We Ride Bikes

Julian got a new bike for his birthday.  He has been asking to ride it basically every day since he got it.  But weekends are full and there aren't really any places to ride bikes around here except trails and I am not quite ready to tackle that feat alone with 3 kids.  So today was a no-school day and we packed up the car and headed to Gigi and Grandpa's house.  Of course this trip included a stop at the bike shop to fix a flat tire and oil a chain.  Then a stopover at Mt. Mikes for lunch while we waited for the bike.  Back to the bike shop to pick up the fixed bike....THEN we were on the way!  We all love riding our bikes in Gigi & Grandpa's court.  It's quiet and big and very few cars drive down the street.  Today another kid came out to play too so that was fun for the boys.  Julian has an absolute blast on his bike!  Rode around like a little pro!  I know we will be taking those training wheels off very soon.  Noah rode like a maniac.  He tried no hands and standing while he pedaled.  Dang it scares me to watch him sometimes.  Grandpa threw together a ramp for the kids to jump off - that was amusing to watch.  We brought Naomi's little princess car and she had fun with it until Grandpa brought out a tiny little bike he found for her.  She wanted nothing to do with her cute little princess car after that...I was stuck pushing her around and driving her off the ramp on the "big girl bike."  All in all a nice day full of sunshine, exercise, sweaty heads, candy and a little water and TV to cool down.

This is Halloween

Phew - we made it through another candy filled Holiday.  The kids had a blast parading, partying, handing out candy and trick or treating.  This year we had a zombie, a ninja and Ariel.  Can you figure out who was what?  I bet you can.

Julian & some of his classmates

Naomi & another Ariel (classmate of Julian's)

Noah is a pro parader!

front of the house

cat lite brite pumpkin

Julian's creation

Noah's zombie

my glow in the dark skull ring (thanks Gina!)

Noah's loot

Naomi did pretty good

Julian is surveying his goodies

Julian Gets a Dragon Award!

Proud mom moment!  Julian received a Dragon Award at school this morning.  He's had a pretty rough time at school in the past month and he's been working really hard to follow the Castlemont R's: Respect, Responsibility and the Right to be Safe.  He's also paying more attention to his work and completing his assignments.  It makes me so happy that he's turned things around and is enjoying his days at school.  He is having fun with his friends and some days doesn't even want to come home.  I'm even happier that his teacher recognized his efforts to change.  He was so proud of himself today, it really brought tears to my eyes.    

Hi mom and dad!!  

Julian Tesauro...please come receive your award!

shaking hands with the Principal

Getting a little help from the Vice Principal

Really happy!

The TK & Kinder kids who received awards

Way to go Julian!  

Very happy day for my little man!

Naomi goes Trick Or Treating at The Row!

This past Tuesday I took Naomi to Santana Row to Trick Or Treat.  Last year she was just a little baby Tinker Bell and she was in the stroller/carried when we went out for festivities.  This year she's a sassy little lady who knows how to say "Trick Or Treat," "thank you," and totally grasps the concept of opening her bag to get candy.  She barely wanted to hold my hand, but she made me happy and did.  We walked the ENTIRE shopping area and only passed up a couple stores because the lines were too long.  She did so great and didn't even try to eat any of the candy until we had finished!  My feet were pretty tired, hers must have been also because she napped for 2 hours that afternoon.  We also ran into some friends and spent the afternoon with them, collecting candy and eating lunch.  Oh and if you can't tell, and don't know that she is completely obsessed, she is Ariel this year.