Caitlin's Birthday Party

 

Grandma and Albie came out to Carpinteria for a wonderful visit.  Much of the visit was spent celebrating Caitlin's fourth birthday.  Like her mom, Caitlin seems have a birthweek as opposed to a birthday.  However, we all had a great time during the week.  On Sunday, Caitlin had a birthday party at El Carro park.  Most of the family was there. We missed Chris, Ben and Danielle who sent birthday wishes but were unable to join us.  We had fun playing soccer, making tiaras, shooting rockets, swinging, playing baseball, eating pizza and cupcakes, and watching Caitlin open her presents.  Thank you everyone for the wonderful gifts.  It was a great day, and Caitlin loved being the princess for the day.  

Visit from Chris

We had a great visit from Uncle Chris.  He was in Southern California for work and took some extra time to visit us in Carpinteria.  As always, the kids thoroughly enjoyed his visit.  We all went to the beach where Caitlin received some surf lessons from Uncle Chris.  Neither one got hurt so that was a plus, and they both had a great time.  We look forward to our next visit from Uncle Chris, and maybe it will be when we are in our new house.

Sorry for the delay

Sorry for the delay in posting.  Everything is going well, but time seems to be short these days.  We are all back in school.  Kim is working very hard, but likes the school.  The kids are adjusting well to the new school.  They appear to enjoy going to school and playing with the other kids in class.  Apparently, there are two siblings in Jack and Caitlin's classes with whom the kids are becoming friends.  I am enjoying CLU quite a lot.  My department is great and the students are good.  There are a few too many meetings for my taste but who wouldn't say such a thing.

The house hunting is still going.  We have found a house that we are interested in, and are in the process of buying it.  However, there are a lot of paperwork and such.  We are waiting for a few more items to be completed, but if all goes well we can move in at the end of October or Beginning of November.

First Day of School

The kids went to school for the first time today.  We all visited the school a couple of times during the summer.  Jack had met his teacher a few weeks ago, and Caitlin met her teacher at an ice cream social last week.  Caitlin did very well the whole day.  She was brave at drop off, took a nap at nap time, and played well with the other kids.  Jack had a harder time at drop off, and had a little more trouble during the day.  However, he was happy when we picked him and seems like he will have more and more fun at school each day.

More fun

   Although summer is coming to an end, we are still having fun.  We celebrated my birthday with a trip to Knott's Berry Farm with David and Betsy's family and Grandma and Papa Gizmo.  It was very hot, but there were almost no lines which made for a great day.  Grandma Gizmo went on the log ride for the first time with Caitlin holding her hand. It made Caitlin happy to be able to help Grandma Gizmo, although I do not think Grandma Gizmo wants to go on the ride again.  Jack went on several rides with Caitlin by his side.  He went on the airplane ride, a truck ride, and a roller coaster.  They both really liked the roller coaster.

When we are in Carpinteria we spend a lot of time outside.  The kids have enjoyed playing in the little pool.  They also seem to be getting attached to the Oreo and Scout.  They look forward to putting the dogs down for bed every night.

Jack Pushing Chris Around

If you have not met Jack, let me tell you he can be a little stubborn.  I can not recall what he wanted to do on his own, but he makes it clear that he does not want Uncle Chris's help.

Parties

 We are having a good time here in California.  We are staying with Grandma and Papa Gizmo while we find a new place to live.  Our house in Spokane is in the process of being sold.  We found a house we liked, but lost the bid to a higher buyer.  We are hopefully that the right house shows up soon.  Meanwhile, we are having a lot of parties and going to the beach.  The girls enjoyed a fancy tea party in the backyard with all the trimmings including hats.  Yesterday was Kim's birthday.  It was a sunny day for us to celebrate at the beach and out for dinner.  Perhaps now that we are into August "June Gloom" might be coming to an end.