the Oakland Zoo and newly remodeled Happy Hollow Park in San Jose. Of course we have season passes for Great America and have just met Snoopy and his gang yesterday. Time is flying by so quickly and we love the summer.

What are your plans for this summer?

Here are Lukas and Matilda at Auntie Pauline's recent company festival.

Lukas' kindergarten graduation

Last Friday, Lukas' Kindergarten class graduated. After singing many songs to us parents and other guests, each child received their diploma and a special award. Lukas special award was "Most Atlethic" and the teacher highlighted his great spirit and energy. He made his daddy proud with this award, that's for sure.

The children also performed a play and Lukas was farmer #3 with few lines to say. He did very well, spoke loud and clear. What an improvement to his social skills after being shy and softspoken few years back. Maybe there is an acting future in the stars. :)

Overall it was a great evening and it will be sad to not see the other children anymore. Many of them are moving on to 1st grade in different schools.

At the beach

Finally, the sun came back and the summer started. Of course, that made us pack up and go to the beach right away. The kids love to play in the sand, drift through the hours without an agenda, just enjoying themselves.

Here is Patrick showing off his Hulk skills and making the boys scream.

We were even lucky enough to see a bunch of dolphins gliding through the water. Amazing how graceful and wonderful they are.

Matilda and the scooter

Yes, she is fierce. Yes, she is fearless. And she can go on her scooter like big brother can.

Last soccer game for this season

Today was the last game of the spring soccer season. The Golden Dragons didn't win or lose, this league didn't county any goals. Not sure if I like this.



Matilda is of course Lukas' most trusted audience.

Happy Mother's Day!

And off they go!

Lukas and Matilda going for a ride.

Learning math

These days, Lukas is learning how to substract. The additions he mastered well and he is moving now to the more challenging substractions.

Ms. Ilma, his teacher, has all these little methods how to make it easier for them to get the idea and it works very well. Hand on the head, hand behind the back, whatever it takes to make them understand. Thank you Ms. Ilma for being patient and resourceful!

Have a nice weekend!

Trip to Cancun

What a great trip it was! Our one week visit to Cancun last week has given us time to relax and spend time together. The kids mastered all the flights with patience and lots of sleeping.



Here is the view from our balcony that we woke up to every morning. The ocean was warm and pleasant to swim in but with strong current at times.



We took public transportation to get around in Cancun since the taxis are expensive and the bus stop are convieniently located on the main street, just short walking distance from the hotel or in town. This was our biggest adventure on this trip and we loved the open windows, crazy driving style and rap music played by the drivers.



Of course, I found another pair of sunglasses for Matilda at our local Target shortly before the trip so she was covered and ready to pose.



On our daily walks, we have seen many iguanas hanging around the hotel. Very much to Lukas' disliking. He is terrified of them. Matilda not so much, she was waving to all of them.

Family portrait

Another beautiful drawing of our family by Lukas. Notice the exact hair color of each family member. :)

Test test :)

I like Picasa and it looks like you can do lots more with it then just viewing photos. Here is my first test of a collage. Looks good to me.

Happy Easter!

A trail of eggs in the hallway have led to many speculations this morning. Lukas was worried that maybe an Easter basket has exploded. Or the bunny. But arriving at the kitchen table, he quickly noticed that his and Matilda's baskets were OK and no harm was done. Rather Bunny/Mommy was trying to be funny by placing eggs all over the hallway middle of the night. Oh well.

We hope you are having a nice Easter Sunday!

No words needed!

Cool party and the health check up

So last Saturday we celebrated Lukas birthday in style. Lukas friends from kindergarten, family friends and family were invited to Auntie Pauline's poolhouse and even Spongebob showed up for a game or two.




As you can see, the picture perfect smile was guaranteed when we opened all the gifts. Star Wars Lego, Atlantis Lego, Ben10 Lego and the always cool Ironman items, clothing, games and many other gifts are now making our small house even smaller. :)

Today we had the 5-year-old-checkup and boy, was Lukas anxious to get it over with. 4 shots, 1 TB skin test and blood drawing later he proclaimed that he doesn't love me anymore, but I will take that any day knowing that he will stay healthy and happy for the rest of his life.

We love that boy to pieces.

Happy 5th birthday Lukas!

Another year has passed, another birthday for Lukas. Officially, he is due at 7:31 PM but of course, we are celebrating since this morning.

Lukas is patient, thoughtful, smart and a good mensch. He has his moments but those are now more predictable and happen not too often. He loves and fights with Matilda, like they all do. But he cares for her and always makes sure she gets a kiss and a hug, even if she doesn't want it.

We celebrated this afternoon with his kindergarten friends and tomorrow we have a big party with friends and family. Can't wait to see his face when he enters the poolhouse decorated with Spongebob stuff. I hope he will have lots of fun. Photos will follow next week.

Happy birthday my dearest Lukas. I love you very much.

First field trip

Today Lukas and his kindergarten friends went on their first field trip. To a Mexican restaurant. :) Even though the restaurant is right around the corner from school, the trip involved taking a van which was very exciting.

All kids behaved beautifully and they were rewarded with a stamp in their "passports" and crayons and a booklet to draw in.

This was a great first field trip! Thank you Ms. Ilma. :)

Another soccer season started

Last week Lukas soccer practice started again. Unfortunately this league is not as competitive as the last one we were with, so at the Saturday game there was no goalie and no counting of points. Weird because how do we know who will win the trophy but let's see where this leads us.

The kids had fun, and that is what matters (I guess). Go Golden Dragons!

Signed by a competitive mom. ;)



Matilda is the best audience ever!



Lukas in his new uniform.

First days of sun!

Finally, last week the sun came back and we all needed to get out and move and breath the fresh and warm air. Where else to go then to Lake Elizabeth in Fremont where a big playground was awaiting us and hours of play were guaranteed. Did we have lots of fun!

Spring, make sure you stay with us now.

yes?

First art class

Since Matilda doesn't attend any school yet, I signed her up for singing and art class. So on two mornings, she is letting her free spirit dance and on another morning she can get messy as much as she wants. Here is her very first painting, hanging now on our fridge.