Summer 2014 Week 8

Monday

We had a day of random errands. The boys got haircuts for back to school. Two haircuts in one summer! Their hair is growing so fast right now. Afterward we dropped off the library books for the last time and then headed to the comic book store. My friend Pam had gotten them gift certificates to a store in Campbell (a friend of hers works there). We traveled over and perused the selection. The boys settled on some Sonic comics and some Yu Gi Oh card packs. They definitely loved looking at everything. In the afternoon, Arthur and I headed to baby playdate at Mariposa Park. The boys got to stay home with J. After dinner, I headed over to Panera for book club while the boys hung out at home.

Tuesday

Tuesday we didn't have the car, but that didn't stop us from exploring. We lunched at Gumba's on Murphy (yum pizza!) and then walked over to the doctor's office for Arthur's 9 month appointment. He had to get a blood draw (anemia check) and didn't even cry. Such a big boy! The afternoon was spent back at home enjoying the pool and lounging. After dinner we all walked over to Tutti Frutti for our last visit. The twins got chocolate with chocolate and more chocolate. Big surprise!

Wednesday

Last full day in California. The boys opted to visit the Golfland arcade one last time. Of course they took advantage of the unlimited arcade pass and used the rest of their tickets on some candy and mohawked duck. While they played, Arthur and I popped over to Target for the usual and then grabbed Wendy's for lunch (boys' choice). After an afternoon of packing, we headed to Panera for dinner (boys' choice). We made sure to have everything ready and prepped before heading to bed.

Thursday

The twins' plane didn't leave until 12:45pm, so we had a bit of time in the morning. We double checked the bags and made a big brunch of eggs and cinnamon rolls. The boys said their goodbyes to Arthur and J and we headed to the airport. After the usual airport nonsense (really hate the airlines!), we made it to the gate right before boarding started. Perfect timing! I got hugs and the boys were off!

Another summer come to a close. This one was cut short due the twin's school's schedule change. We only had 8 weeks, but we made sure to hit all our favorite spots and still have time to relax by the pool.

Summer 2014 Week 7

Music Monday will be going on hiatus for the summer so I can bring you our weekly recaps. I will be highlighting all the fun pictures and activities we have planned for this summer. Eight weeks of fun! Overall this week was pretty quiet in terms of big excursions. This was a lull before the rush to get ready to go back to school and return in Indiana. My photo uploader is being very wonky today, so no photos...

Monday

Today was all about catching up on house chores and resting. The twins played a fair amount of video games.

Tuesday

We finally made it to the Mountain View library's summer song series. Arthur loved every minute of it. The twins chose not to sit on the grass and listen to the music. Instead, they ventured into the library, found some books and a nice quiet spot, and read for awhile. We got a MV library card to check out some of their selections. Arthur and I will definitely have to go back. From there we spent part of the afternoon Back-to-School shopping. The boys grabbed almost all of their school supplies including new backpacks (a must!). That night we had dinner at Panera as I had my card swap. The twins were excited to get their mac and cheese. I was excited to get my swap cards back.

Wednesday

We finished our school shopping by getting some new shoes at Kohl's. Without prompting, the twins each picked a pair of classic Vans slip-on skater shoes. I couldn't be more prouder! I even found a pair of amazingly comfortable black wedges. These are definitely going to be the wedding shoes. Now I just need to find a dress to wear to both of them.

Thursday

J stayed home to work, so the twins got the morning in at home. Arthur and I ventured out to Shoreline for our usual ~4 mile walk with the mom's group. It felt nice to get out and exercise. A very enjoyable morning. In the afternoon, the boys hit the pool and generally chilled out.

Friday

This was our last Great America day of the season. We finally made it to the waterpark section. The twins splashed in the wave pool and the giant play structure filled with cascading water. Arthur even sat and splashed at the edge of the wading pool. He wasn't too sure about the waterfall... After the waterpark, the twins hit their favorite rides for one last time. Good day!

Saturday

J and I split duties today. Arthur and I went to another little baby's first birthday party while J and the twins went go-karting. Yep, they finally made it out to one. Nick had a blast. Alex was not as excited, but I figured that would happen. They had an enjoyable time while I hung out with some other mom's and babies. J and the twins arrived to pick us up just in time to partake in cupcakes and candy. Perfect timing!

Sunday

Sunday was another home day: video games and pool time. We ended the day with our last pizza night.

Summer 2014 Week 6

Monday

We stayed at home for the morning because we I had a co-op board meeting in the afternoon. I took Arthur while the twins spent the afternoon playing video games at home with J.

Tuesday

Great America day! We spent 5 hours riding rides and hanging out at the park. Nick and I rode The Goldstriker, their big newish wooden roller coaster. Crazy fun! The park was pretty dead so the boys rode their rides 5-6 times in a row. Overall, a good day.

