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Wednesday, March 22, 2023

4th of July Weekend

We started out the holiday weekend right with s'mores at our friends' house.
And some good old fashioned baseball. 
We took Jonah to see the White Sox because that was his little league team.
Jane knew just what to do at the tot field.
The rest of the game was mostly snacking for her.
We had a pancake breakfast at church, 
then a neighborhood parade 
(Jane scooted, the older boys rode bikes, and Perry wanted a ride)
and party at the pool.
Jonah was the best support and cheerleader for Perry during the watermelon eating contest.
I gave him a few tips and he rocked his age group.
He got robbed, though. The plate on the left beat him and it's clear to see Jonah won because he actually consumed his piece.
The next day we went to the beach to meet Miranda's family who was staying for the weekend.
Even though it was chilly, the kids wanted to play in the water.
We went back to the house to warm up and have some bbq for dinner. 
I can't share pictures of Miranda's kids until their adoption is complete, but it was great to meet them and see her in her element and already thriving as a mom.
It brought back many happy memories for me to be there with Miranda's parents and family friends.
You can't beat the location. The back porch is the beach path.
John had the next day off from work, so we went hiking at Sunol.
It was a bit of a dry, hot day to be out in the exposed sun.
Perry and Scott just ran the paths the whole time.
Jonah needed more coaxing, so he and I made up puns and jokes as we walked.
The trio reunited.
Eventually we got to the water and the fun began.
It was peaceful and cool and beautiful. We had snacks and threw rocks and splashed around a bit.

We found our friends who had hiked the other direction and the 6 boys did some exploring while the girls got carried.
What a fun-filled weekend as a family.

Monday, March 20, 2023

June

School pickup on a hot day.
So tired he crashed on the couch.
Soon-to-be first grader
Willow Glen had rainbow flags for crossing the street during pride month and Jane could not have been happier about it.
Picking out tutus at the book store. 
Video games are their favorite.
We went looking for a tv cabinet while the older two kids were at an activity. These two were playing house and having a nice dinner together at the furniture store.
After we picked the big kids up, we went to Jackie's Place for dinner. Jane's face was stuffed.
Riding the airplane and talking nonstop about wanting to go on a big airplane and stay in a hotel.
Too cool for hiking.
She scaled these stairs like they were nothing, even though they were half her height.
It caught up to her later in the day.
Another morning hike with my little bud.
She freaked me out climbing a big boulder and not being able to get down on her own. Then we stuck to these littler rocks.
Couldn't make it through dinner.
Playing in their secret hideout after school.
Entertaining herself with some reading.
Best buds at school.
Again with the tulle. 
and unicorns.
I got some baskets for the cabinet I bought and Jane wanted to sit in them in the cart.
At the Dutch store, the lady gave Jane a candy necklace again.
John's birthday gift was hidden in the boys' room and he never noticed.
Baseball Elsa.
Hammock nap
Backyard play time at a friend's house.
Surprise! A new tv for John's birthday.
Our old cheap one was slowly dying and our eyesight was not good enough to read across the room, so I bought a new one as big as we could fit in the space.
And some carrot cake to celebrate.
We played games after dinner with Amanda and her girlfriend and the giant tv.
We went to the Sanborn creek with friends.
It was nice, cool water on a warm day.
Floor naps were becoming a trend for Jane.
Jonah and Scott practiced some life skills over the summer, including using the stove.
Perry taught Jane some first grade skills.
Matchy jams.
Jane tried to learn how to use the balance bike, but it was painfully slow. We were all ready for a swim after "biking" to the pool.
She also did a little pool cooking.
I ended up getting a used Ikea cabinet and the kids helped me sand it.
Hugging her penguin floaty.
I love the sleeveless shift dress with knee high sock combo.
Perry wanted a picture with Jane, even though he doesn't wear dress clothes.
Post-church nap.
We went to see the new Lightyear movie at the theater, complete with recliner seats and popcorn. Living the life.
Perry's sleep positions are not always comfy looking.
I hadn't taken the boys to the store since Covid started, so Jonah and Perry didn't remember Costco. They were thrilled to discover samples and the food court. I got them an ice cream to share, but Jane insisted she needed a churro.
 
Scott is so sweet with her. 
Showing off her tattoo. As soon as one rubs off, she needs a replacement.
Jamba date after his braces appointment.
Couldn't hang through dinner. These long summer days without nap times are too much sometimes. 
They made a Star Wars spaceship..."for Jane."
Learning how to do laundry and clean the stove and other chores that they're not expected to do, but still need to know.
Jane thinks there's always room for one more in the hammock, as long as she's not the one in it first.
Babysitting little Maxy. The kids are still all obsessed with him.
Jane's big day came and she got her covid vaccine.
It made her a little sleepy, but just like the boys she had zero side effects, not even a sore arm.
Chess time.
While Jane played with Duplos. 
I've been trying to get her little kid toys out more frequently because she does enjoy them and it sometimes gets her brothers to join in, too.