52 : 25 (part 7)

Labor Day is the official end of summer, and even though school just started two weeks ago Ewan got the Friday before the holiday off as well so we hit the road for Mammoth. K loves nature and has been waiting for the kids to be old enough to camp and fish so he was thrilled, although I did insist on the comforts of a hotel. While all that Ewan caught when he was fishing was himself he had a good time at the Lake - he also loved the hotel pool, horseback riding, watching "The Night at the Museum", and having his first ever soda (root beer at Mammoth Brewing Company)... he also learned how to tie his shoes!

Darby 18/52 v5

Darby in her natural habitat surrounded by Ariels, Care Bears, and unicorns for a pre-bedtime tea party... hopefully she is serving decaf.

52 : 24 (part 7)

Sixth day of school, eight tooth lost at his desk!

Darby 17/52 v5

Each night after tuck in we hear Darby talking in her room, it took a bit before we realized she is "reading" to herself. When we wander in for a final kiss before we go to sleep she is often snuggled up with the book, "National Geographic's First Big Book of Dinosaurs" is the favorite this week.

52 : 23 (part 7)

This week Ewan conquered the monkey bars, his summer goal achieved right before the start of first grade! This week's picture is Ewan at bedtime the night before he started first grade, hugging his best bud Camo and excited about the new school year.

Darby 16/52 v5

The McDonald family has an annual Christmas party and this year Kevin's cousin Heather added a summer luau to the mix. It was great to spend some time with the family and the big girls were very welcoming to Darby, specifically Paige (her second cousin who is next to her in this week's photo).

Letter to Ewan - First Day of First Grade

Ewan -

How is it that today was your first day of first grade? Where did the summer go? Where did the last year go? I swear you were just starting kindergarten and I was nervously obsessing about whether your teacher would know how special you are. Oh how times have changed - today I found myself hoping you would listen, be polite, keep your hands to yourself, and be happy at pick-up.

You learned a lot in the last year, belching is your favorite and reading is mine. I learned a lot too, I learned that you are a warm hearted boy in a big body that wants to get along with everyone, but the reality is that not everyone is a good match and as we say not everyone “makes your heart happy” like you hope. I think you are right on track academically and while I worry about my lack of patience and new math I know you are at a great school with an amazing teacher so I spend more time worrying that you find your people - kids that are sensitive, kind, and creative that understand your weird imagination play or have the patience to learn. Choosing friends is a life skill that I can’t teach you, but it will mean a lot always.

According to you Mrs. R will focus on math and reading, and you are thrilled to get better at both. I hope this year offers you everything you want and need as a 6/7 year old. You are the center of our family and my most special boy, I am proud to be your Mama - burps and all.

XOXOxxxo,
Mama

52 : 22 (part 7)

It isn't every season that the Dodgers make there way to Oakland to play the A's. With Auntie M's love of the Green and Gold, and our love of the Dodgers, we knew we needed to make a night of it at the coliseum. The traffic and the loss were unfortunate, but fun with Auntie is never overrated!

CAMP UPDATE - This week Ewan enjoyed Spy Academy camp. He learned a lot about forensics and is wandering the house collecting clues and looking for fingerprints constantly. 

Darby 15/52 v5

Darby arrived at the game with an LA Dodgers hat on and within minutes she had jumped ship for her A's loving Auntie. Darby enjoyed the baseball game and while Auntie was the highlight the lemonade, french fries, and hot dogs helped!

52 : 21 (part 7)

Always overachieving... Ewan lost his seventh tooth this week, although this lateral incisor should have stayed put until closer to eight years old this almost six and a half year old was stoked for another $5!

CAMP UPDATE - Ewan went to camp at the Rec Center this week. They talked about extraterrestrials and took a field trip to the Oakland Zoo, which Ewan really wants to show Darb Darb now. 

Darby 14/52 v5

It would not be summer with out Off The Grid @ Park Presidio. Food trucks and fog, as well as some of our favorite furry (and non-furry) friends, make for a great day!