Update

Allie started second grade last week! She was so excited to see old friends and make new ones in her class. She's in a 2nd grade/3rd grade combination class with 2 teachers who job share. We were a little apprehensive at first but were reassured on back-to-school night that everything will be just fine. They've been working together for over 12 years and share the same philosophy in education and discipline. Allie likes her teachers, so far. Melanie is doing wonderful as well. Her language continues to grow and loves to tell "Knock, knock" jokes. Kristi is planning her 20th high school reunion with some friends and has been enjoying reconnecting with everyone from 1990. Brett is almost finished with his project manager certification prep courses and will be eligible to take the certification exam at the end of the year. He's also thinking about going back to school for his Master's degree.

In other family news, Kristi's brother and wife are expecting twin boys! Michael Yuto and Andrew Atsuto are expected to make their appearance in late October or early November. The girls are so excited to finally have someone else to play with besides each other.

Happy 7th Birthday Allison!

Allison turned 7 yesterday! We celebrated by having a pool party with her friends and family. She had a pinata, cupcakes, and pizza. Last night, we took her to sushi (her choice) and today we went bowling. It was a fun and exciting weekend!

It's Summer Time Again!

Well, we're 5 days into summer vacation and we're already lazy. No one is getting dressed before 10am and Melanie's naps are getting pushed way beyond what they are during the school year. Everyone has enjoyed lying on the couch watching movies and rediscovering long-forgotten toys. Melanie has adjusted beautifully to having Allie home the entire day and I've had to readjust my schedule to having both girls home. Allie is a homebody and loves her vacation so far. Every night she asks, "So, what are we going to do tomorrow?" When I reply, "Not sure", she's totally fine with it. The girls will be taking swimming lessons and catching a free movie at the local movie theater on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. Did I mention no one is dressed before 10am? I hope we get to the theater on time.

36 inches already? WOW!

On Monday we went to Disneyland. When we stopped by the Matterhorn ride, we checked Melanie's height. She is 36 inches! So we went on and then went on It's a Small World. After that we went on Gadget's Go-Coaster in Toontown. It was a great day!

-Allie

Allison's Awards

Allie was recognized for her academic achievements and humanitarianism today. She has excelled in all academic areas and continues to read at a 4th grade level. Her behavior has improved and has shown signs of maturity. Allie and another student were honored by their principal for donating awards won at the walk-a-thon assembly. Allie gave a graduating 5th grader her yearbook and the other student gave away a bike. Granted, the other student was way more generous because Allie would never give a bike away. I am just so proud of Allie for making a thoughtful decision and helping another student. When her principal was telling the audience about how proud she was of the kids, she had to take a moment to compose herself. It was really wonderful to see Allie up there and her schoolmates cheer for her.

Has It Been That Long?

Allie was looking through the blog entries and told me that no one has posted since March-YIKES! So I will try to sum up the last 8 months in a few short words-exciting, busy, and fun! Here I go~

We spent Easter in Pismo Beach, a great little beach community about 3 hours north of LA and where I spent Easter as a child. The girls loved it! In May, Brett and his homebrew club went to Beer Fest at Lake Casitas in Ojai. It was a weekend filled with beer, new recipes, and interesting people. He's definitely planning to go again in 2010. In June, Brett officially became a college graduate! His dad, step-mom, aunt, and sister came from Maryland to celebrate and see Southern California, all of which had not been here in several years. Brett and I also celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss in June. We had a rare evening alone to have dinner at an amazing restaurant that served 7 courses; to say we were stuffed would be an understatement. Then in July, we celebrated my grandma's 75th birthday with the entire family in our family shirts (check out the pictures!). In August, Brett's sister and husband came to visit from Maryland and celebrate Allie's 6th birthday. We went to The Getty Museum, the beach, and enjoyed their company. Allie then started first grade. She has an amazing teacher, so patient and kind. Even Melanie loves her! Allie also played soccer on "The Little Mermaids". She had a great time and scored 5 goals her first game! September brought one of three weddings and Melanie's 2nd birthday. As many of you already knew, Brett trained for a year to run the USMC Marathon with his cousin. October 25th finally arrived! We headed to Washington D.C. with the other spectators. 5 hours and 50 minutes later, Brett and Evan crossed the finish line exhausted and proud to be Marines. While in the D.C. area, we visited Brett's family and the girls played with their cousins. Fun was had by all! Here we are in November on the eve of Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for our family, friends, and each other. We are thankful for our health and the health of our children. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Question of All Questions

Allie just asked Brett how a baby gets inside a mommy's tummy. Brett gasped and I screamed, "NOOOOOO!" I knew this day would come but now? I gently explained to Allie that women have egss and men have seeds. When a man and a woman love each other, the egg and seeds come together to make a baby. Her response, "Like Melanie and me?" Me: "Yes, just like that." Wow! Is 10:45am to early for a strong drink?