Homeschool

 Here is Violet's first semi-official school photo.

Off and on for the last 5 days, she's been attending Homeschool, with Miss Cora as her teacher.

This was all Cora's idea; she set up a school one afternoon in the hallway, and David and Chris came over to help. Later, Cora moved her school into the playroom. She set up two desks (AKA the cardboard houses for Safari and Muffin) and a reading area, and put up a calendar and number chart.

Violet took right to this, and has been a very willing pupil.

 Cora taught Violet about the seasons, in a very scholarly manner: "Violet, what comes first? Winter, or summer?"

 Cora also tried to teach Violet about writing letters, after asking me to get her a dry-erase board and marker.

 Cora really relished reading to Violet before her naptimes over the weekend.

 We had been promising to take Cora ice-skating since she got a free entry from the library over the summer. This Sunday, she and I sneaked away for a few hours of fun.

I love doing things like this with my girl, when we're able to. She always impresses me on the rink - she's careful and cautious at the start, and builds to skating quite well, with decent speed. She falls quite a bit, but always gets right back up without any tears or whining.

While we were out, Stace worked on his MG while encouraging Violet to return to her nap. Sadly she hasn't fallen asleep once since we moved her to her toddler bed (though she has been doing much better at night, falling asleep by 8:30 most nights).

Stace has done quite a bit of work on the MG over the past month. He's focusing on some minor body work at the moment, and cleaning up the wheels.

On Sunday evening, we Skyped with the Roberts for the first time. It was great seeing their beautiful new house and huge green back yard. The kids really enjoyed talking to each other face to face, too.

Church Fun

 Our church again spearheaded the SCV Million Meals event this weekend, where hundreds of volunteers packaged thousands of meals for hungry children worldwide. While we waited for our turn to help with the bags of "chicken, spice, lentils, rice," the girls decorated the boxes the meals will be sent in, through relief organization Children of the Nations.

 On Sunday, Valencia Methodist hosted a block party, with free hot dogs, cupcakes and slushies, water slides and face painting. Since we do Pioneer Clubs, Vacation Bible School and the moms' group at this church, we have lots of friends there. Cora and Lucas had fun on the slides, of course, as did Liana and Violet.

 Speaking of Pioneer Clubs, it started up again this week, as did the moms' group. Violet is a Skipper this year! Our friend Morgan is her teacher, and I know she will have a great year. Walking in from the parking long, she announced, "I love church! I love learning about Jesus."
She was the lucky girl chosen to take home mascot Skippy for the first week. Skippy had trouble keeping his tongue to himself!

 Violet was excited to be on stage for the singing and dancing, and rushed to find Cora.

See Cora's vest? She's moved up and is a Voyager this year. We were glad to discover she is in the same class as her friend Talitha, with two mom/teachers in charge of the class who we know and like.

Growing up

Violet is officially a preschooler. She had her first day at Terrific Tots with Ms. Diane on Monday, with 17 new 3-year-old friends.

She was a little nervous in the morning before we went, but as soon as we got to the classroom she jumped right in, playing with toys. Later she said that the art projects were her favorite part of class.

I was certainly flashing back to Cora's days in Tots, first when I was still pregnant with Violet, and later with tiny baby Vi.

And really, it wouldn't do for a preschooler to still sleep in a crib, now would it?

On Saturday, we rearranged the garage and brought down the toddler bed. After a good wash, Cora and Violet moved the pieces into the house and moved the crib out of the way. (Yes, Cora and Violet moved the crib out of the way, before we even knew what they were doing!)

For Violet's first night in her big-girl bed, Cora asked to have a sleepover in her room. Violet had been sleeping on Cora's trundle for the previous several nights while Stace and I were away, so they must have really enjoyed sharing a room.

 We've been reading stories in Violet's room at night, too.

Cora fell asleep long before Violet, who has been loving her newfound freedom. Sadly, this also means she hasn't slept during naptime since the crib left her room.

Violet likes her new bed, though she actually said she was sad to say good-bye to her crib. As were her parents!