Wednesday

The twins spent the morning at the Golfland arcade while Arthur and I visited Target and the grocery store. In the afternoon, we went to Rengstorff Park for blanket babies. Always a fun treat for Arthur. After dinner we all settled in for movie night: Dune. Surprisingly, the twins really liked it.

Thursday

The morning was spent at Deer Hollow Farm. We got to see the cow being milked. After hitting Chick-fil-a for lunch, we spent the afternoon lounging and at the pool.

Friday

A home day filled with lots of cooking and pool time.

Saturday

Arthur, the twins, and I went to the Co-op's Summer Social at Rengstorff Park. We tie dyed tshirts, made discovery bottles, ate lots of good food, and played. A good, but tiring day.

Sunday

A nice day at home playing video games, watching some tv, reading.

Summer 2014 Week 5

Monday

We road-tripped to the beach for the day. We usually go to Half Moon Bay about 45 minutes west across the mountains. The twins really enjoy the drive as it twists and turns through the mountains. Once we got to the coast, we ate at a small hole-in-the-wall taqueria that was really really good (and pretty cheap). I will have to remember for next time. We then drove a few more blocks to the actual beach. It took Arthur about 30 seconds to try and eat the sand. One handful, one nasty look and gagging, and he was finished trying to eat the sand. We ended up spending almost 4 hours hanging out on the beach. The twins ran through the waves. Arthur and I preferred to hang out on the sand. The Pacific Ocean is just way too cold by us to actually swim. After packing up we stopped at Baskin Robbins for our afternoon snack. Yum yum!

Tuesday

Tuesday was our usual errands day. Target, grocery, and library visit. Nothing too exciting, but all weekly events.

Wednesday

Arthur did not sleep well so our morning was shot. We did make it to Rengstorff Park for blanket babies in the afternoon.

Thursday

We ventured out to Shoreline for the big mom's group walk. I only subjected the twins to the short trail. After walking we grabbed lunch at the cafe there. In the afternoon we walked over to get Tutti Frutti and visit the bookstore.

Friday

Fourth of July! We celebrated by going to a fellow mom's mom's house (yep, that's right) for a pool party and BBQ. The twins spent the entire time swimming. The babies played and even swam a bit. The adults made sure no one drowned and enjoyed talking about things other than sleep and poo. Overall, we had a very lovely time.

Saturday

The twins spent the day hanging out at home. Arthur and I went to the co-op playdate at Rengstroff for a few hours in the afternoon.

Sunday

We had another quiet day at the house. The twins hit the pool. I hit the coffeehouse for a few hours to work on my blog. It was a nice relaxing day before the start of what's bound to be a crazy week.

Summer 2014 Week 4

Monday

We traveled up East Bay to go to the Oakland Zoo. It was Arthur and I's second time there, the first for the twins. We saw a ton of animals, ate lunch, and rode the train (N rode the mini roller coaster). All in all, we had a lovely time and will definitely go again before the summer is up.

Tuesday

Tuesday was a home day. We lounged, did a ton of house chores, and hit the pool. Every couple of days, it's nice to just be at home. Plus, it gives me time for chores and reading, Arthur time to nap, and the boys time to play their video games. For dinner, I made Chicken Parmesan. Surprise surprise, the twins loved it and asked for seconds. They even had it for lunch the next day. Glad I found another go to recipes for their picky palates.

Wednesday

We had a jam packed schedule of things to do. We started at the Sunnyvale library picking up holds and new books. We came home for lunch and a short short nap for Arthur. Then we jetted over to Rengstorff for blanket babies. We ended up at Round Table for dinner. I had a stamp class that night at RT. The twins ate pizza and played while Arthur and I made a few cards. We were all exhausted when we got home.

Thursday

The morning was filled with another visit to Deer Hollow Farm with the mom's group. This time, we just had one other mom and baby join us, but we still had a nice stroll. Bonus points for the weather being clear and a little cooler. On Deer Hollow days, the twins know we get Chick-Fil-A on the way home. Yum yum!

Friday

Friday was another day at home filled with tv, books, and pool time. That night, I escaped for a few hours to Round Table for crafting night with my stamping friends. Every once in a while, it's nice to get away.

Saturday

We ventured all the way into San Francisco Bay to go to the Treasure Island Flea Market. I'd never been to TI or even over the Bay Bridge (new or old). It was a treat. We perused the wares (J bought a tee shirt, twins bought some dragons) and grabbed lunch from the food trucks (lobster rolls and fresh lemonade, wood oven pizza, macon bacon donuts, mini strawberry rhubarb pies). The flea market is open the last weekend of every month. J and I may have to go back later this fall. We arrived taking the Bay Bridge from SF and left taking the new Bay Bridge to Oakland. So pretty!

