Alcatraz Adventure

Hello again, faithful blog readers!  I'm afraid that life is zooming by so fast it has become harder and harder to perserve these moments in the blogosphere.  Sorry!  On the other hand, we are a happy, healthy, busy, (hopefully) productive family:-)  Our most recently adventure (and it was already two weeks ago) was a trip into San Fran to visit Alcatraz Island.  We had a day off of school on a Thurs. so we headed in to show Henry the famous landmark.  We had a delightful day -- in particular because it was the day before "Fleet Week" started.  (Fleet Week is a celebration the "Great White Fleet" that Pres. Teddy Roosevelt sent around the world in 1907-08 which ended its tour in San Fran.  Now, it is an annual opportunity to host and thank the young men and women of the Naval Services for their selfless devotion to duty in safeguarding our country.)  We were able to witness the aerial exploits of the Blue Angels as they practiced over the bay, see a large naval vessel, and watch the American's Cup yachts on their practice runs.  Quite a day in the city and we hadn't even arrived at the island yet.  The kids LOVED the ferry over to the island, were less impressed with the tour of the prison, but perked up again when we ate at Hard Rock Cafe and sampled ice cream on Pier 39.  Henry was able to enjoy the audio tour in Korean so the Alcatraz tour was fun for him.

(Sorry for all the Blue Angels pictures!  Lloyd was shooting on continous so I have TONS - almost video - for these amazing planes.  Unfortunately the pictures don't do them justice.  And you can't HEAR them!!)

 

Waiting for our ferry and enjoying a picnic lunch.

Our first sight (and sound) of the Blue Angels as our ferry pulled out.

So close!

The island of Alcatraz looms in the mist. 

Three planes over the city skyline.

We made it to Alcatraz -- and NO seasickness:-)

San Fran:  They say one of the tortures of Alcatraz was being about to see, hear and even smell the freedom of the city.

Planes and boats were the highlights of the day.

In formation. . .

Upside down!

Finally. . .

Anika has been wanting me to do this hairstyle for ages.  We've tried it with mixed results a few other times, but we had success today.  Not perfect but good enough to wear out of the house.  She loved getting tons of comments on it at Oakdale church where Lloyd preached this morning.  It is called the basketweave.

Color the Skies 2012

Well, this is a huge long post of pictures which I will try and refrain from describing.  (At least I'll not describe each and every one!)  We had an amazing morning at "Color the Skies" this year, even though the balloons were unable to launch because of the wind.  They did put a number up for display and we really enjoyed the Humpty Dumpty one.  In the past, we've mostly gone for the balloons and then found the early morning made monsters of our kids so we've headed home.  This year we were able to stay and discover all the other delights.  (Because this is a fund raiser for the valley's Children's hospital there were plentry of opportunities to spend money and hear "Mom, can I have. . . " but in spite of the begging we enjoyed a phenomenal day.)  Highlights included facepainting, watching the skydivers - and meeting one in person, watching Air George (the hospital's helicopter) land -- and getting pictures inside, watching lots of shows -- singers, clowns, citters, watching the amazing world champion kite flyers, and getting a free toy or two as well.  It was a great day!

Another Hole in His Head

Check out that gap!  I acutally received a phone call from Drew's teacher because she wasn't sure if this tooth was supposed to be on the way out or not.  (Apparently Andrew was getting a little bit emotional about the whole thing.)  However, we were aware that this wiggly wonder was on the way out.  He is so excited to lose his first front tooth.  We practiced sounds that are funny to say - f, v, s, etc.  Too bad he lost it when he had to show his big sister at school.  Bummer!  I hope that tooth fairy is gracious. . .

GOAL!!!!!

Here's another reason I haven't posted in awhile.  SOCCER SEASON!  Boy, does this make our lives busy.  This year Anika wanted to play which has doubled our number of practices and games.  I truly feel like a soccer mom, running kids here and there, hauling chair and water bottles, and cheering at the top of my lungs:-)

 

This is Anika's first year and I was nervous since many of these girls have been playing 3-4 years already.  However, Anika has loved it and is learning a lot.  She has a good coach.

Chatting with Coach before heading back in the game.  She has a great group of girls that are becoming her friends.

First Days

Well, here is the post that explains why I haven't posted in such a long time. . . Another Wicker is going back to school.  After some interviewing this summer and receiving two job opportunities, I'm back in the classroom.  I'm teaching one Friday night class (6:00-10:00) this quarter at Heald College, right nearby.  I'm teaching English 105: Reading and Composition for 11 weeks (5 weeks down already).  It has been an adjustment, but I do enjoy interacting with students again.  Anika snapped my "first day" pictures for me.

 

The kiddos also had their first day back at school on Aug. 15.

My big 3rd grader!  Where does the time go?  She is in Ms. Meendering's class and she is really enjoying it. 

Andrew is in 1st grade with Mrs. Persenaire this year.  He is happy to have a larger class than last year -- more friends!!!

Andrew outside his doorway to first grade adventures.

Anika with one of her besties, Raegan.  She was so happy to be in the same class with her.