K2 Performs Blue Moo

Blue Moo-ooo-ooo
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

One of our favorite things about Helen's school is that every grade does their own play. As soon as the practice sessions started, so did the around-the-house humming, singing and dancing. Sandra Boynton's "Blue Moo" was the perfect point of entry for an enthusiastic class of kindergarteners.

We're on Parade

Tambourine Entry
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

For this 50's themed "moosical", the girls donned ponytails and poodle skirts while the boys sported slicked-back locks and rolled up dungarees. Grandma Marilee helped on costume detail and was able to see the adorable results at the afternoon performance.

Solo before a Solo

Solo before a Solo
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Every child had a chance to shine, and they took turns dazzling us with their confidence.

Jukebox Hits

Jukebox Hits from Way Back Never!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It's gratifying to see how supportive the kids are of each other, and that extends beyond their class. Helen received a note from her 3rd grade reading buddy giving her a thumbs up for her performance.

Final Curtsy

Curtsy Kids
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

After the requisite curtsies and bows, we applauded the many teachers who brought this to life. They included drama teacher extraordinaire, Ms. Adrienne, the music and art teachers, and the class instructors who surprised the kids on stage with a cameo appearance (or should we say "cam-me-moo"?).

Sock Hop Sundaes

Sock Hop Girls
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The cast party featured a few supplements to the natural high - ice cream sundaes with all the fixings. Mmmmm. Makes us anxious for an encore.

Helen with Chen Laoshi

Helen with Chen Laoshi
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We did it. All three of us survived nine months of Chinese School. While I'm not sure how that final exam turned out (!) we definitely have established a good base to move forward from. What I really liked about this class was the focus on fundamentals -- first and foremost, the tones, and then all of the different "finals" and other word parts that make up most of the vocabulary. Our pronunciation has also improved dramatically. We've decided that for next year we are all going to repeat this beginner class before advancing to the next level. We definitely need another year of pinyin before moving to the characters. For now, we can enjoy the summer with a strong sense of accomplishment. It hasn't been easy, but it has been rewarding.

The Compost Kids

Helen and Finn Practice Composting
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Never thought I would willingly go to an insect fair, but hey, I’m all for expanding my horizons! While Helen is neither enamored with bugs, nor squeamish, she too was game to share this adventure with Finn and Anya. We started with the worm bins, which really were hard to beat.

Hot Dog Worm; Butterfly Cookie

Hot Dog Worm; Butterfly Cookie
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen got into the spirit of the day – eating a worm-inspired hot dog treat, and asking for a black widow to be painted on her face.

Praying Mantis in the Middle

Praying Mantis in the Middle
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Sanborn Park was a real find – yet another place where you say, “I can’t believe I’ve never been here.” Our county parks really are amazing. Turns out that Sanborn is adjacent to Walden West where Helen will be spending a week this summer. Good thing she had some “Banana Slug 101” today.

Dog Eats Hat

Dog Eats Hat
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Mother’s Day found us again at the SJ Museum of Art for “community day”. I loved the scrumptious Thiebaud exhibit, and Helen loved the balloons. I convinced Helen to get the balloon hat so I wouldn’t end up having to carry something around. Of course, the hat was too small for her head, pulled her hair, etc., so in true mom fashion, I ended up schlepping it anyway.

Helen Makes Her Own Balloon Art

Helen Makes Her Own Balloon Art
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen was so entranced by the balloons that she promptly went home and proceeded to make her own bow and arrow set, which is what she really wanted in the first place. Nevertheless, I’m impressed that she was paying enough attention to do this herself without a single “pop”.

Ticket Booth

Ticket Booth
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

What is popping up at home are small business ventures. All of these businesses have the commonality of taking in a lot of money, and then not delivering on goods and/or services. It might be time to introduce the Better Business Bureau.

San Jose Giants and a Sleepover

San Jose Giants and a Sleepover
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We caught our first San Jose Giants Game of the season (and Peri’s first game ever!) on a windy Saturday night. We braved the cold and a 15-3 loss with the satisfaction that the Sharks had finally put a lid on Detroit and will advance to the next stage of the playoffs. Too many churros and the excitement of an overnight guest made for a long, but very happy night for Helen Ru.

Almost as tall as Mrs. Kawasaki

Almost as tall as Mrs. Kawasaki
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It’s true – Helen has surpassed the shoulders of her beloved preschool helper Mrs. Kawasaki. And in other developmental milestones, this week I also took on the long overdue discussion of where babies come from. Helen has been most unsatisfied with my explanations so far. Always one to get to the point, she asks, “but how does the sperm get there?” Tonight, with the help of some kid-friendly books, she found out. Her response, which I think is pretty typical, was – “that’s kind of yucky.” And more humorously, “I hope that this is done privately, because this would be so embarrassing!”

On Relays, Reptiles and Rock & Roll

We Finished #25 of 211 Teams!
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Last weekend I had the amazing experience of running "The Relay" -- 199 miles from Calistoga to Santa Cruz promoting organ donation. I was part of a team of 12 runners. Each of us had 3 legs of the journey, and we ran consecutively for more than 24 hours until we finished. It was an exhilarating, exhausting, and empowering journey.

Twist and Shout

Twist and Shout
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen's school celebrated Cinco de Mayo with a Rock & Roll-themed program, all in Español. It's great when learning happens through music, and especially wonderful when it is rewarded with soft tacos!

Alum Rock Park

K2 Trip to Alum Rock Park
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Outdoor education was also on the docket this week with a K2 visit to Alum Rock Park. The YSI staff did a great program on "adaptation" and the kids got to see and touch a snake, toad, millipede, and chinchilla! But, the favorite by far was the one-eyed owl.