First Day of Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten

We didn't have much time to "prepare" for our first day because we had just returned from our vacation the day before. We hadn't even adjusted back to real life yet, work, school, making lunches... but it wasn't going to wait for us... it was time to go back to school.

Sascha was pretty excited to be a "Kindergartner" this year. Not much changed as far as the school, her classroom or the teacher... all of that has stayed the same since they keep the Kindergartners in the same class as the Primary Students in a Montessori school. I am so thankful for the loving environment that she feels comfortable in where she gets to learn and thrive so well for at least another year. So we didn't have to worry much about adjusting to a big school, new teacher and new students, she ran right in, just like she always did... yet something felt a bit different. She seemed older, more mature, excited to be called a big kid... I don't know what it was, but my heart ached a little bit. It didn't seem real to me, my first little baby? a Kindergartner  Sure we may repeat the same for next year since that's when she'll officially be of age, but it's still pretty difficult to swallow... wasn't she just born? a tiny little munchkin at 6lbs that came home with us... yes that was almost 5 years ago!
Here are a few photos on her first day of school before we left the house.

The night before... we read a special book

Family Vacation to Florida

We have been looking forward to this trip for a while, as most of our trips. This one was the longest yet, 9 nights away to visit Jeromey's side of the family. Sascha had a week off school so we were very excited to all get to spend time together and away from home. This was the kids first trip that required us to fly and Sascha was beyond excited. Ever since we booked the tickets in June, she's known that she will get to be on an airplane and fly to Florida to see aunt Sarah. I knew she would do fine on the plane, Cameron on the other hand I worried about. We didn't have to buy him a ticket, so I knew he'd be sitting on our lap the whole time, and somehow we'd have to entertain him for 3 and half hours and then again for another hour and half, not to mention the layover. We totally survived. It wasn't super easy or anything, but totally doable. Cameron   didn't want to get in the stroller as we were getting ready to board the plane, and Sascha gave him her little bear and he instantly calmed down, then when it was time to get out of the stroller and walk into the plane, he freaked out too. So I had to pick him up, and carry him in. Yes I totally felt like "that" family getting on the plane with a crying baby, having everyone stare at me. Luckily once we sat down and got settled into our seats, I quickly searched for the pacifier (no we haven't weaned him yet! I purposely decided to wait till after the trip... and I am really glad that I did!) he calmed down instantly and never really cried again. We were pretty well prepared with snacks and goodie bags for each one and it kept them busy just about the whole time.

We landed safely in Panama City where Sarah met us at the airport with a "Lewis Family Sign" and we were on our way to aunt Maria & uncle Mike's house in Niceville a little more than an hour away. They had just finished moving into their new big house and were gracious enough to let us stay with them. It was kind of a home away from home because of how comfortable they made our stay. We had a home cooked  dinner 4 or 5 nights in a row. Sascha especially loved how everyone sat together at the table. I didn't realize it until she asked one of the nights when we didn't all eat dinner together, why we're not all sitting at the table. It's amazing how kids pick up on these great little things. We hardly get a chance to all eat together every night, so I think this was definitely a special treat for them. The kids did great sleeping in a new place. The time change couldn't have been better, and allowed us to stay out till 10pm (8pm our time). Cameron even took great naps in the pack n' play if we happened to get back in time. So we really didn't have to adjust much to the time change there or when we got back.

The nine days we spent away went by too fast which is a great sign of having so much fun. We got to visit with family including Jeromey's other cousins Josh and Michael John, grandma Dottie. We did come a few days right before hurricane Isaac - yes just our luck to come during a hurricane. By the time it got to where we were, it was reduced to a Tropical Storm, so it really wasn't too big a of deal. The only trouble was things were closed, so for about 2 days we couldn't do too much stuff around the city. We made the best of it, hanging out with family at home, and still doing things outside like setting up 4 slip'n'slides together, or putting rain boots on the kids and letting them run around the deck outside.

