Mommy's bday, Peterson/ Grammy visit, Daddy's bday and more!

We have had such a blessed full three weeks. So full of love that I haven't had a spare minute to talk to anyone or do the blog. 

The first two weeks after school Axel finally went to the San Jose Children's Music Theater camp. He had an amazing time. I was really impressed with how well organized the camp was and how much fun he had. They have a great method for the younger students on memorizing their lines, songs and dance routines. 

 Here is a picture of the 3rd graders in his performance.

 Axel is such a great big brother. He loves on Rubix all of the time. You often see them hanging out. Rubix loves Axel so much he call Phoenix Axel as well. Sometimes, he call Daddy and Mommy Axel too. Although, Rubix is starting to call us Mommy and Daddy more often. I love hearing Rubix call "Mommy" at 6:20 each morning as he patiently waits for me to get him.

 Rubix is so much fun. Just look at that face. He really starting to talk up a storm and become more and more like a toddler. Scary thins is he is starting to run! Daddy and I hope he doesn't pick up his speed too much because he is going to out run us very soon!

On June 28th, I enjoyed a lovely afternoon ride with Keith after work, and then sushi and ice cream cake. Phoenix had swim lessons and Axel had swim practice, but it was a perfect day. 

 On Saturday July 1st little Grammy arrived! We had tie dye and pool fun on Sunday. On Monday Grammy, Daddy and the kiddos went on a hike while I worked.

 On the 4th we went to a 4th of July celebration and show at a local park.

 We all went in our new tie dye shirts of course!

 The kids were able to hear and sing patriotic music and then walk in a little parade.

 We were excited to get home and out of the sun for nap time as we had to rest up for the pool party and BBQ we were going to later in the day. We had an afternoon of fun at Monte and Jen's house on Bohlman. Daddy and Axel were able to stay for the fireworks where they had a few of over a hundred firework shows throughout the bay from their view on Bohlman rode, while Grammy, Phoenix, Rubix and I headed home for bed.

 On Wednesday Grammy, Axel and Daddy met Josie, Alex and Hannah in Half Moon Bay for a hike and lunch while the little ones went to Angela's and I worked. On Thursday we had a pleasant surprise as the Petersens decided to stay with us instead of going to Yosemite. We headed to Santa Cruz for a bike ride along the ocean to Natural Bridges Beach. It was a beautiful day out.

 I was excited to participate in something because Rubix and Phoenix were at Angela's for the day. Keith and I headed back over the hill because I had a doctor's appointment but Axel, Grammy and the Petersens stayed for the afternoon for lunch and boardwalk fun!

 On Friday the Petersens and Daddy went for an awesome 3 hour hike in Big Basin while Grammy and I prepared a little birthday fun for Daddy. We planned backyard fun along with cake and ice cream. Here is a picture of everyone being silly on Saturday.

 The birthday boy!

 On Sunday Grammy had to leave for the airport by 11 am so we were able to get one last photo before she left.

 The Petersens were taking a red eye so we were able to enjoy an afternoon of fun at the park and pool and dinner before they had to leave for the airport. I included this picture of Rubix being a big boy. He watched the other kids filling up buckets with water and then proceeded to try and fill up a bucket himself.

 I also included a picture of Hannah and Axel at the pool on Sunday. They got along so well all week. It was so much fun to watch them play together. I loved getting to know Hannah and Alex better. They are both such wonderful kids. I am blessed to have them as my niece and nephew.

 After a wonderful week with family we had a crazy busy week with summer camps. This week was filled with early morning swim practice, followed by art camp followed by night family vacation bible camp. Although it was a very tiring week, the Lord blessed us with an amazing growth from camp. Phoenix was able to cooperate and dance on stage by herself (without Axel or myself). And Axel and I made new friends and learned about foster and adoption programs in the Silicon Valley. Hopefully, we will be able to get involved in one community service in the upcoming year.

Happy Father's Day

 Daddy wanted to go for a hike for Father's Day so despite the high of nearly 100 degrees we headed to the "cool" mountains where it was only 88 degrees after a nice breakfast. The hike started with a 20 to 30% grade uphill excursion for .6 miles and then it was a nice flat hike along the reservoir.

Daddy loving his kiddos!

So cute!

Axel was a motor as he was practically sprinting up the hill compared to the rest of us. He has my mentality where the quicker you go, the quicker it is over. 

 Phoenix gently stated her legs hurt and I just couldn't walk any faster than I was with the not so little guy in the carrier.

