First Day of Kindergarten

Jacob started school this Wednesday - on August 25th. He is in the afternoon kindergarten - that meets from 11:10a to 2:30p. We chose the afternoon partially due to him being about ready to be done with afternoon napping. He is going to a school by his daycare - where he gets to walk with the other kids to daycare after school. The daycare is about 2 blocks from the school.

There are about 20 kids in his class. The morning class was in session - so we took a picture outside the door. His teacher's name is posted on top of the door - Mrs. McDaniel.

He loves recess time already - loves the jungle gym. Before his first day - he was constantly asking when he would get to go out and play on the monkey bars.

First experience in class - sitting on the number rug and listening to some class rules. He did so well sitting still with his legs crossed and hands in his lap. His name is posted at his spot on a table - with about 3 other kids sharing the table with him.

We filled out a few forms on orientation Monday night - and one of the questions asked about his strengths. We noted "verbal communication." That is an understatement! He is full of questions as always - hopefully he doesn't make his teacher crazy!

He was so ready to start school. Amazing that we have one beginning his elementary school journey - and the other is potty training and doing very well. They are growing up fast!

Summer Vacation 2010 - Los Angeles

Our annual Blair family vacation was in Los Angeles this year (many years we have gone to Lake Tahoe). Most of us drove down on Saturday, July 31st (Nana, Poppop, and Caleb left on Friday and made the trek in 2 days). It was a good drive - the boys did great! We got to the house around 3:00p that day. We went to the beach 2 days, mini golf 1 day, the association pool 1 day, Knott's Berry Farm/Magic Mountain 1 day, and relaxed the last day before heading back home the following Saturday. Here is the crew - Joey and his family (Caleb, Salma, Antonio, and Ofelia); Guy and Jackie; Jim and our family (Jim, Levi, Jacob, and Holly); and Nana and Poppop.

We didn't get many pictures in the house or the surroundings. It was located in Woodland Hills and had beautiful views. Salma and Levi hung out together most of the time. Here they are - being goofy together.

It was a great week. Along with our daily outings - we had our family dinners. For four of the nites - a family selected to make dinner for everyone. Joey and Ofelia made enchiladas, Nana and Poppop made meatloaf (which Jacob LOVED!), we made spaghetti, and Guy and Jackie made turkey. The meals were all tasty - and we only went out a few nights due to being at the theme parks and the night some of the crew went to a Dodger's game. Also - we played "Rock Band" several times on the WII - both Lego Rock Band and The Beatles Rock Band. Too much fun! We played poker 3 nights - didn't lose too much money. And - many people participated in putting together a large puzzle (not me - I couldn't find one!). Although it was a bit of a drive - LA was a good place to visit with several new memories.

Summer Vacation 2010 - Venice Beach

On Thursday we ventured to Venice Beach - where the infamous Muscle Beach is located. We shopped some - walked up the strip - and had lunch there. Lots of interesting signs with plant pictures - and letting us know "the doctor is in." Levi was much more interested in the ocean this time.

The boys running from the waves. They were having fun!

Such fun to see them experience new things!

Salma and Antonio - chillin on the beach -

Jackie getting some sun with the cousins - she was working on her "Blair burn"!

Is this not the coolest picture - Joey with Salma and Antonio - checkin out the waves?

We enjoyed this beach a bit more than Santa Monica. More gradual slope to the ocean - plus fun shopping - made the experience great.

Summer Vacation 2010 - Knott's Berry Farm

On Tuesday, Day 3 of our vacation, we went to Knott's Berry Farm. Actually, Guy, Jackie and Caleb went to Magic Mountain while the rest of us with the lil guys went to Knott's. Levi and Salma braved the first ride - while Jacob held back and took a bit to figure out what he wanted to ride. Here they are - holding hands - excited for the ride together :)

This went up and down - jerking to give their tummies a thrill. They both had a great time. Camp Snoopy is great for smaller kids.

Giggling at the fun ride.

Antonio was a bit taller - and excited by some of the bigger rides. Joey, Antonio, and Nana went on this one. Who knew my mom liked roller coasters?

Here is Nana and Joe on one of the fastest ones at the park - near the end of the day. They are both ready for the thrill.

Antonio and Joe - getting ready to swing high.

Another ride - having fun.

Jacob on his first ride - ready to go fast and have a blast.

Salma and Jacob went on this ride together. The cars went in a circle - but whipped around on the corners. Salma makes sure her hat doesn't fly off - as she shifts into Jacob. They were giggling the whole time.

Levi and Salma rode in a basket and Jacob and Holly rode in another. This was the balloon ride - that went up and down. A bit scary for Mommy - seeing Levi ride alone with Salma!

The kids got to manpower their ride - like the old time mine trains around a track. Antonio jammed around.

Salma close behind getting nudged a bit -

Jacob workin in out -

Levi bringing up the rear - but determined to finish strong.

Riding the bus - that went up and around. Levi was too small to ride by himself on a few rides - so one of us adults got to enjoy it too.

Jim rode with the kids on the tugboat ride. Fun that they all got to ride together.

Here they are waving - going up and around.

Riding on the Ferris Wheel. I didn't think too much about it - until we were high up and I realized there wasn't much keeping my lil guys in. Eek! I was ready for this one to be over.

Jacob, Levi and I are in the upper chair - Joey, Salma, and Antonio are in the lower one.

Jacob driving the truck -

Salma and Levi following close behind -

The three younger ones riding on a roller coaster. Every ride - Salma was sometimes apprehensive - but afterwards - she would always say - I want to ride that one again.

It was a great day. The weather was nice. Park wasn't too crowded until it started getting later. The lines early went really quickly. It was a perfect place for the younger four - and even Nana said she could have spent two days here. Can't wait til they are all tall enough to go on even more fun rides.

Summer Vacation 2010 - Miniature Golf

On Day 2 of vacation - we held true to our tradition of going miniature golfing. We went after lunch - so it was a bit hot -but it was a fun family experience with lots of great opportunities for photos. Here is Levi ready to make a hole in one!

Jacob getting ready to play.

Salma and Levi were best of friends this trip. They followed each other around and were pretty inseparable.

Levi swinging - after a little help on how to hold the club. Note his shoes on the wrong feet. Several of us told him - but his independent self didn't want to change them.

Salma looking like a pro.

Jacob needed help holding the putter too. Uncle Joey couldn't hardly stand it - and showed him a few times the proper way to hold the club. Tiger Woods he is not - but he has fun trying. He tried - but got confused on how to hold his hands. He might be a natural lefty though.

Antonio played great this year - and even had a hole in one.

Salma and her bro Caleb.

Brothers Antonio and Caleb -

Jackie and Grandpa -

Jackie with Guy -

Cousins Jackie, Salma, and Caleb - chillin on the benches.

Joey, Antonio, and Grandma posing by the waterfall.

Family picture - Joey, Ofelia, Caleb, Antonio, and Salma.

Ofelia and Joe -

My mom and dad being silly!

Jim and I taking a break from the heat. Whew! We were ready for some air conditioning - that is for sure! We went to a local mall after this and had some cool drinks and did some shopping. It was a fun day.

One of the best parts - was everytime Levi hit the ball in the hole - he would say "I won" and hollered "whoohoo" while holding his arms up. Too cute!