(And not just for sentimentality - let's just say it will be good when the novelty of "no bars" wears off and Violet stays in bed after lights-out!)

Now, for a couple of Violetisms...

Violet added a meerkat to her Beanie Baby "clips" collection, these cute stuffed toys sold at CVS that she admires every time we shop there.
We discussed new names, since its given name, Rebel, wasn't that appealing: Millie, like her "Millie the Meerkat" book, or maybe Molly.
Not good enough.
"That's a weird name. His name is Haleela," she said, using a classic created by Cora when she was three.

And Cora and Violet were talking about something or other, and Cora laughed at something Violet said.
"Stop laughing," Violet told her.
"But you're so funny," Cora protested.
"I'm not so cute. I'm not a bunny," Violet responded with a sulk.

Week of fun

 We met up with Melanie and Heather in Burbank this week; first at the mall play area, and then we headed to Ikea for browsing and lunch.

Heather will be a big sister at the end of October! Melanie is all aglow; hopefully we can get together a few more times before their second little girl joins the family.

 Sliding Heather's precious Monkee was fur for a few giggle-filled minutes.

 Later Tuesday, we got our weekly ice cream treat. Both girls carried their kitty purses: Violet's Hello Kitty bag was a gift from Nan and Pop, and Cora bought herself the pink and black bag with her own money from Target.

She was very excited about it - "It fits my purpose and my interests," she said enthusiastically, apparently parroting a phrase used by her first-grade teacher.

Back to School Night was Thursday, when Stace and I got to meet Cora's teacher and learn how her class operates this year. We are impressed! And, Cora's already made an impression: she is one of six in her class to already have learned every 1st grade sight word. We were so proud and amazed when we saw her name on the wall as a "Clever Cookie," in August!

Cora had a day off from school Friday, and when Violet went to nap, Cora played in her secret hideout in the playroom, and promptly fell asleep! Shocking!

On Friday evening, we went to Scooter's Jungle for a bit of family fun, in someone else's air conditioning. It's hot!

Then we headed to Wendy's for dinner. Earlier in the week, we all wrote down a dinner choice on a slip of paper, and drew a name from a hat. Violet's pick won out. Frosties - yum!

Summer without the Roberts

It's been 10 weeks since we last saw our dear friends, the Roberts. I found this photo a couple of weeks ago; it's from one of our last days together, when Ave and my girls had a tea party while I packed for England and Genia packed for their big move. 

Genia and John and the kids are settling into their new life in Montana, and we are adjusting to life without them living down the block. It hasn't been easy; Stace has to get his own beer when watching the kids play in the front yard. But, I am glad to say I shed most of my tears between January (when John got the job) and June, when we said good-bye. 

We're getting used to seeing a different truck in their old driveway, though I still half-expect to see one of them when I'm coming home up the paseo from the pool.

Cora and Violet still talk about Ave, Johnny and Owen nearly every day, and Cora in particular has had her sad moments of missing her best friends. (The Union Jack ring she's wearing is a friendship ring Ave left her as a gift.) Today, she said she "can't handle it" anymore.

When we first returned from England, the girls sent a package of gifts, along with notes and paintings. Periodically, they think of other things to give their friends, like a toy car or train for the boys, or a piece of jewelry or lip gloss for Ave.

When we were having mango the other day, Violet commented that Owen likes mango, and she wanted to send him some.

A couple of days later, we had a similar conversation.

Violet: "Do we have any mango? I need to cut up some mango."

Lisa: "We don’t have any mango."

Violet: "I need to cut up something for Owen."

Lisa: "We can’t send mango to Owen."

Later that day, obviously still dwelling on the subject, Violet came out with: "I don’t know what Owen does for me. Does he make me a dollhouse?"