Sunday

Arthur had a rough night attempting to sleep. The entire day was basically everyone attempting to get any energy back. Ugh! I did get everyone to help out with the house chores.

Summer 2014 Week 3

Music Monday will be going on hiatus for the summer so I can bring you our weekly recaps. I will be highlighting all the fun pictures and activities we have planned for this summer. Eight weeks of fun! This week has been a strange one. It started out with such fun plans, but very quickly everything changed. Arthur got sick and we just couldn't do anything exciting...

Monday

We started our week with a ton of errands. Grocery, Target, library visit, and Toys R Us. The boys picked up a few card packs and snacks. Plus we picked up our library holds and got a few new picture books for Arthur. In the afternoon, Arthur and I went to Mariposa Park for our playdate. The boys stayed at home with J and presumably played video games. After dinner I went to Panera for our makeup book club. It was nice to get out of the house sans kids for a few hours.

Tuesday

Tuesday we were left without a car, so it was a home and pool day.

Wednesday

Wednesday was our big excursion day. We had planned on a morning activity and an afternoon playdate. We got to our morning activity: Golfland, but Arthur decided to nap right through the playdate. Oh well! For our first visit to Golfland, the twins opted to take advantage of the arcade deals instead of mini golfing. Next time we will golf!

Thursday thru Sunday

Arthur was sick with a nasty cold, so no big excursions or plans. The twins did visit the pool and run a few errands with J. The little one is getting better so we're hoping to hit up the zoo tomorrow.

Summer 2014 Week 2

Monday

We traveled back into San Jose to visit The Tech Museum. The twins went there last year as a camp field trip. This time Arthur and I accompanied them. Of course I forgot my camera at home so no pictures. However, the museum has many interactive stations where you can record your results and/or pictures. I caught a few good ones. we enjoyed a yummy lunch at the museum and ended up spending most of the day there.

After the museum, we stopped at Target and the post office for a few essentials.

Tuesday

No car today, but we ended up making a few forays outside. We walked to the library for storytime (Arthur and I) and books (everyone). Turns out that was the last storytime until September. Boo! We'll still make weekly visits to the library, but I guess whenever it's convenient instead of always on Tuesday.

After lunch and a nap for Arthur, we ventured over to Tutti Frutti for an afternoon snack. The boys got chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. I got coffee and salted caramel pretzel yogurt with almonds and shortbread. Being on Murphy St., we had to visit Bookasaurus. Arthur got a stuffed rainbow caterpillar and an indestructible book. The twins got a book and a samurai action figure.

Wednesday

In the morning we took care of the errands: grocery store and haircuts. The boys look so much better cleaned up. In the afternoon, we headed over to Rengstorff Park for blanket babies. The twins planned better this week and brought extra toys.

Thursday

The morning was spent at Deer Hollow Farm with members of the mom's group. The farm is a working farm about 1 mile into the Rancho San Antonio Nature Preserve. This time the babies seemed much more interested in the animals. The twins were even entertained for a few minutes. Thursday evening had dinner at Round Table so I could attend my stamp club. The twins enjoyed the pizza. Arthur enjoyed the attention from the other club members.

Friday

In the morning, headed over to a fellow mom's house for her home inspection (for the co-op). The afternoon was spent lounging at home. I was tired after the week, so it was nice when J called and said that we would meet some co-workers at the Firehouse for dinner and then board games at our house. The twins have been begging to go to the Firehouse since arriving. Of course they got the chicken fingers and fries.

Saturday

We spend a quiet day at home. Nothing too exciting.

Sunday

Another quiet day at home. Getting ready to start week 3 with some different activities.

Summer 2014 Week 1

Music Monday will be going on hiatus for the summer so I can bring you our weekly recaps. I will be highlighting all the fun pictures and activities we have planned for this summer. Eight weeks of fun! The twins arrive last Tuesday and we immediately jumped into summer activities. Before they arrived, I used my Stampin' Up Epic Day This and That Journal to create our summer bucket list notebook. Each activity has it's own page in the notebook along with any pertinent information (address, price, hours, etc). As we complete an activity, it will be checked off in the notebook.

Also, I have devised a weekly schedule to help us stay on top of things and attempt to keep my sanity dealing with two 11 year olds and a 7 month old.

Monday -- Excursion (mini golf, beach, Great America, etc)
Tuesday -- Library for books (twins) and storytime (Arthur); Errands day
Wednesday -- Morning at home; Park baby playdate for afternoon
Thursday -- Walk (Cuesta or Deer Hollow Farm); Errand/home afternoon
Friday -- Excursion
Saturday -- Family excursion or home day
Sunday -- Family excursion or home day

On to the recap...

