More May 2

Obligatory yearly garden shot.  The balloon flowers are my favorite.  Don't mind the Easter wreath still on the door.  I did eventually take it down. 

Jens has a new bike.  His last one "disappeared" when it accidentally got left at the bike rack for the whole week of spring break. This one is bigger and has more gears. 

 Last day for Mike to work at the preschool.  Sylvie sure loved having him go to school with her.  She was sad all week about school being over.  She has loved the social aspect especially of being with her peers.  I can't believe she will be in kindergarten next year!

 Cora was left inside during the photo shoot.  She didn't seem to mind.

 Last day of school.  We braided Sylvie's hair the night before so it would be wavy.

Thanks for a great year, Ms. Debbie!

 Mike, Cora, and I went to watch the last school program of the year.

 Getting her certificate of completion from Ms. Debbie.

 With some of her favorite friends.

 My little book reader.  She just loves looking at books.  She turns the pages, points to pictures, and talks to herself.  It is so cute to watch her little hands in action.

More May

I call it "The Lorax" and yes, he went to church and out in public with it.  Sunday afternoon at the park driving RC cars. 

 Busy miss--playing toys, reading books, putting things in her mouth.  It is hard to keep up with her sometimes.

This little face is so enchanting to me.  Somehow pictures never do her justice, though.  She was being so cute this day, happy and curious and busy, checking things out.  Maybe I was extra taken in by the ponytail. 

 Hugs for the soft puppy.

 Happy Mother's Day!  As a person who likes kids but doesn't go all crazy over them, motherhood has been an amazing experience.  I never thought I could love and admire and enjoy little people so much as I enjoy my own.  They have changed me in ways I didn't think possible, and I am grateful for all I have learned from having them in my life.  

 Not sure what this game was, but it swung between being hated

 and loved.

Sunday the Tour of California rode around the Sacramento area, including right by us.  So mid cake baking we grabbed the kids and scooted up the hill to watch the pelaton swish by.  

 Then Mike took the kids downtown to catch the sprint finish while Cora napped and I stayed home in a very quiet home.

 They got very close to the stage winner!

 I made my own dinner and dessert.  I also put Jens's cake right in his face (with his permission, of course).  We all thought it was hilarious for whatever reason.

 On Monday the Tour of California was in Folsom.  The time trial course went by our neighborhood, so Mike camped out on the corner to watch the action.  Jens's school also walked over to watch for a while (although I have a feeling they mostly just goofed around and talked).

Cute little line up at swim practice. 

 Our garden produced peas!  Really delicious ones, and more than we expected.  We gobbled them all up and checked every day for more.

So sleepy she fell asleep in my arms even though it wasn't nap time.  The swim schedule has been hard on her--I've had to wake her up and pull her out of bed almost every day to get to practice on time.  

  Shoes!  She was trying to push them onto her feet.

Have I mentioned that I love summer baby clothes? 

 Friday night swim.

 Time Trials were on May 17th.  The kids got to swim and practice racing.  The weather started out cool, but warmed up.  It was a fun morning at the pool cheering on our friends and getting some PRs.  Both kids swam great.

 Trying to wear Dad's hat.

 We spent the rest of the weekend recuperating from time trials.

And being a little crazy. 

 Helquist Family Band!