And a note from Nat:
Hi mom and dad this is Natalie
Today I painted with Kiora again. She was painting pictures to her “fans.” Thankfully, it’s been cooling down, so now i can also wear pants comfortably. The best part of my day was painting with kiora, and the worst was going to sleep. See you in two days!
-sMELLYCAT
And here’s Nat’s email to us as she helped send Tyler’s letter.
Hi mom and dad!
This is Natalie using Popo’s computer and email for no reason whatsoever. Attached is Tyler’s “daily letter” to you. I’m not going to really write/type anything because it would all be the same as Tyler’s letter. What I do have to say is, TYLER DOESN’T KNOW WHAT PERSONAL SPACE IS. ITS SO HOT BECAUSE HE SLEEPS SO CLOSE TO ME. I HAVE TO WAKE UP ALL THE TIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO PUSH HIM OVER. BUT HE’S TO FAT AND HEAVY SO I CAN’T. Sleep ISN’T great. Anyway, I look forward to seeing you in four days!
-SmellyCat
I’ve asked Tyler to write me a letter every day telling me about the day before. This is so he’ll do something other than digital games (although I’ve also assigned him reading).
Here’s his first letter. I reprimanded him for his messy handwriting.
The kids took their first flight alone on Saturday. They flew from San Jose to Burbank and were picked up by Po Po and Gong Gong, followed by lunch at In & Out. They had no issues flying on their own, though Tyler admitted to me he was a little nervous. (So was I!)
I was able to wait at the gate with them and watch them board the plane. They shared a Jamba Juice while we were waiting.
On the airplane after getting settled. “Bye Mom & Dad!”
Nat said Tyler held her hand when they arrived at Burbank airport and were walking out to find Po Po. He’s afraid of getting lost. I wish I was there to see that!
David’s activity of choice for Father’s Day was a bike ride in the city so we drove to San Francisco in the morning and rode our bikes through the Marina and across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. It was a beautiful day in the city! Not a cloud in the sky. The view of the bridge was perfect. It was very warm too. After our bike ride, we locked our bikes and walked over to Fisherman’s wharf for some clam chowder bread bowls. The place was packed with tourists.
The other side of the bridge
The weather in San Jose hit 103 degrees. When we got home, it was still very hot so we jumped in the pool and had a light dinner (chicken salad) outside.
Nat’s birthday party this year was at a candle making place called Glow. It was a fun and creative activity and every girl (and Tyler!) put in their own thought to their creations.
Nat’s candle. It’s ocean themed
Tyler graduated from elementary school today. 6 years have gone by ever so quickly! I can’t believe I’m going to have 2 middle schoolers. I really hope Tyler is ready.
The morning started out with a 5th grade brunch followed by the graduation ceremony. It was hot and sunny and I was not prepared to be in the sun! Good thing David had a hat in the car. Tyler was excited today was his last day of school, but he is sad because some friends are going off to different middle schools.
Tyler’s teacher, Mrs. Kondo. She was also Nat’s 5th grade teacher. She’s retiring this year.
Many of his buddies
After lunch, a bunch of friends came over and started SUMMER with some fun in our pool. Nat got this pool volleyball set for her birthday so she was happy to use it.
Nat turns 13 today! We started the morning by waking her up with the birthday song and what is becoming a traditional birthday balloon. Then David, Tyler, and I piled on top of her in her bed since she wasn’t ready to get up yet.
Here we go! Entering the teenage phase!!!
We had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Campbell called A Bellagio. Nat’s choice. She ordered the lobster pasta which happened to be one of the more expensive dishes on the menu. The girl has good taste.
It’s our last day in Seattle and we were very sad to have to pack and leave today.
This morning, we walked over to the beach cabin for brunch. There’s a heated pool at the beach cabin which the kids enjoyed in the afternoon. They also explored more in the water looking at different sea life. David and I along with Barry, Diana, and Thu went on a hike in the nature trail that’s within the property. It’s just amazing all that’s available at Silverbow farm. Beautiful homes with fantastic views, swimming, a tennis and basketball court, horses, hiking, water sports, sea life, a chicken coup, farming, etc etc! We were very lucky to have this experience. It’s one of the best weddings I’ve been to.
Favorite part of the day:
Tyler: Swimming in the heated pool
Nat: Walking along the cove exploring the sea shells and sand dollars.
David: Watching the kids exploring the water and life on their own
Me: Nature hike. There was a great trail on the property!