Smoothie Makers

I've mentioned before how the best way for me to get my kids to eat what I serve them is for them to help with the preparations. 

Well, they have become excellent smoothie makers!

Notice that they'll even put SPINACH in their smoothies! And chia seeds! (They have no idea what those are. Neither do I, really.)

"One raspberry for the smoothie, one for me. One for the smoothie, one for me..."

Delicious! 

"I can't even taste the spinach." 

Clara at School

Clara has a great time at school, too. Here she is with her favorite teacher, Miss Ashley, creating a masterpiece. 

"Hey, Mom, do you think we can finally hang some of MY artwork on the wall in the playroom?" 

"Bye-bye school"

I have no idea why people sometimes think she is a boy. 

Birthday Bash

Today was the last day of the summer camp program at Peter's school, so there was a "Birthday Bash" party to celebrate everyone's birthday and the end of a fun summer. 

This is Peter's main classroom, all set up for the party lunch. 

There's Peter, checking out his lunch. Wondering why that's not chocolate milk in front of him. 

(An explanation -- When we go to Starbucks, we let the kids choose a snack. Peter always chooses the Horizon Organic chocolate milk. Today at school, they served Horizon Organic regular milk. Same packaging. Different milk. Peter said, "This is strange-o milk, Mom.")

Peter and his friend, Summer. Still worried about the milk. 

"What's wrong with the milk, Mom?"

Trying to squeeze the birthday crown all the way over his head.

Mmmmm... 

This is Peter's teacher, Miss Jessica. She is really great with the kids and Peter adores her. 

Look at that happy boy. We will miss going to school for the next few weeks. Official preschool starts the week after Labor Day. 

For the really diehard Peter Apley enthusiasts, here is a 2 minute video of the class singing a sort of disturbing song about an alligator eating monkeys. 

Going to School

Here are a few shots of Peter and Clara on their way to school in the morning. 

"Hey! Wait up, Clara!" 

How cute is this boy with his lunch box? 

I love watching these guys carrying their lunches and walking into school. Cute stuff. Next time, I'll post some pics of their classrooms, teachers and friends. 

Birthday Boy

Peter has been excited about his "big, big birthday" for weeks, and FINALLY today was the day for his super cool big, big birthday party. 

Thank you, Kidville, for putting together such a nice event! The kids loved their arts and crafts project.

Decorating a picture frame... 

Peter loved having all of his friends, like Alexandra and Eyal, at his party. 

Nicholas and Anna 

 Luca

Kaj

Silly face, Lauren. 

The best part of the party was the Jumpin' Gym! 

Clara thinks she's a three-year-old, too. 

"If I just sit here, the other kids will bounce me, right?"

There were also bubbles...

and Peter tried every piece of gym equipment possible. I see a future Olympian, don't you think? 

Zip line...

Ladder climbing... 

... but, really, the bouncing was the best. 

"Hey, good lookin'" 

After all of that jumping and swinging and climbing, it was time for pizza. 

And a yummy, yummy cake. (In case you are wondering about the expression on Peter's face... At this point, he was almost in tears with a stomach ache. I guess that is what happens when you jump around for an hour and then eat pizza.) 

Happy Birthday, Peter! 

What a fun day and what a fun weekend! And now Peter is a THREE YEAR OLD BOY!!

"No, Peter"

A Farewell

This is the day care that Peter has been going to for 2 years. Clara started going there, too, in April. 

It has been such a great place for both kids. They absolutely love it. 

Every day when I pick them up, they are in such great moods. Look at these happy kids. 

OK, so maybe Clara isn't so happy in this picture, but I think it is only because she doesn't know quite what to make of her headband. 

Mina is the nicest woman. 

She is very special to both kids. To me, too.

 And this is Oli, our main babysitter and one of the kids' favorite playmates.

Oli is the greatest. 

The other day was Peter and Clara's last day at Mina's house. It was pretty sad saying good-bye, but we know we'll see them again soon. 

 "Bye, bye!"