Embracing the rain

We went for a walk this morning. We go for lots of walks and bike rides. This time we let Felix walk too. He was very excited and I am wondering now if he will ever get back in the stroller. He loves being part of the pack.

Flashback to a Nana and Papa visit this summer

Times are changing!

Yesterday the kids asked for their own table and today lucia got a 'new' (used) 20 inch bike with gears and hand brakes.  Times are changing!

Kids table

Tonite at dinner, Oscar and Lucia decided they wanted a kids table which happens occasionally but this time Felix joined them. It was actually pretty nice.  It only lasted about 10 minutes before Felix decided he needed to get down and run a race around the restaurant.  But hey, we will take that!

Tap dancing

Turns out that tap dancing is really fun for these guys. Even felix is joining in. Oscar decided to get dressed up for the party. I can't take a clear shot when they are moving with my 'smartphone'

Knitting

Lucia has the knitting down. Oscar just learned to finger knit.

Brothers

The little dude and his latest biggest accomplishment

We have had some pretty awesome adventures that I will write about later but a couple of weeks ago Oscar learned how to ride a pedal bike and now he wants to do it all the time.  I love this milestone.

It took only a couple of hours.  The next day, he was using the pedal brake and the next day, he was starting on his own, even on an uphill.  Just like that. The sweetest thing is seeing that look on his face of being so excited and proud of himself.

Life lessons

Lucia started busking after violin camp. We decided that she would donate half to the homeless shelter and keep the other half.  I let her choose if she wanted to spend her money little by little or if she wanted to save up for a big something.  She said right from the start that she wanted to save up for a special baby doll. So for 10 weeks we went to the market once or twice a week.  She finally had enough money today.  It made her day too! So many great lessons here. She got tons of practice in. She played music in front of so many people. She learned to say thank you to strangers. She learned that saving money can bring a great reward. She even learned a little bit about counting money. We are so proud of her!

Visit from the Hannas!

We were so, so, so excited to see the Hannas and they drove all the way here from Atlanta!  It was a whirlwind and it was awesome to see the cousins having a great time together.  We also celebrated my sister's birthday and the kids were WAY into that!

How could he possibly be 1?

Felix snuck his way into our lives and now with a lot of confidence and joy, he is a solid part of our family.  We say his Native American name is 'leave no stone unturned'.  Love the little rascal.

Violin camp

Lucia's violin teacher told us about Suzuki camp.  In Portland, 5 days, lessons daily plus some singing, folk dancing and running around in the quad.  It was packed but very inspiring.  It is amazing how youth can learn instruments so well.  By the end of each day, Lucia was totally spent.  Then, the week ended with Felix turning 1!

 Each day there was a 'master class' with an amazing instructor.

 Here's Lucia and her friend, Lola, who is also from Corvallis with same teacher.

 At the end, there's a 'playthrough' where all the kids play through a series of songs (at least the ones they know). Lucia is just right of center in a pink flowered summer dress.