Earlier this month, Violet told me, "Yesterday, Owen heared a blue bunny, a BLUE one."
I called her a chatterbox, and she replied, "No, I'm not. I never boxed anyone!" After laughing, she added, "Ave and Johnny got their boxes on their head! They're a goofball." 
Owen also shows up in Violet's dreams. Recently we heard her in the night yelling about it being "HER kitty"; in the morning she told me she dreamed Owen helped her find a red-and-white kitty toy that was hers.
And randomly, Violet told me today that she needed "a map. A map of Montana!"
 

Between texts, Facebook, phone calls and email, Genia and I are keeping in touch well. It's not as good as chatting over coffee and muffins after school dropoff, while Owen and Violet bicker play; but I'll take what I can get.

It's harder for the children since they can't play together in person, but they have had a few happy phone conversations as well. (After speaking to them on the phone, Violet said, "I had a competition with Miss Genia!")
Cora's enjoyed emailing Ave and Johnny, too.

I kept our summer pretty busy to help distract us, with lots of activities and playdates with other friends. That's why we had Cora in summer camp, though in the end we probably could have kept her home and she would have enjoyed the free time. We are all so grateful for Chris and David next door; Cora and Violet love playing with them, too.

We're also thankful that Cora's off school for a full week in November; we will be heading to Montana to celebrate Thanksgiving in Billings!

Weekend work and play

With the addition of a second car into the garage, some things had to go.

The extra guest mattresses went to the playroom - Stace says this isn't their permanent home. The lawnmower and other lawn equipment went to the patio, while we waited for the right time to build a storage shed.

This weekend, Stace shopped around and decided upon this perfectly sized plastic shed, for which he made a place next to the trash cans. Because that area floods when we get a heavy rain, he used gravel and bricks to build up a base to keep water out.

Our helper extraordinaire proved to be super helpful once more. She moved all the bricks from the driveway to the backyard, brought back the shed pieces, and helped screw it together too.

For an hour or so, the girls had great fun in the empty shed playing house, or "daughter," as they call it. Violet is always the daughter, Cora is always the mom.

The finished product; the green waste, recycling and waste bins fit perfectly next to it.













Somehow, not long after playing in the shed, we heard screaming from the bedroom. Stace rushed in to help - after grabbing the camera first, of course.
How does one get stuck in a laundry basket, anyway?

The highlight of our weekend was meeting our new niece via Skype: sweet Olivia Grace, beautiful and tiny and all of 6 days old on Sunday. We can't wait to hold you in person!

Congratulations again to Dean and Jenny on their precious daughter, and to Euan on becoming a big brother!

Week in review

 We're getting into our new school groove, with Cora now in school until 2:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Our neighbor Toni, Chris and David's grandma, has been kind enough to bring Cora home in the afternoons, so Violet can still get a decent-length nap.

On Fridays, Cora's out at noon; it's such a treat to still have lunch together once a week with both of my girls.

Violet's preschool program and Mom2Mom don't start until September, so Violet and I are doing our own thing each day until lunch- and naptime. Morning walks, the park, grocery shopping, house-cleaning - the normal stuff.

On Tuesday morning, Miss Carol offered a storytime, and Shannon and Sarah came along, too. The theme was "A Bug Hunt," and the girls listened to bug stories, made bug hats and then hunted for bugs.

 After the story, Violet had a haircut. As her curls have grown longer, we've had more trouble brushing through them, and she actually asked to have it cut.

 More manageable, and she still has her sweet curls.

 This week Cora (finally) earned 20 marbles, enough for a treat. Since she's gotten into Legos, I got out a new-to-her bucket of Legos for her to play with. She was thrilled.

It literally took Cora all summer to earn the marbles, because she'd get close to 20, and then lose three or four at a time by being mouthy. Stace and I were wondering if marbles were still a good motivator, but her joy over earning the Legos seems to have answered that.

Cora's homework project for her first full week of school was to make a "Flat Cora," a paper doll representing herself. Her school models the project on the Flat Stanley book series, and in the spring the paper dolls will be mailed to other families.

So far, Cora is doing well with school each day. She's had more good mornings than bad, and she's enjoyed having lunch at school with her friends. This transition seems to be going a lot easier than getting used to school last year.

