First day of Élan!

Lilia was a bit apprehensive about her first day of Elan today despite the fact that she spent the entire summer in that classroom with the same teachers and most of the same kids.  The only difference is that it was called "camp" not "school" and the group was called "California Surfers" not "Elan."  She seems to have warmed up to the idea of being in Elan over the course of the day.  She got to share donut holes with her class for her birthday.

Zoe

Fabulous FOUR

Lilia is still quite a comedian.  Other interests aside from telling jokes include soccer (she can't wait for it to start up again!), gymnastics, hula hooping (she's really good!), reading Pinkalicious books (still her favorites), playing with her little figures (Sophia, Calico Critters) and watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates and Doc McStuffins.  As I mentioned earlier she mastered bike riding without training wheels at just 3.5 years old on her very first try!  The friend that she mentions the most is Izzy.

Water baby

We had a fun morning at our favorite Mission playground with one of Lilia's oldest friends (from her baby playgroup).  Of course Lev insisted on going in the water when we weren't quite prepared (it wasn't a particularly warm day).  When Lev finally had had enough of running through the water and squealing with delight he came over to me and said "I'm too hot."  Of course he meant he was cold but this was still impressive for a 19-month-old!

Zoo kids

We had a fabulous day at the Oakland Zoo with Nanky.  Lilia got to pose with a real "gir gir."

Two sweet skunks

While Zoe was at gymnastics camp Lev, Lil and I had a great day at the Bay Area Discovery Museum -one of our favorite places.

Pierced ears

Zoe has been begging to get her ears pierced for over a year.  We finally did it!  She was very brave and is loves having her ears pierced.

Saturday morning

We love walking around the neighborhood and visiting the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings.

Hanging with an old friend

Zoe had a lot of fun at the birthday party/housewarming party of one of her preschool friends who recently moved out of the city.  The friend had apparently said to his mom that he was happy to see a lot of his old friends at the party and especially happy to see "Zoe B."

The Real Story of the 3 Little Pigs

We saw an outdoor production of the 3 Little Pigs.  Lev really enjoyed the show and the hotdogs.

Last day of camp

At Zoe's science camp one of the councilors debuted a robot he had made and the kids got to chase it.  The top picture is of Zoe and Lilia and their carpool friends.  Lilia and her friend carpool during the school year and in the summer for a couple of weeks the big sisters were able to join in the carpool fun too!

2 wheeled success!

This picture was taken in February.  Lilia is looking very proud because she mastered 2 wheeled bike riding on her very first try!  Her steering still needs a lot of work.

Scootering

Sliding chair

When we were furniture shopping recently I saw this chair that was just like the chairs I had in my livingroom as a kid.  I told Zoe that I used to slide down the slanted seat of the chairs and she was anxious to try it out for herself.

One of the gang

Lev was squealing with joy while swinging with his sisters.  He loves being one of the gang.

Gumballs

The girls like to tell the gumball machine what color they would like.  Zoe wanted blue and Lilia pink.  Somehow they each got their wish!

Circus Bella

We saw a fabulous circus in the Bayview.  The kids loved it, particularly Zoe who is now interested in a career as a circus performer.  After the show she was able to ask one of the performers how one gets started in the circus.  The performer told Zoe that dance and gymnastics classes are a good way to start.

A princess show!

Lilia recently went to a playdate at a friend's house.  All four of the girls there ended up putting on a princess play.  Lilia was definitely the one who did the most singing and did not seem at all shy in front of the audience of four moms.

First glimpse at Elmo -instant love!

Fun with trains at the Randall Museum

Lev was very happy to finally have some trains to bring to the tracks at the Randall Museum.

Fun at school

Tricks in Dolores Park

Notice the performers in the background.  Zoe was happy to be part of the crazy scene on a Sunday at Dolores park.

Exploratorium with some friends

We had some friends in town from Los Angeles and had fun watching this steam attraction at the Exploratorium.

Handsome Lev

2 girls in a tree

Amanda

Zoe was very happy to see Amanda when she came through town.  We all were!

Visitors!

Good friends that we know from Zoe's baby playgroup in NYC came to stay with us!  We had a great time showing them around.

Jackson Hole summer 2013

Lilia jumping in

fun with Imogen

dinner at Q

boat to Jenny Lake

hiking

dinner out

town square

on the tram

2nd lost tooth!

alpine slide at Snow King

at the top of the Tram

4th of July parade in town

Fun with Alma

Swinging at Snow King Mountain

Lev on a date

even cowgirls get the blues

a little rain can't spoil our fun

We had a great time in Jackson Hole this summer.  We spent a few days there just the five of us and then some time with two other families.