Family Date Night

We've all been a little stressed lately.  This past week has been particularly trying.  With things on the upside we decided to go to the symphony as a family.  The kids were more than thrilled to be included in the outing this time around.

The theme of the symphony was "Star-Spangled Spectacular".  The kids new most of the music and I heard them on more than one occasion singing along.  This wasn't the traditional symphony.  It was the summer pops so it's a lot more laid back and outdoors.  The kids found tree to climb in before we got through the gates

It was a great evening.  We had a picnic dinner by the water at the Embarcadero and enjoyed each others company in a relaxed setting.

The fireworks at the end were spectacular as always.  Everyone loved them.  I think we just might make this a family tradition.

Piano Recital and more

 I finished up my 6th piano recital here in Scripps Ranch.  I still stress over them like it is the first one although I know it is getting easier.  This year's theme was "Movies".  All the kids played music from the recital.  Sadly I didn't tell Damon to take any pictures so this is the only one I have from the night.  The boys did a great job.  We were so proud of them.  I'm relieved to be done.

We had the Jog-a-thon at school on Friday the 15th.  The kids had a blast.  They did a great job running.  I got to run with them some of the time and Nana got to play nurse to several scrapped knees.

On the 18th we went to see Madagascar 3 with Nana.  Adam and Lily didn't have school and we felt like it was the best thing to do with some time off.  We enjoyed the film and the laughs.

Nana left on Tuesday and the kids still had the day off.  I taught a cooking class.  The kids learned how to make pizza and pancakes.  That was fun.

Noah and I have been by ourselves the rest of the week and we have gone to the beach twice.  I have decided that going to the beach is much better than dealing with the reality of life and all its complexities.  We grabbed our next door neighbor so Noah had someone to play with and I grabbed a book (well, my kindle).

 The kids had their art show/open house at school on Thursday.  They did a great job on their work this year.  It's always fun to see them progress.

 Friday after we got back from the beach we picked up the other two from school and headed back out to the beach for some late afternoon sun, waves and dinner.  Damon ended up joining us for the last hour.  It was a nice evening out.

A Little Behind

We haven't had the time or the brain power to blog lately.  I'm a little behind in posts now so this will be a catch-up post.

For Mother's Day the kids got me an ice cream maker.  We finally got around to using it over Memorial Day weekend.  It's been wonderful.  We've had so much fun making all sorts of different flavors. It's the gift that's going to make me gain weight.

 Adam had Pinewood Derby on the 6th of June.  He and Damon worked really hard on his car and on the Saturday before the race Damon accidentally cut the car in half.  So by Monday they were frantically making another one.  They did something right though because Adam got first place.  He was so happy.

 On the 8th of June I drove on a field trip to the zoo with Lily's class.  We had loads of fun.  We love the zoo and are so glad that we have passes there.   We saw the new baby giraffe that was only 2 days old.  The girls loved seeing that.

 Noah finished school today.  Yea.  We are all happy to be done with 6th grade.  It was an exhausting uphill climb the whole way.  Happy to report we all survived.  Very glad it is summer for him.

Nana is here to help celebrate the end of the school year and to have fun with the kids.  We love when Nana is here.