Ah-foo Ah-foo

Another example of how fast time flies. Our little baby girl turned 3 and had a big party with all her friends. Grandma and Grandpa “D” came up and brought lots of goodies, including a few books that have become fast favorites. The party got started with the same Tigger bouncy we had last year, and boy oh boy, what a difference a year makes. Last year the kids were tame, some even timid. This year, all hell broke loose and kids were literally flying out of the thing. It was rowdy, and especially rowdy for a 3 year old party. Lesson learned, no more bouncies after the 2nd birthday. Kate was really happy to see her new friend from preschool– it was sort of a surprise. Kimberly hung with the best of ‘em. It’s no wonder they get along so well. Ben had fun too, even though both him and Kate were fighting colds. After the party, Katie even got a fever. Next fun, holidays. Maybe even a trip to Southern California.

Click here for a video of Kate’s gang of friends and family singing her a birthday song.

After a long search for the perfect preschool, Katie finally started at Escuela Bilingual Internacional, a Spanish immersion program that offers pre-K through 8th grade. Just after Labor Day, our little girl (almost 3!!) started off to school, with a backpack and lunchbox and great attitude. The first day was bumpy. Lots of kids struggling with the transition and lots of what seemed like chaos, even though it’s a new school. Kate didn’t seem to notice, and started making friends right away. Because of the way birthdays fall, Benjamin will probably start at the same school when he’s three and a half. In the meantime, he’s hanging out at home with Martina and a new friend, Nico.

Mommy and Katie got lucky this month with a visit from Aunt jackie and Uncle Mike who took us on an all expenses paid vacation to Yosemite. It was their first time, and as always, Yosemite delivered. The park is different this time of year, warmer, drier, and less crowded. We stayed in the valley at Yosemite Lodge, which was perfect. Katie really enjoyed the pool there and was a trooper for all the hikes. She even got to hold a bunny! Dad and Ben held down the fort at home.

Summer has come and gone, and the kids just continue to get older. Katie finished up her first preschool, where she hung out with Graham, and is set to start another soon. Ben is getting cuter and cuter – if that’s possible, and is cruising around talking more and more. He’s added “bubbles”, “mine”, “up”, “wow” and “side” for outside.

Now that summer is over, we’re looking forward to birthday parties, preschool, and visits from family.

This is a catch up post, meant to finally put up pictures from weeks ago when Grandma and Grandpa “D” visited, and get pictures up from today. It was really nice to spend time with the grandparents. To cool off from the heat, we went to see the movie Cars, which Katie is still talking about. She makes us call her “Lightening” and constantly tells us she’s “faster than fast”. Ben showed off some of his super duper dance moves, which he continues to modify.

More than anything, it’s been neat to watch the relationship develop between Katie and Ben. It’s clear how much she loves him and they’re playing more and more together. Ben finally got more teeth. He’s up to 12 now, and he got six of them in the last month! His new words are “hi”, “agua” and “outside”.

There are a couple of new videos, so check out the video library link on the right side of the homepage.

It’s that time of year again–time to crash the Bartholomew/Burnis family reunion and catch up with old friends from San Diego. It’s been two years since Kate’s seen the natural wonders of Yosemite, and little Ben had never been, or at least we can’t remember taking him. This year was incredible. The falls were still flowing full, the weather was terrific, and seeing Robyn and her family was extra special. Katie was enchanted by all the big girls and made lots of friends. The kids took turns in the backpack while mom and dad got in a lot of hikes.

Michael is going to Iraq with the Marines later this month. We’ll be thinking about him and his family.

Today has been great for Dad. He enjoyed a “spa day”, after a breakfast at our favorite restaurant Rick and Ann’s. Katie has been saying “Happy Father’s Day” all day, and occasionally throws in an “I love you, daddy”. It’s very cute.

Click here for the video of Katie shouting out to the Grandpa’s (and trying to give Ben medicine). Unfortunately, mom shot the video sideways

This summer we flew the family into Buffalo and spent a week with mom’s family. We stayed with Grandpa Jake and Aunt Jackie and Uncle Mike. Grandma Nellie was there visiting too, so the kids got a big dose of extended family. Kate and Ben spent a lot of time with cousins Lucia and Aidan, and we went to the Butterfly Conservatory and a big zoo in Cananda. Katie walked into a frog pond, scaring the heck out of everyone. I guess she thought the algae would hold her weight. Ben is turning more and more into a big boy and is saying “bye, bye” and “hi”.

We spent Mother’s Day weekend with Dad’s parents in Fullerton, Ca. The kids were so good, especially on the plane. Katie is getting to be such a big girl and sits in the seat with her seatbelt telling all of the other passengers what to expect on the flight. Ben had his carseat, but had to sit on our laps when we came back to Oakland. He was so sweet, making friends with the neighbors. Mother’s Day was really special. We all had breakfast in the park and got to spend time with Uncle Greg and Aunt Debbie and their kids. The weather was warm enough to use the slip and slide too. Thank goodness no one took pictures on Sunday, when mom and dad decided to get wet. Our next trip is back east in June. Buffalo, here we come!!

The sun is finally out in Oakland, and the wildflowers are just coming up. And, well, now that Ben’s a walker, it’s about time he got some miles in. He mostly preferred the backpack and despite Dad’s fever and Kate’s cough, we managed to get outside. The kids loved running around in the tall grass. It was a great day.