Sarah was with us the whole time, taking us all over Destin (pretty much our personal tour guide and driver) : we visited the beach, the Gulfarium, and the parks. We went on a few nature walks which the kids especially loved and for a swim at Josh's in-laws house while briefly visiting with Josh's wife Sally. Over the weekend we got to do all sorts of fun activities like zip-lining and paddle boarding. We got to go to Tallahassee to where Sarah lives and experience an FSU football game. Our last day was actual Labor Day, which also happened to fall on our 7 year anniversary. The whole family went to the beach where we rented a few paddle boards and everyone really enjoyed paddle boarding (even the kids tried it out!), It was followed by a delicious lunch with everyone, after which Jeromey whisked me away for a couples massage and a super romantic dinner at the Beachwalk cafe in Destin. It was really one of the nicest, most romantic dinner places we've been to. I was once again surprised. I should already know that something is coming, but somehow every year he still manages to surprise me. So the family took the kids home, while we had a nice afternoon and evening to ourselves to celebrate the 7 happy years we've been married. I felt like one lucky girl!

Before we knew it we had to pack up and get ready to head back to San Diego. The morning we left we drove through some crazy rain... pretty common in Florida. I don't think I've ever driven through a downpour like that. Pretty scary! Roads were getting flooded, and  The weather itself was pretty darn hot, and sticky! I don't think the weather agreed with me, especially on the zip-lines! I was very happy to get back to San Diego weather, although for some odd reason we had a few very humid days shortly after we came home. Strange how it followed us home.

It's always sad to leave, and we all had such a wonderful time together making many memories that we will surely remember for years to come.

We had a ton of awesome pictures, and I hope to make a Vacation book of them soon, but here are a few favorites.

Sascha - 4 1/2

So you actually turned 4 and half in June, so this post is a bit overdue... as most of my posts are lately.

I am definitely seeing a big difference having you be 4 and 1/2 years old. You are getting more mature, you understand so much more. You are much more independent. We'll ask you to put your PJ's on and get ready for bed while we are busy with Cameron and you will cooperate. Or in the morning if you're not too grumpy and tired (big IF), you will get dressed yourself, go potty and brush your teeth. You're not a morning person by any measure, and this you definitely took after your parents, since neither one of us likes to wake up early. You are also able to buckle and unbuckle yourself in the car seat. Yay independence!

You love working on projects and crafts, and you are so proud to show them off after you're done. So much that we've dedicated a whole wall with little clips for you to display the things you'd like to show. You like writing your name and can do it without any help, and now even ask how to spell things out. You wanted to make a card for your aunt Sarah, and you asked how do I spell "I love you Sarah!"?. So I spelled it out, and you wrote it on a card for her to take to Florida when we come for a visit. It was pretty cute. You have a bad habit of writing from right to left, so I usually remind you where to begin, and you take it from there. You're also doing very well with numbers, counting to 30, 30, 50 and on, and I am starting to see some worksheets at school where you're doing some simple addition. You're not as interested in doing worksheets at home. I bought a book of them, and while the first few times you seemed excited to work on them, the novelty quickly wore off. Which is fine, I am ok at doing fun stuff at home, especially since it seems like you're working your little tush off at school. Montessori is no joke. You come home and tell me  "Mommy, I worked really hard today", "Miss Heather was very proud of me".

You did get lots of fun playtime this summer. You got to take a music class every Friday, along with Tumble Bus on Wednesdays. Every thursday the school had splash day, and on Fridays there were lots of special guests like the magician, or pony rides. Pretty fun stuff!

We are super excited for you to be considered in "Kindergarden" this year. After much discussion with your teacher, we came to the conclusion that it will be a good challenge for you, and since there is not a huge change as far as the classroom or teacher, it wouldn't be a difficult transition by any means. We do have a decision to make for next year to either continue on with the Montessori 1st grade or repeat Kindergarden at a public school, but we decided that we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now I think you're pretty happy about it.