We were able to capture a family picture with the reservoir in the background thanks to a couple of nice gals who had just finished their hilly 4 mile hike.  

 Rubix couldn't wait to get out of the carrier once we got to flat land. He had so much fun exploring.

Rubix continues to be a water baby. He wants to either be in water or play with water regardless of the source. 

 It is funny though, once he is in the big pool he somewhat shuts down and doesn't really kick and splash like he does in the small kiddie pool and bathtub. Phoenix started swim lessons this week. It is completely different from last year. She is excited and cooperates. She swims to the bottom of the shallow end to pick up objects, floats on her back and stomach and easily bobs in the water. She can also jump off the side of the pool, etc. The only catch is she is still afraid to do any of these things on her own. She has to be touching or holding onto to someone's hand or something. I really want to get pictures of Axel and Phoenix, but the coaches and lifeguards have repeatedly asked parents to not take pictures. Hopefully I will be able to capture some this coming week.

Axel started CMT camp this week. That is Children's Music Theater. He has been wanting to do this for the past 3 years, but has always been afraid. He was a bit resistant this year, until the first day of course. He absolutely LOVES it! I am so excited for him. They have voice lessons, dance lessons, stage set up/art time, etc. The camp is very well organized and very well run. I am pretty sure he will want to do this again in the future. He has one more week of it and we get to see his performance next Friday!

We are headed to the pool and then to a friend's house for dinner. Tomorrow is our annual swim team potluck called Pasta in the Park. Next weekend the swim competition season officially starts and Axel has his first swim meet of the season. Little Grammy also arrives next weekend. We are looking forward to a fun filled week with Little Grammy and the Petersens (Aunt Josie, Hannah and Alex) when they stop by the house between their fun adventures as they visit California.

Axel Win's Swimathon, Sacramento Trip, Boston Trip and Rubix turns 15 months!

On June 3rd, Axel participated in a practice swim meet and then went to his boy scouts over night camping trip with Daddy. Daddy has all of the pictures from both events on his tablet. I hope to get those downloaded so I can share some of the highlights from the first camping trip!

While the boys were camping, Rubix, Phoenix and I were in Auburn celebrating GG's 85th birthday. Here is a picture of our very young great grandmother Millie with her youngest great grand child, miss Aya Rose. 

 We met at Chevy's to make it an easy gathering and then headed to GG's house for yummy desert.

 Grandma Susan had the privilege of feeding baby Aya who is just the cutest little thing at 2 months old.

 Here is Phoenix and Braylin with their second cousin Vanessa. Vanessa will be in kindergarten next year after completely transitional kindergarten this year. Phoenix and Braylin get to go to big girl 4 year old preschool this coming year!

 It was nice to have almost the entire family together. We were missing Denise, Jame's wife and their little one Abigail along with Aunt Susan, and Cousin Carrie. We had a great time visiting and hopefully it won't be years before we are all under one roof again.

 After GG's gathering we headed to Grandma Susan's house where Phoenix and Braylin had fun trying on clothes that Grandma made for them. The Jolley's and I headed to Great Grandma/pa Burgesses house to give them a visit. It had been too long. It was so nice to see them despite the fact that Grandpa isn't feeling he greatest.

 After Breakfast on Sunday morning we headed home because we had to get back home in time for Axel's last RSM class and baseball swim party! Here is a picture of Coach Keith, aka Daddy saying a few words about Axel. It was an amazing exhausting weekend.

 On Monday June 5th Axel participated in his second swimathon fundraiser for the Westgate Swim Team. It was the most spectacular sight that we as parents were able to witness. Axel put all his heart and soul into 49 amazing laps in 30 minutes. He overcame boys hitting and kicking him as they competed for first place. With perseverance Axel was able to take the lead and won the 8 year old overall by 1 lap. He was crying in the pool off and on and when he got out the flood gates opened as he was emotionally and physically exhausted. Daddy and I were so proud to see him try so hard. We have never seen Axel display such a fight. Go Axel!!!! 