Tuesday

Their plane was delayed almost 6 hours due to mechanical issues. A new plane had to be flown in. They were supposed to arrive at 11am, but got in at 5pm. We picked up Wendy's for dinner and went home to relax. I was hoping they would go to bed early. I had a co-op board meeting so I left at 7pm. I came home at 10:30 to find the twins still awake! Needless to say Wednesday morning was a challenge.

Wednesday

Our first day of events! After dropping J off at work, we set off for Half Price Books in Fremont. We had four bags of books and cds to sell. Of course, I let the boys each pick a few books and even snagged a few board books for Arthur. Unfortunately, HPB took almost 1 1/2 hours to sort our things. I thought we were going to have a meltdown from all three boys.

After checking out, we headed over to Target for shoes. The boys came with flip flops and crocs. Neither of which are good for running around or amusement parks. We found one pair of back strap sandals in their size, but only one. thankfully there is a Target right next to Chick-Fil-A where we were picking up lunch.

After lunch we headed over to Rengstorff Park for our weekly playdate. The twins played on the playground or chilled with us. This will be a weekly event. At 5pm, we headed home for start dinner (ravioli and tortellini) and relax.

Thursday

In the morning we headed to Cuesta Park for our every other week walk with the mom's group. The twins played on the playground or read/played iPad on the blanket. We headed home for lunch and an afternoon by the pool. Even Arthur joined in on our pool visit. Every time the twins came near the steps, Arthur tried to launch himself into the water. Pretty cute!

Friday

Friday was our first big excursion day. The twins chose Great America. We loaded up, dropped off J, and headed over right at opening time. Unfortunately we had to get our season passes processed so that ate up about 20 minutes. After that we circled the park twice, the twins riding their favorites and Arthur and I hanging out and people watching. We ate lunch at our favorite spot: Joe Cool Cafe. Before leaving Arthur and I rode the carousel (in one of the chariots) and the twins souvenir shopped (only one got something). Four hours at Great America and I was beat!

Saturday

After a late start to the day, we headed over to Boudin Bakery for lunch before traveling to San Jose (only a 15 minute trip). I had printed free passes to the SJ Museum of Art from our library program. Turns out it was Community Day and the museum was free for everyone. Oh well! We toured the small museum of mostly modern art and the twins participated in a few crafts. We didn't get out of there until almost 3pm causing Arthur's nap schedule to be off and missing the co-op playdate. Next time...

Sunday

Sunday was to be a chill day at home. The boys and I ventured over the Sunnyvale Art and Wine festival (one block away!), looked at the art, and grabbed some kettle corn for later. We hit the festival right when it opened at 10am and good thing. The temperature kept going up all day. We stayed in the rest of the day playing video games and hanging out.

Here Come the 11 Year Olds!

Today my twin boys are turning 11 years old! I can't believe it's been 11 years. Granted, I'm pretty I forgot most of the bad stuff, but I still think they were fairly easy babies. I loved their toddler years... so adorable. And now they are little men. I love having big conversations with them. I love their inquisitive nature. I love how much Alex cares and how much Nick wants to learn. I love that they are finally excited to spend time with their little brother. (I know, newborns don't really do anything and are kinda boring.) I can't wait to get back to Indiana next week to spend an entire week hanging out with all three of my boys.

Happy Birthday Nick and Alex!

Nick was/is...

It's my twins' birthday week! I decided to do a post for each of them, thinking how they have grown in their 10 years on this earth. Nick was...

My loud baby
A little "red devil"
Quick to learn new skills
Loud and outgoing
Adventurous
Fearless
Interested in the complex

Nick is...

Introspective
A reader
Great at video games
Interested in computers
Understanding of others
Sensitive to changes in mood
Independent
Hard to fool
An observer

Here's a photo gallery. I only have pics from 2006 to today on the computer, so now good baby pics... Oh well!

Thankfulness from the Boys

As a part of my boys' Thanksgiving week, their teachers asked the parents to write them each a letter. We were to talk about things about them we were thankful for, memories of them, or a special note. Part of their standards for 2nd grade are learning to write a letter on actual paper. Since we are moving more and more toward computer communication, I thought it would be a good exercise for the boys to write a blog entry highlighting what they are thankful for. Without further ado, here are their lists. N is thankful for:

my Uncle Cory
our dogs Toto and Casper
mom
dad
Pokemon cards

A is thankful for:

Uncle Cory
animals
mom
dad
friends
trees
brownies
grandma
blankets
Christmas
Spring
Fall
Summer
Snowmen
Turkeys
fire
Snow