The first day of kindergarten was a family affair. Aidon and his pet Chameleon were ready to go on time!

Here's Josh "drumming" at the curb as he waits for his turn to load in the car:
I love that the boys enjoy being together, most of the time:

Ready to line up for class with mom, dad and Josh:

Arriving to class and putting his gear in his cubby box:

As the teacher read the book "Kissing Hands" aloud, I was blessed to hear Aidon say "I was so excited [to start kindergarten]!". It made the goodby easier.

After drop-off, Josh and daddy play "catch" with his bear:

Got it!

At the end of the first day, mom and dad are met with a "tired look".

Wild Family Time

We hiked the kilamajaro safari trail and the lions were in full view.

The intention was to see the 8-month old tiger cubs at their morning release and they were relaxing lazily around.

A perk of being a part of the zoo family is the receiving a cup of nectar to feed the birds:

The hiking was enjoyed..

here is a photo on the rickety bridge:

The fun of free

These two young ladies are "stars" themeselves

Josh's favorite was the shark exhibit:
Aidon's favorite exhibit was the water Art. Here he is with his fresh catch:

The kids and their buddies had fun exploring life under the ocean at the local aquarium. This kind of learning adventure is usually an extra treat to parents when admission is free!

Our final visit to Dino Mountain

for the summer allowed Josh and Aidon to be tour guides for their daddy's and their buddies' first visits:

Getting Acquainted

with a new class and a new teacher was a part of the day's events for Aidon. Here's Josh taking a run through the play area.

Aidon posing next to his "name" on the classroom door.

Brother Josh is happy to pose too!

Aidon's backpack will be stowed in this cubby:

Excited and ready to go!

Today's Photo: Brothers at the beach

Grandma's visit was a good reason for Pete and Don to hang out at the beach with their kids

Today's Photo: Hippo

One of my favorite childhood games....it still captures the attention of kids, big and small...

Mid-day Dip

This hot day was just right to go for a dip in the pool. It is all the more sweeter with the company of friends.

Here are the "baby" friends:

Mid-day Dip

Lighthouse

A Sunday afternoon at the water's edge near the local lighthouse.

Capistrano

Capistrano was a great place to explore on foot: architecture of the 1890s, the Los Rios district's fountains, rock gardens, and butterfly gardens. We admired butterflies and hummingbirds as we listened to the trickling water of the fountains. Here's a pic at a tea house: A rock garden with Tita:

Near the train depot:

It's a blessed life!

Check out this cutie! I was thoroughly enjoying this moment with Preston. He has a sparkle in his eyes and let's out a beautiful smile - so charming!
At this moment, I am so filled with gratitude for what and who the Lord has put in my life. I am so thankful that the Lord is with me always thru whatever life trials I am walking through. I am particularly appreciating the support through prayer from the friends He has placed in my life. I am so blessed.

Here's a snapshot of part of our blessed day. Our church's baptism and two dear friends "shouting out to the world" their love for the Lord!

Aidon's first time on a boogie board. Thanks Ninong!

Josh, Lilly & Corbin racing along the beach:

heart shaped sand pool dug by tender-hearted kids:

a sentimental send off

These three spent much time together in and out of their preschool class this past year. With the school year approaching, and different classrooms and teachers, we got together for one last playdate before kindergarten starts. The opportunity for the moms to pray for this milestone year was a source of peace.

Today's Photo: Tidepools

Our first chance to chase the waves at the tidepools this summer:
Silly poses have now taken over the boys when faced with a camera

Surf & Turf

Sis called for a beach date and after days of "quarantine", we splashed at the chance.
Turns out that the boys were not yet at 100% energy; we left after 1 1/2 hours.
The evening was a good chance for Roger, Pete & Luis to get together and catch up after many years since college.