The Sword in the Stone

We went into Disneyland Park the evening we arrived to check out the holiday decorations. It was very crowded. We headed straight to Fantasyland and the King Arthur Carousel. This is one of the boys favorite rides (I wonder how long that will last). Luckily it is also one that never has a line. They tried in vain to pull the sword out of the stone in front of the ride. But no luck. Not a true king among us.

Coincidentally, we had borrowed the old Disney movie "The Sword in the Stone" from the library to watch on the car ride home. They watched this and "Wall-E" and of the two seemed to enjoy "The Sword in the Stone" much more. Oldies are goodies.

Lilo and Stitch Breakfast

We decided since it was the boys birthday they should have a character meal. We couldn't get into Goofy's Kitchen so the morning we left, we attended the Lilo and Stitch breakfast in our hotel. A bit on the pricey side but the kids had a lot of fun.

Vision from the future?

I have a strange feeling that this may be a reality in about 10 years!

Thankful

For quiet moments and simple pleasures. For our family & friends, near and far, who love us unconditionally.

Thank you.

Disneyland

In lieu of a birthday party, we took the boys on a last minute trip to Disneyland. We thought that before Thanksgiving it wouldn't be too crowded. We were wrong! We still had a good time. Though, the second day the kids were a little tired and cranky. We had originally planned to stay three days but decided that two was more than enough.

The Small World had been closed the last few times we went. They have new boats and it's decorated for Christmas but all of the classic charm (and stick in your head song) is still there.

The one time the park wasn't crowded during the hour early opening time for hotel guests.

The teacups are one of the kids favorites though I wasn't feeling very well after it!

November

I've been collecting some of the boys more colorful schoolwork each month on the bulletin board in our kithchen. Here are November's masterpieces.

Indian Summer

Starting last Thursday through Tuesday of this week, we've had amazing weather. Into the 80's at times. I took the opportunity to suggest washing the car as water play. It got the job done and I didn't have to do much but supervise and dry the top parts.

Then the boys and their neighbor friend decided the kittens needed some new clothes. These poor kitties are learning to put up with a lot!

Playground

There is a playground right next to the school at which we often join other kids and mothers after the boys school day is done. The rock sculpture is quite popular. Aidan can climb it with ease (and jump down from it a little to easily for my taste). Conner gives it a good try but ultimately I helped him up the final bit.

Soccerkids

Thursday was the boys last day of the fall session of Soccerkids. This class was a great way to introduce soccer to them. It's low-key and starts out with different games to introduce the basic soccer skills. Though they both really enjoyed it, Conner is not sure he wants to continue the class in the spring. Aidan is all for it though we may try a basketball class for the winter months.

Sense of Style

Aidan definitely has his own distinct sense of style. This is what he wore to school the other day. I hold my tongue because they dress themselves so I can't really argue with it (and I think he looks cute). It will be interesting to see how his style progresses as he gets older.

It runs in the family

Aidan soloed for the first time when putting together a Lego kit. He followed all the directions himself with just a question or two for me.

Homework

Every Monday, the kids get a homework packet to complete and turn in on Fridays. We try and do a little bit each day because it can be quite a struggle to get more than one page done on Thursday afternoons. But I must say, there have been a few friday mornings when I'm pushing empty pages next to toast crumbs and pencils into buttery fingers!

Bay Area Discovery Musuem Part 3

And Lastly the "walking away" pictures.

Conner in the tree stump.

Aidan seeking during hide-n-seek.

Down we go.

An afternoon at the Bay Area Discovery Museum - Part 2

Every few months the museum changes it's exhibit in discovery hall. Sometimes the boys are into it, sometimes they aren't. This time it was all about action and movement. On a scale of 1-10 I think they'd give it about a 6.

This part they really liked. They got to use their balancing skills to pretend to snowboard or surf depending on what the screen was showing.

Conner perfects his monkey bar prowess. This is his favorite activity in the school yard.

And of course they are always up for a good rock climb. I think they must take after their dad on that front.

An afternoon at the Bay Area Discovery Museum - Part 1

(I still haven't figured out a quick way to upload multiple pictures to one post so there will be three posts on our recent trip to the discovery museum).

Yesterday after school, we ventured south for a afternoon at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. The boys favorite thing to do there is to play in the wonderful climbing trees. I wonder if the museum would let me transplant one to our backyard! Hmmm.

Conner wanders in the woods.

This shot was taken on the way out when the boys and mommy were feeling a bit cranky and tired.