Isaac "graduates" preschool

Isaac "graduated" from Casa dei Bambini today, complete with a ceremony and "diploma". A bit over the top, but thankfully they didn't go so far as to wear caps & gowns (maybe for Kindergarten??)

In other news, we are looking for a new school for Jake. His super active, very social, quintessential "boyness" isn't quite a match for the Montessori way.

Isaac turns 5

Isaac celebrated his 5th birthday! Hurray!

Both sets of grandparents, Tio Dan, and many friends were there to celebrate with us. He asked for a "Panda Theme" party. I baked a (very dry) "panda mountain" cake and made a little "panda activity booklet" for the kids to do. We had a "bamboo forest" in the family room (tons of green streamers hanging from the ceiling)...but the highlight was when Jay put on a Panda costume and hid in the park. Then we let loose the kids on him! It was quite a sight to see Jay running thru the park chased by a pack of wild preschoolers.

Instead of presents, we had a little "Panda fund" and collected contributions for WWF's conservation projects.

Jake potty trains himself!

Jake decided he'd had enough of diapers and that he wanted "big boy" undies. So over about a two week period he basically trained himself (with a few gentle reminders from me but he really has done it almost completely on his own).

He is such a determined little man! We are very proud of him :)

Also, he looks so darn cute in his "vroom vroom" undies with is chubby little legs and boom boom.

Ni Hao baby

Isaac's card got drawn for the Mandarin Immersion program! We are very excited. There were hundreds of applications for the lottery but only about 15 spots (for English speaking kinders--even fewer for Chinese speaking kids) so we feel *very* lucky. Isaac was thrilled when I told him he'd be learning Chinese.

So, I'm embarking on an adventure to learn the language myself...there are lots o' resources out there. It is a bit overwhelming but very exciting too!

Hurray! Palo Alto is the best!

Jake starts preschool

Jake started preschool this week, attending the same school as Isaac with the same schedule (M-F 9-3). We knew the transition would be a bit easier than big brother had when, half way to school, he started chanting: "Jakey 'kool, Jakey 'kool!" and erupted with a huge "Yeeeah!" as we pulled into the parking lot. He practically bolted from the car and barely gave a backward glance as he ran to the playground. Isaac was the proud and protective big bro --making sure Jake had his lunch box put up properly and darting after him to show him around the playground.

The only sad aspect of this milestone is our having to give up the best nanny in the world - Keila, who has been a wonderful addition to our lives. Not only is she full of love, energy and loads of artistic craft ideas, she kept the house in ship shape too. She will still come on Fridays and evenings babysitting because none of us can possibly live without her!