Today was Mika’s last day of Choo Choo Train summer camp with the boys – she is going to move on to “big kid” summer camp in German school next Monday. Her three days alongside Tobin were well spent though: he got comfortable with his future school (and teachers) in record time. From next week on, it will be his school … all the way. Mika almost got a bit wistful about leaving though … she had a lot of fun playing all day like a little kid again.

Tobin, Bruno, and Henry had their first day of summer camp at their future school today – the same school that Mika went to prior to Kindergarten. Apart from being a fun environment, we all hope that this particular summer camp will make the boys’ real start of preschool in September a lot easier. Today, they were still a little cautious, but had a lot of fun after the first moments of orientation. With his big sister there for support, separation was no problem for Tobin – he didn’t even bother wave good-bye to me from the window when i left! He also napped during nap time (how do they do it?), and is excited to go back tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes next week, when Mika attends her own, “big kid” summer camp in German school…

Hans and Tika brought their half German team over for some World Cup Quarterfinal action. The grownups enjoyed good brunch and watched the German team taking apart Argentina. The kids provided imaginary refreshments throughout the “stadium”, but lost their attention span for soccer well before the half time break. We cheered them up with some home made chocolate gelato, and post game victory face- (and arm-) painting.

What a fan-tas-tic game it was!!! We’re all looking forward to Wednesday’s Semifinal against Spain…

Mika and Gaang went on an afternoon movie date to see Toy Story 3 – in 3D!
Ever since they “adopted” Tobin last year, he is welcome to tag along on their adventures. Armed with pop rocks and popcorn, the kids stayed glued to their seats: i only had to take Tobin for a quick bathroom break during the dramatic finale, when the toys were facing a trash incinerator (almost too scary for Mika as well). We returned in time for the happy ending and to finish off the popcorn. After the movie, we stopped by Gaang’s place for a little more play time.

Mateo came over to play with Tobin this morning and the boys had a relaxed time without siblings (one too small to join, and one running errands with dad). When Mika came back home, she found Tobin turned into Santa Claus (note the bead beard), Mateo drawing with his feet, and Luna overlooking the activities. A perfect opportunity to show off her new cat lifting skills to the boys…

The icky, sticky heat arrived right on schedule – since the official beginning of Summer one week ago. Today was the worst so far, predicted to be up to 100°F. After German school was over, we went to the playground anyway. Mika and Mica survived close to the sprinkler, and Tobin kept his cool in the shade with a few buckets of cold water, found flowers, and sidewalk chalk.

Tobin and Bruno’s last day at German School ended in an ice cream sundae feast: all toppings imaginable to a 2-year old, including chocolate sauce and fresh fruit. The boys were digging in like there’s no tomorrow. Little brothers, big sister, parents and sitters all came along for the last half hour.

Mika has known Diego for half of her life, and was excited to celebrate his 6th Bithday with some old friends at the Pier 6 playground. With very little shade and temperatures in the mid-90’s, the kids were going back and forth between water sprinklers and watermelons. And cupcakes. And balloons. Guess which two rascals let some of them fly up in the air?

Mika has been trying to convince me to let her cut her hair short for almost a year. She liked wearing her long hair down, but everything else associated with long hair she didn’t like: the washing, the loooong blow drying, the brushing, the braiding for school, the sweaty neck on hot Summer days.

Her best friend from school recently cut her hair short, and now Mika didn’t want to cut her hair just to shoulder length anymore, but rather all the way up to her ear lobes “like Mica“. Unfortunately, her cut turned out even shorter (mostly in the back) … but Mika loves it nonetheless. By the end of Summer it might look more like what we had intended. Until then, i’ll have to bite my tongue.

On their last music class before Summer Break (and likely for a while), Tobin and Henry gave it their all: lots of singing, clapping, dancing, and of course banging up a storm with the rhythm sticks. Mika had fun as well, and kept her head cool near the industrial grade fan…

Tobin and Bruno spent the morning together – unfortunately indoors to escape the relentless heat. Both boys had a lot of fun until they got hungry and tired and cabin fever set in. Should’ve brought our scooter for a little hallway race ;-)

Yesterday was “Stepping Up Day” for all Kindergarteners in Mika’s school: they got their diploma, a book gift from their teachers, and gave a performance in the school yard … followed by a huge family potluck breakfast. Mika’s principal teacher Molly made a surprise appearance with her less-than-2-month-old son, and was instantly mobbed by a cluster of excited kids. This first year of public school has flown by in no time, but turned our girl into an emerging reader, an enthusiastic writer, and taught her a great number of other things. Congratulations Mika, you’re ready for First Grade!