Native American Celebration

Today was yet another "party day" in Max's kindergarten class. They performed a number of adorable songs as the culmination of their social studies unit on Native-American people. Max was very proud of the headdress and "tunic" he created. He wasn't the biggest showman in the group, but he's certainly come a long way from the preschooler who refused to sing at all during class performances!

Enjoying pizza after the performance

Max with his buddies Mick and Jacob

The whole class

Max doing sign language

Thanksgiving 2011

50th Day of School

In honor of the 50th day of school, Ms. Corpuz's kindergarten class had a 1950s party. The kids looked adorable in their poodle skirts and rolled up jeans and muscle shirts. They danced the twist and the bunny hop and enjoyed hot dogs and milkshakes. Max is loving kindergarten this year. Is it any wonder?

Halloween 2011

Halloween is a HUGE deal in Alameda, and once again, we pulled out all the stops! Scott and I attended an Edison PTA fundraiser party and had a great time getting dressed up for the occasion. I was able to wear my mom's dress from the late 60s and she was on hand to "rat" my hair and give me makeup advice (liquid eyeliner is b*&%tch). The boys attended one celebration after another -- school carnival, preschool parade, party at the Goddard's house and trick-or-treating with the neighbors and grandparents. Whew! We had a lot of fun, but I'm kind of glad it is over. This tired mama needs a break...

"Giddy-up and Go-Go"

The Dynamic Duo!

Max's Class

Max and Mick

Henry launching the water balloon canon

Preparing the pumpkins

Vampire Skeletons

Preschool Parade

Trick-or-treating with the Neighbors

The boys and their grandparents

Soccer Team 2011

Go Netherlands!

A Visit From the Evans Family

Last week we had a wonderful visit with our good buddies from Virginia. Bridget, Johnny, JJ, Keegan and Annabel were out in the Bay Area for a wedding, and they were able to spend a couple days at our house. In addition, Henry and I tagged along for a day on their trip to Wine Country. I can't believe that I've never been to the Napa area before! We had a blast touring a couple different wineries. I sampled some wine and Henry sampled some grape juice, and we both enjoyed the beautiful scenery and spending time with friends. Let's hope it won't be another three years before we see the Evans family again.

Henry and Keegan

Henry and JJ riding the gondola at Sterling Vineyards

Workers dumping freshly harvested grapes into "Crush Zone One"

Our crew of crazy boys

JJ and Annabel

Bridget enjoying a tasting

On the tour

What a backdrop!

The Evans Family

Good buddies having fun

A little local tourism -- checking out the Golden Gate Bridge

Kindergarten Apple Party

Ms. Corpuz loves to party and she has the patience of a saint! First up this year was a party in honor of apples. The kids sang some songs, read some poems, and ate a lot of apple-themed treats. Yum!