Lake with the DeMichiels

We had a great time up at the lake with the DeMichiel Family. We did the usual on Saturday. We packed a picnic lunch to take with us on the boat. We headed out, found a nice cove just past the old water ski club and layed low. We all jumped in the water as it was really warm of course. Sydney dove right in while Hailey slept and so did Mia. Poor Mia looked pretty relaxed in her bulky life vest. Jake was unsure about the water at first, but once he got in, he constantly jumped off the back of the back to Jill in the water. He had a blast. Sydney swam to her heart content. Darin took the kids out in the fishing boat for a cruise, which they got a kick out of it. We pretty much hung out the rest of the weekend, it was a nice an relaxing time! Thanks for a great weekend DeMichiel Family! :)

Fun Summer Days at the Lake

We all love going to the lake. We have had some fun times at the lake so far this year. We have about a month left and summer will be gone. The girls love the water and love to go for rides in the boat. Hailey loves coming up to the lake so she can pretend she is a baby. She sits in the bouncy seat and somehow always managed to find a binky somewhere among all the toys downstairs. Sydney loves to swim, once she is in the water. She takes a little bit to get warmed up to the fact that she is jumping in the water. Once she is in the water, there is no getting her out!

Grammy & Papa's 60th Anniversary

Happy 60th Anniversary Grammy & Papa!

We celebrated Grammy & Papa's 60th wedding anniversary with family from near and far. Aunt Adele and Aunt Jan came from back east, which was great to see them again. It had been way too long since we have seen them last. I believe it was when Grammy L passed away is when we saw them last, which I was still in high school, which was a long while ago. They were the same as I had remembered them. It was great to see them giggle the way I remembered them when we all got together for family gatherings. You could tell they were Grammy's sisters. We had the celebration at our house in the guest house, which has been quite the party place this year. We decorated it with tulle and flowers from my yard. I turned out really cute. Annie, Unkie, Laura, Jason, Mom, Dad, Kim, Scott, Kristy, Ray, Darin and I, plus all the little ones, Ashlee, Sydney, Dillon, Brendan, Hailey and Ethan were all in attendance. We feasted on a Mexican style early dinner. We also had cake from the every so famous "Cake Lady," Laurel. Her cakes are to die for! We toasted to the happy couple, Elmon and Joan aka Grammy and Papa. May they pass on their beautiful tradition to all of us. Happy 60th Grammy & Papa, we love you!!

Sydney's 1st Day of Kindergarten

It was a nerve wracking day not only for Sydney but for Darin and I. Today was Sydney's 1st day of Kindergarten. It is just unbelievable that she has grown up so fast. She is an amazing little girl who has blossomed into a fun spirited, imaginative, brilliant person. Today she started school at 11 AM in the K-2 Classroom of Mrs. Esteves. You can tell she had some butterflies in her belly, although all she was worried about was that she was the only one with her lunch pail. Mrs. Esteves told her it was because some of the other kids were either getting hot lunch or had their lunch boxes in their backpacks, which eased her nerves. She was ready to go and went through the door without looking back. Hailey and I watched as I wiped away my tears. Hailey was more interested in playing on the hopscotch. Mrs. Esteves told all us parents that our children are in good hands, which was sweet of her. We picked Sydney up promptly at 3 o'clock and she was thrilled to see us. She had a fun day at school, although she "didn't want to talk about it" as she told us (what-ever that was supposed to mean). I began chatting with her about lunchtime and then she finally opened up. They learned the days of the week and today is Tuesday August 12th. They also introduced themselves to their friends. It was a fun day.

Sydney's Last Day of Preschool

Wow...3 years of preschool gone in a flash!! Sydney was loved by all the teachers and staff at The Child Day School in Pleasanton. Sydney especially Miss. Rose and Misbah most of all. Sydney has grown so much since the first day she entered The Child Day Schools. Talk about from one extreme to the other, on day one of preschool Sydney was 2. She cried for about 2 weeks at drop off time. Now that she is 5, she gets mad when I come to pick her up because she is not ready to go! She has blossomed into a bright, sweet, caring, intelligent little girl. Thank you Child Day School for helping to form Sydney into the little blessing that she is.

The cutest comment ever!

While we were on our way to the lake over the weekend, there are many animals to look at along the way like cows, horses, sheep, goats, and ducks. We were going along and there were some sheep and Sydney in a sincere voice says "Mom, Mary must be sleeping because there are her sheep!" I was cracking up. She never ceases to amaze me with the things that come out of her mouth. She is an amazing and imaginative little girl. Love you Bug.