Beating the heat

Fortunately, this week we got a reprieve from the mid-90 degree weather that we had had last week. Our neighbors must have been blasting their AC's, because we had brownouts two days in a row last week. The first time, it was already bedtime and the kids enjoyed an excuse to break out the flashlights, but the second time, it was right in the middle of dinnertime. Without an easy way to reheat food, Nik and I opted to take the kids out for dinner at Costco.

Pizza making is a spectator sport

Summer means longer days and warm weather. Therefore, we've been taking the opportunity to spend even more time outdoors with the kids, be it in parks or in our own backyard. We went on a little hike at Alum Rock Park and we were so proud of Kai, who walked most of the way on his own. Of course, having the extra incentive of trying to reach the playground at the end of our walk didn't hurt. :)

The look of determination

We went to check out the new playground which opened at the Berryessa Community Center.

And of course, we've spent plenty of time in the backyard.

Nik was testing out the sprinklers and the kids just couldn't resist

Sora: "Bowling is a piece of cake!" (when you use your hands to knock over the pins)

Our little gardener at work

Kai has enjoyed the deluge of presents he received for his birthday, though we rationed the presents and had him open only one a day.

Paint sets..

.. a water gun..

.. and a Totoro backpack!

After Sora saw Kai's Totoro backpack, she insisted on wearing a "backpack" of her own, so we had her carry her stuffed elephant on her back.

Our Sundays are routine. Bagels for breakfast at church.

Sometimes joining our church friends for lunch after service. We don't go all the time since it's always such a challenge to get the kids to eat well while dining out.. although for some reason, lollypops are not a problem. :P

Head over to my parents' house and then it's naptime in the car! (for everyone)

Play at Po Po and Gung Gung's house until it's bedtime.

Since Kai has turned three, he likes to say, "I three, I big boy now," and likes to boss Sora around accordingly. Although Sora may or may not listen to his well-intentioned brotherly advice.

So proud of his works of art

Enjoying the "stay and play" after library storytime

Sora babbles all the time and although what she's trying to communicate is clear to herself, it's not always clear to us. She gravitates toward Frozen (she loves "Let It Go") and calls all princesses or princess-like characters "Anna," but also loves Mater from Pixar's Cars. Sora likes to do everything Kai does and follows him around the playground trying to do everything he does; we joke that even though Sora is only one and a half, she thinks she's three.

Sora kept pointing to the counter while saying "doggie," it took a while for us to realize that she was referring the brownies on the counter. She obviously mixed this up with Po Po's Brownie. :P

"Selfie!" (does this mean Nik and I are in for trouble?)