Saturday, December 20, 2008

2008 Recap!

January
Rob's company he co-founded closed its doors. After drowning his sorrows in Indian Food,


he polished off his resume while I had several panic attacks about being without food and shelter. Soon the phones were ringing off the hook and he accepted a position with a small start up in Palo Alto while still finishing up work at his company. He also picked up one or two consulting positions to keep him busy during his free time.

During the winter months, both boys worked diligently on ditching their training wheels!



Connor picked up on it right away and loves to speed around. Logan can do it but prefers to not have to worry about balancing and staying safe at the same time.

DISNEYLAND!
In February we loaded the van to the gills and headed down to Southern California to introduce the boys to the Mouse! We had an incredible time, our first family vacation just the 4 of us. We did manage to visit Katie and Mike (college friends) and see all the amazing things they have done to remodel their house. I think this is where Rob got the idea to refinish the floors (more on that later!). Highlights from the trip included:

Connor participating in the Jedi Training Academy and fighting Darth Maul.


Logan playing with his favorite Disney Dog.



Meeting the mouse who started it all!

Can you see the expression on Connor's face and his hair flying in the wind? We had so much fun, it was hard to come home.

As we moved into April we enjoyed: a trip to the San Francisco Zoo with the Nair Family, Easter brunch and egg hunt with the usual gang, a visit from SUZEEEE! (Suzi Morris) and Logan's 4th birthday!


Lining up to walk to Park Around the Corner for the Egg Hunt!

Tidepooling with Suzi!


For months, Logan talked about having a "Super Hero Tea Party" for his birthday. So everyone dressed up as their favorite super hero and came over for tea (apple juice), sandwiches and Superman cake!

April also marked the beginning of the swim season and, for the first time, the swim team! Connor worked hard in his swim lessons at the YMCA all winter and was able to pass the test to get onto the swim team. While it was hard work, he really loved almost all the parts of it. I loved the fact that he was TIRED for once in his life! I think the Science Fair was in there too...or maybe it was May...whenever it was, Connor and Rob enjoyed their experiment.

May brought the dance recital. This year Connor took Ballet/Tap and Hip Hop, while Logan was finally old enough for his first recital! It was a crazy week of dress rehearsals with me playing the photographer, but it was all worth it in the end!


Logan in "I Love to Mambo".

Connor in "Can't Help Falling In Love With You".

Connor in "I Can't Dance".

At the end of the year ice cream social, Logan fell off the play structure. My famous last words were something along the lines of "unless there is gushing blood or bones sticking out, you're fine Logan." Um, not so much mom. We ended up in the ER later that night and L was in the sling for almost a week. While it ended up just needing painkillers and rest, it sure taught me to keep my mouth shut!


June brought the Village School Music Concert and Talent Show. Connor found the energy to participate in both. His Kindergarten year was just amazing. Teacher Elizabeth really knew how to set boundaries with him and nudge him where he needed to go. He was able to read some Dr. Seuss level books by the end of the year and loved doing math. Logan ended his year at preschool with good reviews. He had really improved at articulating his feelings when he was upset, but I was still worried about his letter recognition.



Swim Meets began in June. Connor had a blast being more responsible for himself and the rest of us loved cheering him on! I got involved with making labels to help with the time cards and Rob trained to be a starter.

Rob starting some races!



Relaxing in between races with his "iPod".



Connor always thinks he is number 1!

The summer was filled with trips to Great America/Boomerang Bay, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Killarney Farms, Monterey Bay Aquarium and the beach. We were visited by Victoria, the daughter of one of Rob's groomsman and enjoyed showing her the sites. We also took a big trip to Michigan to visit Nana's house and spend a week on Lake Michigan with the entire family. C ended up with an ear infection/strep throat while we were there and then by the end of our stay developed Bell's Palsy! It was a lovely trip otherwise, but I sure wish we didn't have to spend so much time at the hospital!

While we were in Michigan, Rob decided to refinish our hardwood floors! It was quite an undertaking, but the results were gorgeous!



C spent two weeks in day camp this summer while Rob spent time in Green Bay with his Mom and Grandma. We took last trips to all our favorite summer places and the eye doctor. We found out that L was farsighted and needed glasses right away. Since he got his glasses, his "academics" have taken off! I have been urging everyone I know to take their kids to the eye doctor early!

Logan on his first day with his new glasses!

C is enjoying 1st Grade at Village with Teacher Sandy and Logan is attending preschool 5 mornings a week at Capri. Both boys played on soccer teams this fall and I have continued a small bit of tutoring in my free time.

Go Red Rockets and Dragons!

C celebrated his 7th birthday with a sleepover! We invited a handful of his friends and actually had a blast. The boys really enjoyed talking a "late" night walk with flashlights to the park and getting out some extra energy.


Rob was approached for a new position in October. With much drama on my part (we had just finished crossing over health insurance AGAIN) Rob took a position with Axcient in Mountain View. He is happy when he comes home from work everyday and full of energy about the product he is creating.

Connor performed in his first play this December and is completely hooked! Logan was an awesome little brother and came to all 3 shows!

We hope that everyone has a very healthy and prosperous 2009!

Jenn, Rob, Connor and Logan

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Almost There!

So close to Christmas Vacation! The boys are looking forward to sleeping in, playing video games and visiting with Great-Gran and Auntie Abby! I am ready to not pack lunches for two weeks!