On Tuesday Daddy left for MA for work. I was solo with the three kiddos, which made for an interesting week as we were preparing to head to Boston on Friday to join Daddy for his 20th MIT reunion on June 10th. Here are the three kids and I headed to the airport in the Anza parking shuttle. The kids did wonderfully and were on their best behavior. I was a bit nervous about travelling alone with all three but would definitely do it again with how well behaved they all were. The amazing part is that Rubix took a nap. The other two never did from 1 until now.  The 1.5 hour nap in my arms made the trip "easy" because both of us got a break :)

It was hot and humid in MA. Rubix was a champ and took all of his naps the entire weekend on the go. I am so very proud of him. I am so glad that he is such an "easy baby". Because of this we can play other trips because I know he can sleep as we all go and have fun. Phoenix and Axel always had to sleep in a pack n play and were not good at sleeping on the go. 

 While Rubix was napping the other two had fun making their own germ cell and getting their faces painted. Here is our lovely princess and ....

 MIT Beaver!

 We all had fun participating in the family field games.

 Axel was key in making a track for a car race. His team won!

 Here they are preparing for a launch!

 After all of the fun in the sun we went into the infinite corridor to cool off.

We took one last picture in front of the main building where graduation was held earlier that morning. 

 On Sunday we enjoyed a lovely brunch and visit with the Petersens, Keith's sister's family and his mom and step dad.

Here is a picture of little Grammy and all of the grandchildren! Alex (who will be 14 in July), Hannah (9), Axel (8), Phoenix (4) and Rubix (1). So cute!

On Monday we headed home. We unfortunately had a two hour delay which made for an extra long day, but we all made it home without any major meltdowns which was huge because we were all exhausted from the long hot weekend. 

 Aunt Josie bought this antique barbie doll for Phoenix at a yard sale while we were walking to Alex's pick up soccer game. She is in heaven with this princess barbie doll.

While we were in MA I had to bath Rubix in a sink because they only had a shower. When we got home he wanted to get in our sink. I thought it was a cute picture so I had to include it!

Yesterday on June 15th Rubix turned 15 months! Here is a cute picture of him bright and early in the morning playing before the rest of the family woke. He is becoming more and more mobile. He loves balls still, loves to climb and loves the water. He has a huge vocabulary and he appears to be close to sleeping through the night. It has happened 3 times in the past week. 11 hours straight! He still requires 2 naps most of the time. He is growing so much every day. He is such a joy and brings so many more smiles to the entire family!

We are looking forward to a low key weekend and Father's Day with pool fun and a family hike. 

Hiking and the stomach bug

 Last week Axel missed two days of school because he came down with the stomach bug. He had to leave his baseball game on Tuesday night because he stomach hurt and within 20 minutes of being home he was in the toilet vomiting. He did the same thing Wednesday night. Because the norovirus is so contagious the schools are asking kids to stay out of school for 48 hours after being symptom free so Axel had a 5 day break instead of a 3 day break for Memorial day. Here are the three kids playing together last Friday.

 We had a very low key weekend for the first time in months. We had no baseball, swimming or cub scouts! It was a very nice treat especially considering Axel was recovering from being sick and everyone else appeared to be slightly run down as well.

On Monday we went for another hike in Sanborn Park. This time we checked out the camping sites and walked up the steep mile trail to see where Axel would be camping this coming week with cub scouts. I had to wake Rubix from his nap. I love this picture of him. He is so cute in his laid back sleeping posture!

 Rubix wanted to hike a little, but it was so steep he kept falling over so I put him in the carrier most of the time.

 Axel and Phoenix did great. Phoenix only complained once that her legs were tired.

Phoenix always wants to get to the "play structure" to play at the "park". After our hike she was excited to finally play on the rocks, which I told her were the play structure.

 You can see how much fun they are having!

 Rubix had just as much fun, but his rock wasn't quite as big as the rock Axel and Phoenix were climbing :).

 On Tuesday, while I was at work and while Phoenix and Rubix were at Angela's the stomach bug struck all three of us. I somehow managed to get home. I had to rest before making the trek home and somehow I managed to not throw up until I got home. I was comfortably resting in bed trying to muster up the strength to get Rubix while Keith took Phoenix and Axel to swim only to find out that Phoenix and Rubix were also sick starting after nap time. Needless to say it was a rough night! But it got rougher since the bug struck Daddy when he got home from swim practice with Axel! Yesterday was resting as much as I could. It was very hard managing Rubix and my symptoms, but the Lord is good and we all made it through the day. You can see how good Rubix felt by the end of the day. He was picking lemons and....

 playing ball!

 Oh, I forgot to mention that Axel was finally ready for his mohawk summer buzz. I am not sure if he is going to keep it or decide to just do the full buzz for swim season. We will have to wait and see.

This weekend is an event packed weekend so check back soon!