10.16.15: Popsicle Man

At a park minding our own business and a popsicle truck drives up.  This was the girls' first experience with such a truck, they weren't exactly sure what it was all about but knew they needed a popsicle - clearly we had to oblige.

Daphne, Fiona, Stella

10.16.15: Our Special Person - Fiona

Every week in class one kid is selected to be 'Our Special Person'.  While Nene was here, Fiona was selected.  This meant that Nene was able to be Fiona's special guest.  Fiona was very proud to bring her Nene.

We had to sneak in one last visit to the beach before Nene returned home.

10.11.15: Nene's in charge

Due to some unfortunate double booking of work trips, Nene came to the rescue to watch the girls while Brant and I travelled for a few days.  The girls were more than thrilled to show Nene around our new town especially the beach (Daphne, Nene, Fiona, Stella)

We even found an ice scream place named after Nene - so we had to partake.

10.4.15: Climbing Trees

Where there are trees...they need to be climbed. You would never know these kids were raised in the desert given their tree climbing skills.

Fiona, Daphne, Stella

10.2.15: Bed takeover

When you live in a very small apartment, there are few places to go.  Sometimes Stella, Fiona and Daphne take over our bed.

10.1.15: Award Ceremony

Fiona, Stella, and Daphne received an award today along with a few other first graders for being an exemplary classmate - showing kindness.   The best part was that the girls' teacher told us they were getting the award so I was able to be there, without the girls knowing.  Seeing the genuine surprise was priceless.  So proud of our little ladies.

9.27.15: Hiking

Fiona, Stella, Daphne and I found a hiking path down a main street near our home.  It has seven bridges, tons of trees and our pets (fish) that we visit frequently. Leaves, pinecones, sticks, nature galore....

9.26.15: Boardwalk

Santa Cruz has an amazing boardwalk.  As newbies to the town, it is a very exciting place to be - I imagine it gets old to the locals given the high number of tourists attracted.  With season passes in our hands, we are able to go on the rides whenever we'd like.  After several visits, the girls have built up enough confidence to go on rides by themselves.  Sometimes I think I scream more than them on some of these rides.  You would never know their first amusement park ride was less than a month ago.

Daphne, Stella, Fiona

9.18.15: Field Trip - Farm

UCSC is a big agriculture school.  Given its proximity to the girls' elementary school, we were able to walk to our first field trip - at the farm.  We got to pick (and eat) food from the earth, decorate our cheeks with beet juice and enjoy homemade tortillas and apple juice.

9.16.15: Bear pancakes at school

Brant volunteered in the classroom today and ended up making some pretty fantastic bear pancakes for everyone.  Rumor has it, most hand chocolate chips on them.