Leyton - Bright Start Preschool Promotion

Today was the last day of class at Leyton's Prospect preschool. Since he was attending the Pre-K class, they traditionally have a graduation ceremony for the kids moving on to Kindergarten next year. Even though Leyton will still have another year of preschool, he was still allowed to participate in the ceremony, which was very low key and informal but cute!

There was a dinner banquet followed by a mini ceremony in which the teacher handed each child a certificate of completion. There was also a picture slide show presentation that included images of each child in the class, of which each family received a copy.

As a parent that participated in this program "Bright Start" through the Adult Education Program in our area, I felt very blessed to have had this opportunity to be in the classroom with Leyton and have hands on experience to help teach him and his fellow classmates, but especially to see how he has grown both socially and scholastically. It's a rare experience and I'm glad that I had this special time with him. Next year, he'll be at his Private preschool, but fortunately I can go through a similar experience with Lincoln next!

Of course I wasn't emotional or anything at the "graduation" ceremony since Leyton was not actually moving on to Kindergarten but there was definitely some tears shed by parents and teacher for the kids that were moving on. It's kind of funny to think that as parents, we can get so emotional about such a minor milestone in our kids lives, at least compared to the bigger milestones to come as they get older and finish bigger stages in their scholastic career. But I do have to say that I did get a little lump in my throat as I watched the photo slide show and thought about the time that I shared with Leyton in the class. And we did make some nice friends in the class that we hope to continue the friendship in future playgroups!

We'll see how emotional I get when Leyton actually moves on to Kindergarten, but I have a whole year before that happens!

Leyton's a Super Star one last time!

Every quarter at Leyton's Prospect preschool, there is a new rotation of "Super Star" for the day which includes taking Biscuit (the class dog) home with them until the next class. Leyton has already been Super Star twice (once each previous quarter) and we were coming down to the last days of school and he hadn't been chosen yet. His chances were slim since the class consisted of 24 kids, he only attends class 2 out of 3 of the days and it was a short quarter.

But today turned out to be his lucky day. He was chosen Super Star and will be the last child to take home Biscuit for the school year. Biscuit will return to class and be raffled off to a child that will keep him "forever" after the pending "graduation" ceremony the last day of class. Leyton was so excited and it couldn't help but fill my heart with joy as I saw his face light up as his name was announced. It's very cute how the Super Star is identified. At the beginning of each quarter, the parent and child fill out a short form with questions about themselves. That form is then put into a basket and is randomly drawn by the previous Super Star. The teacher reads the responses to the questions and ask who it is that she is describing. It's a wonderful self-esteem tool that hopefully every preschool utilizes in some shape or form. During the entire year in this program, every child would light up when their name was called to be Super Star! If we could just bottle that joy...

Fortunate for Biscuit, we went to a Padres game tonight. This was his first time to a Padres game and Leyton got to share that story with his class the last day of class. Leyton also showed Biscuit all his live bug collection and did a little bug hunting with him. Leyton even took Biscuit to bed with him both nights that he had him and told us how much he will miss him. And of course our little meticulous boy said "I was Super Star 3 times!" And we tell him that he's always our Super Star!

Cousin Grace's Birthday

OK, it's been a while since I've updated the BLOG... sorry about that, it's been a very busy month (June). A lot has happened and I want to make sure to include the highlights of our month... the list is long!

There's a lot of catching up to do, so for starters, we celebrated cousin Grace's 2nd birthday. She's only a month older than Lincoln. She's going to have a baby brother soon (~Aug) and they just recently moved into a bigger place (a rental house) to get ready for the addition to the family!

We had a nice family celebration at both Ong Ba Ngoai's house (Grandparents - Nguyen) and our house, different days. Our boys love birthday parties and they also love to spend time with their cousin Grace, which they get to see at least once a week if not more.

Happy 2nd Birthday Gracie!

Wirschems - Gone Fishin'

Just a quick note to say that there must be something in the blood of a Wirschem. After a long weekend of fun at Camp Cedar Glen, the Wirschem's stop off at Lake Cuyamaca to stick a pole and line in the water. I guess it wouldn't have been such a strange idea had it not been for the below 50 degrees weather (OK, I don't know the exact temperature but it was very cold, I'm probably pretty close though). The kids are bundled up to the kilt but with uncovered hands so that they could play with the worms and the water.

Luckily, Lincoln was napping, so I (Linda) got to spend a good amount of time in the heated car watching the fishermen from a near distance. Eventually I made my way out to capture some photos, but froze my behind doing it. You could see that each of the kids were cold, hands a shade of pink/red from touching cold water and leaving them out in the elements. Some of the kids even got their clothes a little wet from the lake. But the amazing thing about it all was that not a single one of the 5 kids out there complained about how cold it was. They were very content with their worm and fishing pole and what they could do with it. We eventually got them to put down their poles when we mentioned food and a warm bowl of soup.

