Le Bleu Tutu

The entrance to Neisha's Dance Academy greeted us with leotards and tutu's, majority of them being pink. I mean, the front of the room had wall to wall dance gear. To the left of us, I noticed a bright bleu tutu in the midst of lavender, pink, and classic black. It stood out like a sore thumb. And of course, Fiona Tess noticed it too. She started taking off her clothes and said, "Try it on!" She wore the entire outfit in the store. She twirled and danced around in the most darling pink ballet shoes. She felt right at home. Honestly, Fiona does spin around at home. So, I signed her up for a creative dance class on Saturday mornings. How exciting!

Her World Is Blue

At the moment, Fiona's favorite color is blue. Everything she points out is blue--the sky, certain clothes, toys, things in books, paints and colored pencils. She's jazzed about anything she encounters that's blue. It's amazing that she notices all the different shades, from navy to powder. Last night, we were watching Jack's Big Music Show and Laurie Berkner sang a song called, My Red Boots. Fiona says as she was marching in place, " I want blue boots, Mommy!"

Afternoon Dip

Just look at these two! Fiona and Isaiah are having the time of their lives. Isaiah loves to splash while Fiona pretends she's swimming like a fish. It's just so simple to entertain them. All you need is water, sun, and a swimming pool. Stay tuned for more water adventures. Next time, we'll hit the beach!

Meeting at The Mission

statue of Father Junipero Serra
( Fiona says, "Mommy, scare me!")

Fiona loves fountains!

We all fell in love with a French Bulldog and a Boston Terrier, church-going dogs

Strike a pose, Roo!

The Estrellado's

Papa and Fiona Tess sitting outside listening to the sermon

Look at those dimples!

Walking through the garden

James and Noey sitting at our favorite bench on the garden side of the church.

Noelle, 9 months old

Little Italy

This past Sunday we made our way to Little Italy. It's funny that I always have stop by Blick Art Store and use their restroom (or is it just my excuse to have a looky-loo at the pretty paper). We ended up buying Fiona some paint brushes that have built-in washable paint, thinking it would make less mess. Sure, a novel idea. But it still got all over the place. And I don't blame her one bit. She's such an expressive artiste! Note to self: Read packaging first. Appropriate for ages 3+. Oh well. She'll get a head start.

She Knows Her Synonyms

Papa: Fiona, are you cold?

Fiona: No, I'm freezing!!!

Papa: Do you like it, baby?

Fiona: No, I LOVE it!

Papa: Are you okay?

Fiona: No, I'm alright!

Summertime Splash!

Can you believe it was already hot around 10:00 a.m.? So Marg and I decided "on -the -fly" to take the kids to Mountain Hawk Park for a splash. Brilliant idea. Snacks + Sunblock + Splashing + Shade from our umbrella = Summertime fun.

Esperanza & Lito 07.10.09

They were married at St. Joseph in downtown
Husband & Wife

Shelley, Winnie, and Myself

my ballet flats and 3 inchers

( had to bring some back-up)

Finally! These two have been together forever! It all started back at Fulton Elementary. Esperanza and Lito were both student teachers. And to make a long story short, they fell in love. I was very honored to be a part of their big day. If you know me, I wobble in heels. And if I'm not careful enough, I could possibly sprain my ankle. I know I'm exaggerating a bit. But it's been quite some time since I put 3 inch heels on. Yeah. But I'd do it for Esperanza and Lito.

It was a beautiful wedding. Love and laughter filled the air.

Spouting Froggy Pool

It was one of those hot summer days where you just had to bring out the kiddie pool... a spouting froggy pool, that is. Fiona absolutely loved it! She finally got to wear her new rash guard. We dumped all of her bath toys in it. It was very difficult getting her out. Her feet and fingers were wrinkly as raisins!

Elephant Odyssey

Yay! We renewed our zoo passes! It's totally worth it especially during the summertime. We checked out the new Elephant Odyssey which was awesome. SO much more room for the elephants to trot about. This new section had neat displays, a play area for kids, a few other animal exhibits to see, and a great eating spot. Very cool!

Get Your Knit-On!

This book came with the starter kit. Very user friendly with fun knitting facts!

My first attempt at knitting. Not too shabby! Here, I learned three different techniques.

Wall to wall fibers

Beautiful cotton blends

On Sunday, I had two whole hours to myself...for knitting. I signed up for a beginning knitting class at Bonita Knit and Sew. It's the coziest little shop filled with wall to wall fibers. Plus, there's a neat sewing room in the back. I had the most lovely time with owner Susan Schlesinger, coaching me through the knits and purls. I must admit, it was a bit tough at first. But anything that's unfamiliar is. It really takes concentration and coordination. I think knowing a little bit of crocheting helped me out, other wise, I would have been lost. I definitely had to talk myself through it. Knit, knit, purl, purl. Knit, knit, purl, purl. I am so jazzed. I think I got the hang of it. These thoughts were running through my mind: things I could I make for Fiona, for Christmas, for birthdays, for family and friends, and for myself. Imagine all the possibilities. I don't know how long this knitting kick is going to last. I am notorious for having A.D.D. But it's always nice having another skill under your belt.