Max's First Day of Kindergarten

I've been dreading this day for weeks, not because I thought Max couldn't handle it (he may be the most even-tempered and matter-of-fact child in the world), but because I wasn't sure how I would feel. Max is my baby, after all, my first born. I've spent more time with him over the past five years than anyone else, that's for sure! Kindergarten seems like such a big milestone, the "first day of the rest of his life". Would I cry? Would it be hard to let him go? I was not looking forward to it

As it turns out, however, it was a very pleasant morning. I walked over to Edison School with a huge neighborhood contingent. Max and his buddies were excited to be together and even Henry got in on the excitement by filling a backpack full of maracas and wearing it to school and back (believe me -- everyone heard us coming!). Once we arrived at school, things were crazy and chaotic, and before I knew it, Max was whisked away by the competent and extremely friendly Ms. Corpuz. After that, with Henry whining about needing a snack and a bathroom, I didn't have time to get sentimental.

Henry and I picked Max up a few hours later and he was calm and cheerful. I didn't get too many details about the day (he ate his snack in the shade, didn't get to play very long, colored something, wrote his name and received doughnut from his teacher).

And so it goes. My little guy is a not-so-little elementary school student and I'm still standing, at least until Henry starts preschool in a couple weeks.

Ready for School

Lookin' Cool

Henry had to get in on the "backpack action" as well

The neighborhood crew

Mick had a hard time this morning, but rallied once class started

Lining up for class

In the classroom Max is front and center!

Dinnertime Entertainment

Sometimes it takes a village to get dinner down the gullet of a cranky baby...

What a Difference a Year Makes

I have always loved my annual trip up to June Lake in the Eastern Sierra. My family has been going there for decades, and I have so many fond memories of fishing with my dad, climbing up rocks with my cousins and singing with the whole family around the campfire. It has been a real joy introducing my boys to this special place over the past five years, but as anyone with children can tell you, vacation isn't the same once kids are in the picture. Yes, I still loved June Lake as much as ever, but instead of sitting peacefully by the lake, I found myself running after toddlers and making pot after pot of "stone soup" to keep them entertained (Dodie's great idea, of course!). Instead of enjoying a few late night cocktails at the Tiger Bar, I found myself home putting sleepy babies to bed while everyone else stayed out for hours.

This year, however, something was different. Apparently 5 years old and 3 1/2 is some sort of magic threshold. Max and Henry were actually engaged in the fishing (and caught nine and five fish respectively!). They were able to skip naps, go with the flow, and stay up late hanging out. Scott and I were in absolute heaven, and as much as I sometimes miss the snuggly little babies I used to cart around, I have to admit that there's something to be said for the "big-kid crowd"!

Two cuties ready for fun

Hanging out with sister and niece at Ellery Lake

Dodie and Olivia

BBQ at the Landberg/Gruber residence

Up at the Virginias

A truly "epic" day of fishing!

Posing in front of Mono Lake

Mother and Daughter with tufas

Early morning at Silver Lake

Taking a spin on the pontoon boat on June Lake

All the young cousins at Steve's cabin

Family shot

The whole gang (minus Olivia and Scott) in front of Steve's cabin

Concentrating on reeling in his first fish

Success!!!

Snow in August???!!! (yes, it was that kind of winter)

Nicolle, David, and Olivia

Henry and Dodie with one of his first fish

Holly and Virginia with their "lunker"

Cousin Love

As if our summer weren't wonderful enough, we also had the opportunity to spend a week down in San Diego hanging out with Dodie, Aunt Nicolle, and Cousin Olivia! The boys had never met their baby cousin before and at first they weren't terribly interested in her. By the end of the Brooks family month-long visit, however, they were working hard to make her laugh -- bringing her toys and letting her "pet" their heads. It was sweet to observe the beginning of the relationship between these three. No doubt there are many, many good times ahead.

Max and Henry enjoying the pool at Dodie's house

Olivia meeting Great Grandma Mimi

This girl likes to eat!

Even buckets are tasty

A gorgeous day at Del Mar beach