Of course nothing was caught, the kids were dirty but they had a good time and in the end that's all that matters. Fortunately no one came down with a bad cold from the experience, as far as we know. Wirschems... must have some kind of fishing blood that helps them take on the worst conditions just so that they can go fishin'!

See the fishing fanatics by clicking on the photo:

Wirschem Fishing

Family Camp at Cedar Glen

For Memorial Day weekend, we joined the church where Leyton goes to preschool (Foothills United Methodist) for a family camp at Cedar Glen in Julian, CA. We were fortunate to convince Grandpa Lee to bring the 4 cousins (Joe, Izzy, Will and John) and have them camp with us in our cabin that had 4 sets of bunk beds.

It was a great weekend filled with fun and activities. The weather could've been a little better (warmer would've been nice), but we made due and still enjoyed ourselves.

We actually didn't know too many of the other families that came to camp, all who are members of the church. We are not members of the church, but heard about it during a "preschool" performance during a service and it also just happened that Leon's supervisor was the head organizer of the camp and welcomed us to join them. We sure our glad that we did because not only was the camp well run but the people we met were very welcoming and friendly.

The camp had just under 100 attendees (including a lot of kids). There was always something to do and the food was actually pretty good. Even though a handful of our kids were not quite old enough to do some of the activities (like the archery or "fun factor") but both Leyton and Isabel did attempt the wall climbing. Cousin Joe was able to participate in most of the activities since it was more suited to his age group and he sure had a blast doing them.

During our time at camp, we were especially grateful for the quality time that we got to spend with Grandpa Lee. He doesn't get a chance to spend as much time with our boys and it was heart warming to see him have so much fun with the boys. Amongst all the activities, we were still able to squeeze in a little t-ball and soccer in the open field where you can play baseball/softball. The kids also had a great time in the craft room where they made many projects.

Each night was capped off with a campfire gathering of song and fellowship and the making of s'mores. The only thing we regret or our apologetic to is the unlucky family that was our adjoining cabin mates. Even though there was a closed door between us, we are sure that they could hear every screeching or minute noise that came out of our room full of 6 kids and 3 adults. And trust us, there's was plenty of noise that came from our side, you couldn't expect anything less. Fortunately our neighbors were very nice and didn't complain about the noise (of course while our kids finally were sleeping, their kids were up at 6 AM making noise). But it all worked out and everyone had a great time.

If you ever get the chance to stay at Cedar Glen, especially as your kids get older 5+, we highly recommend the experience. The surrounding trees and mountains and just pure nature is breathtaking and an experience that we sure didn't want to miss. The camp has about 10 cabins ranging in size, so whether you are a part of a large group or just a small family get away, it's definitely worth visiting.

Click on the photo to see more:

Cedar Glen

Preschool Family Picnic

Today we enjoyed a family picnic at Leyton's Foothills preschool. Since cousins Izzy, Will and John spent the night at our house (yes, we had a total of 5 kids), they also joined us at the picnic.

The kids had a lot of fun. There were 4 booths set up with games the kids could play and win prizes, they had 2 bouncers that the kids could play on and they could have a painted tattoo (or face paint) and a balloon character/object made to order. The day included a lunch provided by Hot Dog on a Stick (one of Leyton's favorites). And of course there was a cake walk or in this case a "tight rope" cake walk in line with the "circus" theme of the picnic. Let's just say with as many of us playing, we all came home with plenty of sweets.

This was the first time that we had 3 of the Wirschem cousins stay with us over night. It wasn't terrible, not as bad or difficult as you might think. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely challenging but bearable. We hope to be able to more of this in the summer to give Lee and Barb a break. The more comfortable the younger ones are with us, the easier it gets. We had our challenging moments, but that's how we learn to make it better for the next time.

Click on the link below to see the fun the kids had at the picnic:

Foothills Preschool Family Picnic

Leyton's 4th Birthday Celebrations

Well it's been a while since we've added to our Blog, been pretty busy and just didn't have enough time or energy to sit down and update the blog. But I'm here now and here it goes...

Leyton celebrated his 4th birthday in a couple of different celebrations. His first celebration came a couple of days before his birthday at his Prospect Preschool. He wore a birthday hat and had his whole class sing to him (20+ kids). Mommy made ladybug cupcakes to share with the class.

On his actual birthday, he celebrated with his Foothills Preschool (10 kids) during a Teddy Bear Picnic snack break. Mommy made Gummy Bear on top of a brownie (to stick to the picnic theme).

The night of his birthday, he had three of his cousins spend the night. Cousin Grace also joined in the celebration by having dinner and cake with us, along with a handful of Aunts/Uncles from Linda's side.