The things we love...
We love watching you be gentle and caring with your little brother. Yes those sweet moments, when it gets really quite in the house and I go to check on your guys and get to peek at you playing together so nicely.
When you ask us to pick you up from school. Or when you notice that daddy is not home in the morning, and get sad that you didn't get to see him before going to school. How you reason and negotiate with us. How you want to be a part of the conversation, and you want everyone to be involved. How you love dancing and goofing around. How you love making Cameron laugh even if we ask you to stop doing what you're doing because it might be dangerous.
We discovered you in Cameron's room at 9:45 at night, lights on, and you're reading to him on the floor while he's standing up in his crib happy as a clam. We were downstairs relaxing and had no idea you two decided to have a late night party until we heard noises. Pretty funny stuff! Walking out of his room, you said "I told him that if he doesn't go to sleep he will be very tired". As if this whole thing was his idea!

Here is a favorite photo that I took while you were looking up at the big fish in an aquarium.
We love you little munchkin!

4th of July Festivities

We started off with a mini-neighborhood parade.
Then we were off to swim lesson for Sascha and her little friend Lauren, a quick nap, and were were off to a BBQ at Beegley's house with your friend Nathan and Sadie.
Busy and fun day! We actually watched the fireworks the night before so that we wouldn't have to stay up too late trying to find a place to watch them on the actual 4th of July considering that it fell on Wednesday this year. We still got to watch it with our neighbors and lots of our friends and their kids. Both Sascha and Cameron loved them. Cameron sat on my lap and didn't move the whole time.

Considering we had no plans for the 4th until only a few days before, it turned out to be a very fun filled day for our family. A bit sad that we didn't get a family photo of all of us, but I did get a few at the parade :)

Back yard campout with friends

This June was our 2nd annual Campout at the Smith's place. Such a great idea, so much fun for the kids, and great memories were definitely made. We ended up sharing a tent with Amber's family since their tent was huge, so we didn't even have to break out ours. The kids started off by making "pet rocks", played at the water table, hiked up the back yard slope and searched inside the treasure box filled with gems and fake bugs, which was at the top of the hill. We had a delicious pot luck dinner, followed by s'mores. Both Sascha and Cam loved the s'mores. It was Cameron's 1st s'more and Sascha had 2! It was time for Cameron to go to sleep which he did without much trouble, while the older kids put on head lamps and went to "explore" on a night hike.

Sascha had her sleeping bag and went to sleep without any problems (such a big girl!). She wasn't scared like last year when we had to convince her that it would be fun. This time around she was excited.

A few of us stayed up and chatted around the fire before calling it a night. Good times!
Cameron woke up unusually early, probably since he's not really used to sleeping outside. We enjoyed breakfast and a nice swim in the pool before heading back home (less than a mile away from the Smith's).
Always so much fun, and after this Sascha has asked so many times "Daddy, can we go exploring today?"

Somehow I failed to get any photos of us as a family, must remember to do a better job next time.

But Here are a few of all the kiddos and our tent set up.

Cameron enjoying a piece of pizza with Kingston and Kasia in the wagon


Sascha and Paloma sitting on a bench inside the garden


Kids patiently waiting around the fire to get their turn at making a s'more


Here is one of all the girls and the kiddos around the camp fire


Here is an awesome video that our friend Herbie made

Enjoying the small things

I have been following Kelle Hampton's blog for some time. Something draws me to it, I get inspired to go out and do more things with my kids, to be more creative, more patient, to live each day to it's fullest. Yes it sounds a bit cliche, but it's true in so many ways. It's no secret I feel guilty to be a working mom, the fact that I don't always get to pick up my kids from school, and do all the things I want to do with them on a daily basis, but I think we do our best, and make the best of the time we do spend together.


I read this article today written by Kelle, and I decided I must have it on my blog TODAY. It doesn't matter than I have about 5 or 6 unfinished blog posts waiting for photos or just time in general to sit down and finish them. I had to do this one now. I want to remember these 6 things to follow.


