First Day of Daycare!

Benji calls it "school for babies."  --Victoria

Ice Cream Faces!

Playing in the Living Room

Benji: First Day of First Grade!

He's back at Ludlow Taylor Elementary School, in a class with one of his best friends. No more long bus rides!  --Victoria

Dinner at their own table

Tamar's Cute Hairstyles (Two Ponytails)

Three Friends!

Benji's First Camping Trip

Last Friday, Aaron took Benji camping so they could leave the lights of civilization behind and get a great view of the Perseids meteor shower, which was supposed to be fabulous.  Yes, the words "Aaron" and "camping" appeared in the same sentence without the word "hate" (or "bears").  They had a great time although Benji insisted that they MUST NOT venture away from the SAFE SAFE campsite into the SCARY SCARY darkness so they could stargaze. Maybe next year.  They did, however, have a wonderful time.  --Victoria

More Park Fun!

Picnic Lunch in the Park

Tamar's cute hairstyles! (one ponytail)

Benji's first day with karate clothes

Benji was very excited to finally wear a "gi" and look like the rest of the students (thanks Grandma Pauline and Grandpa Richard!).  In the second photo, he's all the way on the left. In all the subsequent photos, he's all the way on the right.  --Victoria

Building Museum Visit

I took the kids to the building museum last weekend.  I love it that they're old enough to sit in chairs without using boosters or high chairs -- just like "big people"!  Benji enjoyed some of the building exhibits.  Tamar and Daniel enjoyed practicing going up the wide, low stairs.  --Victoria

Brothers . . . sometimes helpful, sometimes not.

Benji's First Karate Class!

I've been wanting to sign Benji up for karate classes for a while.  Apparently karate is good for discipline, focus, and general physicality (strength, balance, body awareness), all of which would benefit Benji. A friend recommended a dojo that's one block from his summer camp and it turns out they offer classes for kids from 6:00 to 6:30 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even better, the first two classes are free! We stopped by after camp on Tuesday to watch part of a class and whet his appetite a little, then returned today. Benji has been watching the TV show "Ninjago" and he was VERY excited to have a "sensei" (teacher). Sensei Bob is GREAT with kids (strict and kind at the same time) and incorporated Benji into the class smoothly. Benji really enjoyed it and the babies watched with rapt attention for almost the entire 30 minute session. Afterwards, Tamar was saying "kick" and making little kicks with her chubby little leg! We'll definitely be back next week, so expect more karate class photos in the future.  --Victoria