Last soccer game

Julien had his last soccer game this last weekend. Soccer was more difficult this time round. Between all the strep throat and the rain, Julien missed a lot of games. But still it was fun. And all the kids are getting to be better players.

Goodbye Nigel, Helen and Ellie

Nigel, Helen and Ellie are moving to New Zealand this summer. We will miss them! They had a fun going away party at a neighbors house. Julien was excited to see that his friend Alex, from the bus, was there. It was a pool party, but it was a bit cooler than expected. Still, Alex and Julien went swimming. And then it was impossible to keep Sebastian back, so Sebastian and I joined them. Sebastian was so enthusiastic he made it worthwhile, but it was a little cold.

Afterwards, Alex played the piano for us and Sebastian joined in.

Sebastian charms Ada

Sebastian was fascinated by Ada. He worked hard to charm her. He was, however, a bit possessive when Ada shared his toys.

Sebastian enjoyed Kevin

Ada

We had Lane, Kevin and Ada over this last weekend. It had been a while so we were happy to see them. Ada is adorable and remarkably content! Kevin and Lane must be doing something right...

At the park

Afterwards, we played at the park.

Julien rides a bike

For the first time this last weekend, Julien rode a bike without training wheels. It wasn't easy, and I would admit that Richard and I both lost patience at times (and it didn't help that Sebastian cried and pointed at Julien's bike exclaiming, "Mine! Mine!"), but finally Julien was successful. And very excited.

Trading Pokemon cards with Cedric

Hidden court yard

After the ceremony we went out into the special hidden courtyard. All the kids loved the pond. Julien said they had never been out there before.

Kindergarten Graduation

Julien graduated from kindergarten. It was cute how nervous they all were. Julien was the only one smiling, and even that was a nervous, self-conscious smile. The kids were very careful that their hats did not fall off. All the parents were there, frantically taking photos and video taping the ceremony.

Julien was very proud, as well he should be.

Volcano cake

It was an incredible cake, complete with dry ice as smoke and sparkling candles. You can see what Julien thought of it!

Sebastian at the party

Sebastian joined us after his nap.

Science Birthday

Julien's friend Isaac had a science birthday last weekend. It was an amazing party with lots of cool experiments. Julien was thrilled.

The mom went overboard, but the kids LOVED it. Jello petri dishes, dry ice, color experiments, miniature volcanoes, etc.

Newspaper Dinosaurs

At the school we saw displays of artwork and projects from Julien's class. Julien's dinosaur is the big red one in the center.

It was fun seeing Julien in his element. He liked showing us around the school. Lots of kids new him, and not just kindergartners. A few older girls yelled out, "Hi Julien!"

Learning Festival

This last Saturday we went to University Elementary's Learning Festival. It was a large affair. Most schools have a school carnival, University has a Learning Festival. It was fun, international booths with African outfits kids could try on, t-shirt painting, Brazilian dancing, Italian pot painting, etc. Julien and Sebastian made a couple rain forest animal key chains which Julien has worn attached to his belt loop every day this week. Julien was very excited about the "bicycle rodeo." We brought Julien's bike. It starts with a session about bike safety and then the kids go around and around the track (which included wood beams to ride over, stop signs, etc). The guy running it told Julien he is ready to take off his training wheels. We agree.

Strep

As for a health update, Julien and I both have strep again, and this time Sebastian has it too. Richard is the only one that hasn't had it. Hopefully he won't get it. It's no fun.

Happy dog

Happy Sebastian

Sebastian loves Emmett. And loves to say Emmett's name. He often looks for Emmett and talks about him. At school, if Sebastian is upset they ask him about Emmett to distract him. I guess it usually works!

Cute dog

On the deck

Outside

When it hasn't been raining (It's been very wet lately), we have been spending a lot of time outside. Julien is outside as often as possible. Emmett has been enjoying hanging out attached to a post outside.