Last class of summer dance

Today is the last day of summer dance lesson.  The class was held in the theater so all parents have a chance to watch.  Ms. Christie complimented Haley for her posture.  In the past, Ms. Christie mentioned that Haley hardly talks to her.  Haley didn't even answer when she called roll.  Surprisingly, Haley raised her hand high and responded loudly "here!" today during class time.  She even introduced Chester to Ms. Christie, telling her that he is her little brother.  Haley is never a talker with others.  I am working on encouraging her to talk and voice out what she wants to others.  Still a long way, but I see Haley is having progress in getting comfortable to talk to other people.  Fall session will continue in two weeks.

Ring around the rosie

Haley loves to sing and dance with the song "Ring around the Rosie".  Many times she will ask everyone, including mommy, daddy, and grandparents to join in.  We hold hand-in-hand, sing and dance together.  Haley and Chester really bring harmony and love to our family.

Post-dinner walk

Daylight is getting shorter as summer is ending soon.  We finished dinner early and went out to the nearby playground.  Chester loves the slides at the park more than the one at our home because the ones in the park are not as smooth, so he won't bump his bottom off the slide.

 Haley has confidence to ride her bike to the park and back home on her own.

Alphabets matching...

Made use of the bottle caps:

We made alphabets stamps with the bottle caps.  Haley loves the alphabets matching game.

Santa Cruz 2012

It has been 7 years since the last time we went to Santa Cruz Boardwalk with Canna and Gary.  Through these years, we got married and formed our own family.  It was a very different kind of beach day when we have children around.  We sure had fun, but it was exhausting.  It's well-worthy when we see our children having fun together.

Studio Grow - Take 2

Swimming achievement

Woo!  Woo!  Woo!  We had a parent teacher conference today at Haley's swimming class, Ms Desiree told us Haley achieved and passed preschool level 3.  Totally out of my expectation...  She progressed a lot in this summer session, hopefully she will continue to progress.  

An afternoon in dt Danville

AHA Heartsaver CPR

Spent 4 hours in class, finally completed the course for American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR today.  It's a great skill, but I wish I will never have to use it.  While I'm away, daddy told a picture of Haley and Chester, waiting for me to return at the door.  They are so sweet!

Making cupcakes...

Haley loves the frosting.

 Waiting waiting...

 Dig in...

Chester is showing off his stinky feet

SiLlY cRaZy dAy

It's silly crazy day at home today.  We dressed and sat our hair in a funny way.  Haley wore her shirt inside out and backward, mismatched socks and shoes, and a baby shoe as necklace.  She especially loved her hair style with pipe cleaners for decoration.  I also dressed inside out and backward.  I tided all my hair straight up like a fountain, and Chester kept looking at me in a very strange way.  He must be thinking what's up with mommy today.  I should have taken a picture of myself too.

Toilet paper roll alphabets

After days of work, we finally finished the toilet paper roll alphabets.  Haley helped to color and cut,  even Chester helped in gluing.  We had fun doing projects while reviewing the alphabets, the phonics and the Chinese words.

8th Year Wedding Anniversary

Owen and I always think about leaving the kids at the grandparents, so we can have a quiet relaxing dinner to celebrate on our wedding anniversaries.  However, we always end up going with them and give them all our focus, from where they like to go to what they like to eat.  Instead a romantic dinner plan, it becomes a family outings.  We would like their presence to share our special moments too.

Picking green beans...

We get to pick green beans in grandma's garden today.  Fresh!  Self-pick!  Organic!

Chester is dancing too.

Haley is addicted to all the music and songs she learned this summer.  She sang and danced so often that even Chester picked up some words and movements.  These songs are going to stay in our hearts for a long time.

Music camp & performance

Haley attended a music camp this week.  It is for children from four years old to 5th grade.  Haley is among the youngest in the camp.  They performed a half an hour musical on Saturday afternoon after five days of learning the songs and movements.  Teacher said Haley took some time to warm up on Monday, then she did very well from Tuesday to Thursday.  However teacher told me Haley didn't want to participate at all on the Friday.  I asked her what happened and she said it was because she was sad.  I asked why but she answered "冇得解".  Hmm, what kind of answer is that??  I think it's because I was there to volunteer for other things during the camp on both Wednesday and Thursday.  She was able to say hi to mommy when she walked pass me, so maybe she was sad that I wasn't there on Friday.  Anyways, I was very proud that Haley is not timid on stage.  She did well and the most important thing is she enjoyed the music camp and the performance.  Thanks to grandparents and Emily for coming to watch and support her.

Haley walked to recess with her lunch bag.

 Chester was excited to say hi to Haley when we picked Haley up.

At the final rehearsal.  (Haley is in the first row in yellow shirt)

San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church Elementary Music Camp presents:  

The Greatest Show on Heaven and Earth by Dennis and Nan Allen

(featuring the theme of Circus)

Pool time again...and Chester is the star for the day!

I am proud of Chester today!  He is not scared of going into the pool anymore.  He had fun splashing and cruising in the water very much today.

 Haley fell in love with this turtle float today.  She enjoyed swimming around by herself with it.  She rather used this to swim than swimming with mommy.  Sad face for me!  : (

Haley and her best friend Claire picked many cherry tomatoes from their garden.

  Washing them and can't wait to taste them.

 Yummy, juicy!  Haley loves it.

 Chester didn't care much for the tomatoes, but he loves watermelon.

Harvest of our peach tree