1.Create Mantras!

I create new mantras every year and I repeat them to myself whenever I need to hear them. After Nella was born, I owned the word "Capable." I whispered "You are capable" to myself, I wrote about it, I believed it, I lived it. This year, I remind myself to "Breathe Compassion." I practice it with my husband, my children, my friends and when I'm ever faced with negativity, it helps so much to know that I am in control of my own response, and I can always be compassionate.

2.Give Room for the Low Points!

As a naturally positive person, my first response to feeling sad or discouraged is often to push those feelings away. But then they just dwell and build. I've learned to give a little hug to all of my emotions, to be aware of what I am feeling and take ownership of what I can do about it. Crying is good sometimes. So is sharing a vulnerable moment with a friend. And then, I move on.

3.Tell What-Ifs to Take a Hike!

Dwelling about all the bad things thatcould happen in life is pointless and destructive. I am a far more productive person when I believe the best and when I don't waste time worrying. Do challenges lie ahead for all of us? Most likely, yes. But I know I am equipped to handle them. My dad always tells me, "Don't let your worries for tomorrow rob you of the joys of today." There is so much truth in that statement.

4.Enjoy the Small Things!

It started as the title of my blog for me, and it's become a way of life. I am very aware of all the things in our life that make it rich, and I make time to think about them, talk about them, write about them. We tend to think big and flashy for the rock star phrase "Rock your life," but really it's about the little moments. Make time for fun and friends. Drink good coffee, cook with the good dishes. Find a signature perfume and own it, splurge on flowers. Let your kids help you bake and don't worry about the mess. Tell people you love them. Read to your kids. Sleep under the stars. Plan trips. Don't ever be too old to skip.

5.Dream Big!

Talk about your dreams—places you want to go, jobs you'd love to have, people you want to meet. My friends and I play a game called the "If" game, based on a book called "The Book of If." I used to take that book everywhere, pulling it out and asking questions like "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?" "If you could have any job, what would it be?" Not only is this a fun way to learn more about people, but it makes us realize "What are we waiting for? Who says we can't do these things now?" Write your dreams down and look at them frequently. Find ways to create action plans for the ones that are important to you.

6.Do Something for Someone Else!

Always. Think about others and find ways to help, encourage, be there for people. It's life changing. It's empowering. It affects you just as much as it does the person you are helping.

Obviously these aren't my ideas, but they ring so true for us. I agree 100% with every single one of them, and want to remind myself everyday to live by these simple principles. 

So this Saturday we "Enjoyed the small things" and loved every moment of it. We had a spur the moment idea to grab the kids and go to the beach. Yes it's less than 15 minutes away from us, and we just don't do it enough. The kids didn't even have dinner. I quickly sat them down with a few random things to eat, and some packed snacks and we were headed out the door! My parents joined us too. I am pretty sure they had just as much fun as the kids. 

We set up our blanket and a few chairs and walked barefoot for as long as we could with running in and out of water. At first both Cameron and Sascha weren't too excited to be touching the cold water, but then it became fun! We'd run towards it, and as a wave would come in, we'd start running away. Both of them were wearing clothes and they both got wet. 

Sascha, Baba and I collected fun shells and pretty rocks and put them into a mason jar until there was no more room. We got back to our blanket, had a quick snack and it was time to head home. I loved every minute of it, their sandy dirty feet, messy hands, all totally worth it. 

I love that they are holding hands here... even though it lasted a few seconds and they couldn't' wait to get free to run around

I love this photo of Cameron's sandy feet, even though his face is funny in it because I had just given him some crackers to snack on. I love our San Diego weather and living so close to the Torrey Pines beach. I love to watch and enjoy these sweet times between daddy and Sascha (she wanted to hold his hand or my hand while we walked), I love her sweet innocent smile and the hair in the wind, while she holds on tight to a jar full of shells. We went home and spent another hour washing and organizing them the next day. I love, love, love my  family and these precious little moments we get to spend together.