June 7-11
written June 8+
We
are leaving our yard construction and the HOT valley weather for a few
days and going over to Monte Sereno to visit with the kids. In
Fresno, the weekend high temperature is expected to be 109F (43C), but
down in the Bay Area it is only going to be in the low-90s. Much
nicer.This time of year, Highway 152 is lined with fruit stands and it is required to make a stop for locally-grown fruit. We loaded up with cherries, apricots, and white nectarines this time.
Over at Gabby's house, we were greeted by another construction site, the front yard is completely torn up. While Gigi read with Ava, Gabby and I went to look at paving stones to replace this sea of soft, gray, gravel. We could not jump to a decision, but I'm guessing it's something like in the pictures. Anything would be better than the current muck and the house owner just wants it DONE.
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Sunday was a big day; a family birthday party, a dance show, a baby shower for some, and another swimming session for the rest of us.
| Ryder's Birthday Ava and Sam's cousin Ryder was two years old on Saturday and this warranted a family gathering, always an occasion.    Cake was a hit, but even better was the bouncy-house/wading pool. The fearless-five cousins played for hours!        |
| Ava's Dance School Ava's dance school joined the annual St. Christopher's festival as rehearsal for their big show coming up next month. We could not take advantage of all the festival activities, but we certainly enjoyed Ava and Camille's dance duet.      
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Baby Shower: Nicole the almost-mom, and her sister and mom. |
At the end of all this, we had two very tired kids, tired parents, and worn out grandparents.
Monday was back to work and school, for those who do such things. Ava started her last week of pre-school, properly prepared and excited for "funny hair day", while Opa and Gigi enjoyed some time alone with Sam. Both kids are growing so fast.
Ava off to school and "independent study" at home for Sam   Pool play time, Sam in the morning with Opa and Ava with Daddy in the evening.  
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Swim Lessons Ava worked on proper style. Sam was as fearless as always. Friend Camile and little cousin Ryder were made comfortable in their first ever swimming lessons. (Somehow I missed a picture of cousin Reef. Sorry)    
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Tuesday was a bit different than anticipated. The kids left for morning preschool as planned and Gabby's morning plans went ahead as did Marianne's; shopping and chores mostly. I had looked forward to my own shopping - Fry's for techie stuff and K&S,my favorite camera store up in Palo Alto. However, overnight my eyes had turned an interesting shade of red and by lunchtime I was searching out the nearest Kaiser clinic. The doc diagnosed me with conjunctivitis, prescribed anti-bacterial drops, and sent me on my way.
Since then, I have stayed out of public view, both because the condition is contagious and because it apparently looks fairly frightening. I just avoid mirrors, but those facing me sorta gasp. Ava looked and shouted "Ouch!". Meanwhile, little Sam is suffering from an inflamed ear canal and is also acting pretty grumpy. Definitely cuts down on the fun.
Wednesday started with a Gigi cooking lesson and ended with Ava's graduation. In between, Sam and I worked on our medical conditions. My eyes seemed better, but his ear is still a problem. Poor guy!
On Thursday we head home. Again it will be hard to leave our little Enkelkinder, but we'll be back. Now we need to get our Fresno life in order again, but that's another story.
John and Marianne
ps:
Back in Fresno, Gary had received the wood for the bocce court walls:
20-foot 6x6 timbers. We are both glad he has some strong young
men to move these monsters.