Summer Camp
Big day yesterday. C went to her first day of summer day camp. We took a tour of the camp back in December and signed her up and she's been excited to go ever since. And it finally came yesterday. She went on a school bus for the first time, which she was so excited about. Luckily, one of her teachers at school is in charge of the 5 year old group AND happens to be the bus driver for our route. So lots of comfort there. We got to the bus and C just climbed right in and was like "Bye Mom, Bye Dad". She was ready to go.
With counselor Rhiannan who's writing down which bus number she's on.
Off to camp we go...
Dissolve to 4PM and the bus pulls up. C hopped right off with a smile. She says she had a great day. She didn't remember the names of her counselors but she did buy a bagel for her morning snack, which probably filled her up since she took like 1 bite of her lunch. They went swimming, rode the go-karts and played games. She doesn't remember the names of the other kids in her Cubs group but she knows most of them since 7 of the kids are from her class. I actually wish they broke them up a little bit so she'd meet new kids but they're going different days so on those other days, she'll know other kids. She had a great time and that's all that matters. At least she's looking forward to going back tomorrow and that's a good thing.
Inspiring
I had to share this on my blog. As many of you know, my BF M is going through breast cancer treatment. She's doing great, had her second chemo today and is so beyond strong in mind, body and spirit, I can't even come up with the proper words to describe it. She's even more amazing than she ever was before.
She posted the following on
her blog yesterday and I had share it with you. It's an amazing story she experienced. So while I hope M is ok that I'm lifting this story, I know you'll all agree that this is worth sharing.
Before you say "uh, Mar the ribbon is upside down" let me explain.
Yesterday, I heard a 5-year cancer survivor speak at the Providence Saint Joseph Cancer Survivor Day. I was really taken with what this lady had to say. One day during the course of her treatment she looked closely at the awareness ribbon and came up with something truly inspiring. She now shares this vision with others. The bottom loop of the ribbon forms a teardrop, honoring those who've paved the way for us. The top forms a "V" for "Victory" as every day more of us are winning the battle against cancer.
Her name is Mary Ann Madden and her campaign is called "Turn the Ribbon 'Round." After hearing her speak I turned the awareness ribbon on the back of my car 'round. I am now waiting for someone to ask me why it is upside down so I can tell them about Mary and her vision.So if you see anyone with an "upside down" ribbon, be sure to think of them with a big smile. They're surviving and taking life to the next level.
Art
My sister gave us a great gift yesterday. It was supposed to be a Hanukkah pressie that wasn't ready in time. And it wasn't ready for my birthday or Mother's Day so she gave it to me yesterday for Father's Day. She has a friend who's an artist and she had her do a portrait of E from a photo. So she did the same for us. So here it is alongside the actual photo taken by L last year. You know how every year, of all the photos one takes in a year, there's "one" that captures everything. L took this photo at C's 4th birthday party last year. It's a perfect photo and now a beautiful piece of art to hang in our house.
The original perfect photo.
And the portrait version. There's not really a shadow across but you get the idea.
Sand And Surf
Okay, so yesterday it was over 100 degrees in the valley. With two days off for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, it seemed only fitting that we go to the beach today. Dissolve to this morning with overcast weather. Still, at the encouragement of E, and of course C wanted to go, we venture over the hill to Zuma Beach in Malibu. It was only about 80 here in our neck of the valley but the sun was out so we thought we'd brave it. By the time we got to PCH, the fog and overcast had not burned off at the beach and it was about 65 degrees. Still there were plenty of people enjoying the beach.
It was the first time C had been to the beach since we went to Jamaica 3.5 years ago. C, C and J had a ball. They had no problems with the cold water. They ran, enjoyed the waves, C fell down a few times and was covered with sand. (I think we'll be finding sand in various crevaces for a few days) But a great time was had by all, even with the chilly weather. Just imagine if the sun was out.
Oh yeah, and I took a few photos. (oh please, you'd be so disappointed if I didn't post)
How cute is 7 month old C?
My Beach Bunny
And big brother J taking care of his little sisters C & C.
Fun in the water
It's always good to hang with your best friend.
Yeah, I know...
Once again, lagging in the blogdom. At the same time, it's been a quiet week so I feel like I don't have much to say. I'll do a proper post in the next day or two.
In the meantime, check out my cousin. She's a professional dancer with the Philadelphia Ballet. She's so amazing.