Camarillo Day

 Nearly a year ago, we made plans with our friends Rob and Michelle to visit them in Camarillo and go with them to the Camarillo Air Show.

Fast forward till last week, when Stace flew to England to be with his Nan, and our ideas about the Air Show went out the window.

But, amazingly, Stace flew home Friday night and got such a great night's sleep, he was happy and excited to head out to the airplanes on Saturday.

At top, we have the unmistakeable Mustang, powered by the mighty Rolls Royce Merlin engine, which is famously used in the Spitfire.

With this Mustang's cowling removed, the Merlin engine is on show.

 Here's a late-model Supermarine Spitfire waiting on the flight line.

 This is a modern air race plane, with a lovely classical design.

 A variety of tractors were also on display, including this lovely restored Ford.

Stace and I had a great afternoon together, watching the flying and the aerobatics. The weather was lovely, about 80 degrees, compared to the toasty upper 90s at home.








Michelle and Rob weren't able to go to the Air Show with us, but Michelle was generous enough to invite Cora and Violet to come over for the day.


They both had a great time playing with Brooke. They had lunch, played outside on the swing Rob built, watched a movie, and created beds for fairy houses.Brooke's friend Kambria also came over for a bit. Later, Rob took them on rides in his go-kart and modified Barbie jeep, with the super-fast high-powered battery.

Later, Michelle served us all dinner and dessert. She and Rob have become special friends to our family, and I'm glad we can see them even though they've moved out of the SClarita area.

Family Times

 While I was in England, I was able to spend a little bit of time with my nephew Euan.

Along with my parents and Jenny, we went to Nine Springs park and then went for a swim in Yeovil Pool.

My mum takes care of Euan on Thursdays, so I was able to spend more time with him then, around visiting my Nan at the hospital. He helped me and Pop finish off the new fence we put up down the side of the garden.

Euan will very soon have a new sister or brother. Jenny is less than two weeks away from her due date.













I was greeted at the airport on my return home by my lovely family. Cora and Violet had made me a "Welcome Home Dad" sign complete with a helicopter and meerkat.

It was so nice to give them both a big hug, as I missed them dearly.

A Surprising Trip Home

I've been having happy reunions and sad goodbyes with my family for ten years since I took the leap and began my Californian adventure.
Over the years the goodbyes have become harder. Ten years ago my Nan, Mary, came to Valencia for my wedding and then visited again the following year. Over the years as we have all aged, Nan's health has declined. She now lives in a nursing home and has trouble walking. In the last few months she has had minor heart attacks and lung problems. At the beginning of August, Nan went into hospital again. She had had another heart attack and had difficulty breathing.
On Friday, I received a call from my Mum and Dad that I have been dreading for years. It was time for me to go home and see my Nan. Her condition had worsened and things did not look good.
I booked a flight to London and flew home without Lisa and the girls on Saturday, arriving on Sunday. My good friend Andy drove me home from the airport to Martock.
I visited Nan at the hospital and to my great surprise, her condition had improved; she was sitting up in a chair and looked really pleased to see me.
She is an incredible lady. She is strong and determined, wanting to meet Dean and Jenny's new baby when he or she is born in a few weeks. She never complains about her situation or feels sorry for herself. She is an example to all her family and we are incredibly proud of her.
I spent the next few days at the hospital chatting to my Nan about everything and anything. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to tell her how I feel about her, how much I her love and how grateful I am for all the things she ever did for us.
On Thursday it was time to say farewell again. It was a very emotional time. I hope and pray that this was not our last goodbye. I hope she continues to surprise us all. If this was our final kiss goodbye, she knows how I feel about her, and I know how she loves me and all of her family.
On Friday night I was back in Valencia following a lovely welcome home from my beautiful wife and gorgeous girls at the airport.
My thoughts remain with my Nan, who I hope will be able to go home soon, and with my Mum, Dad, Dean and Jenny.

Me and Nan, June 2013.