He's already had 3 birthday celebrations and the BIG BUG party is coming in June (joint party with Lincoln). Seems fitting that he'll actually celebrate his birthday 4 times, since he just turned four!

Can't believe he's already 4. Where has the time gone?

Click on the photo below to go to the link of photos from his celebrations:

Leyton's Birthday Celebrations

Mother's Day at Coronado's Ferry Landing

In celebration of Mother's Day, we passed on the typical Mother's Day brunch in a crowded restaurant and headed for the water. Linda's favorite thing to do with the kids is go to the beach and hang out near the water. Fortunately this year, we were able to convince the "Moms," both Grandmother's (Ba Ngoai & Becky) as well as Aunt Nancy and Aunt Wendy to all join us at the Coronado Ferry Landing (Aunt Angela & Uncle Mike also joined us). It was a slightly cloudy day, which made for some cool temperatures at time but the sand was hot and when the sun came out, it got pretty warm. It didn't bother the kids too much since they were very preoccupied with playing in the sand and making sand castles and mud pies. It was also great to have the boys play with their cousins (Natalia & Maddyx), which doesn't happen often enough. It was nice having only one place to go to on Mother's Day and we hope that something similar will continue to happen in the future! Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there!

Click on photo link below to go to web album:

Mother's Day

Mother's Day Tea at Leyton's Preschool

Leyton's Foothills Preschool had a special Tea Party for all the mothers during the last 30 minutes of class today. Miss Vicci had each child tell the class what is one thing that's special about their mother. Leyton's response was "I have to think about it, I'll get back to you!" Each child gave their mother a single beautiful rose and a collection of handmade Mother's Day crafts. We then had tea and finger sandwiches. It was very sweet and it got me (Linda) a little choked up, realizing that this was the first Mother's Day that Leyton really knew what it meant. It was also touching to see all the gifts they made, a hand drawn portrait of Mom (just a face), a bouquet of stamped flowers held by their hand prints and a picture of Leyton with the words "My mother is beautiful because I like her." Days like this definitely makes you feel special and proud to be a mother!

Birthday celebration for Cousin Michael

Today we celebrated Linda's cousin Michael's 40th Birthday with his family and friends. It also happens to be Michael's mother's birthday as well. It was an especially nice occasion because all of Linda's side of the family were there together, and we got to visit with Linda's other cousins as well! Happy 40th Michael!

Leyton sings during church at his preschool

Today we attended church service at Leyton's Preschool (Foothills United Methodist Church) where he, along with most of the preschool kids (and his classmates in Miss Vicci's 3 year olds), sang 2 songs. It was a special occasion because Leyton rarely sings in public and especially if others are watching. He loves to sing songs at home and in the car, but not so much in class. It was great to see him sing so well and we were so proud of him!

Date Night Golfing Mission Bay

We had another successful Date Night of golfing, this time at Mission Bay Golf Course. We actually finished 18 holes in less than 3 hours, but the course is only a Par 58 (a little longer than an Executive course because has it 4 Par 4 holes). It also helps that Mission Bay offers night golfing, so we weren't limited by the sun light. One noteworthy event was that Leon shot 3 over Par, which is the best golf he's played in a long long time! It was nice to play this course, but a bit pricey to be a routine course to play. We'll probably be heading back to Singing Hill's Pine Glen Executive for their $9 twilight rate for one of our next Date Nights!

Home Depot Kid's Workshop

This month at Home Depot, the kids got to make a flower pencil holder for Mother's Day. Instead of making two of the same, Lincoln got to help make a firetruck crayon holder (left over from a previous workshop). The kids love to put the projects together, especially the hammering. If you have young kids, get them out to Home Depot the 1st Saturday of the month, free kits and aprons while supplies last!

A field trip to the Water Conservation Garden

Leyton's Prospect Preschool took a field trip today to the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon, not too far from our house. They were taken on a private tour of the gardens and were taught about the many ways to conserve water in your garden and around your home. And they were taught a thing or two about the different types of plants to grow in your garden.

It was a fun time for the kids, even Lincoln was able to join the class. The kids, especially Leyton, have gotten into gardening at our house. They get pretty excited when they see that the seeds they planted have changed and have begun to sprout out of the dirt. It's great that they are so into garden, no surprise there since they are always playing with dirt anyways. Hopefully they'll be able to appreciate gardening more now and so they can help us with our landscaping projects.

Here are photos from both our trip to the Water Conservation Garden, as well as our home gardening activities (slide show to the right). Click on the photo to see the album... enjoy!

Water Conservation Garden

A fun Tuesday at Sea World

Today was the first Tuesday that we did not have a class or other appointment to occupy our day. We just finished a La Mesa Community Rec class called "Say and Play en Espagnol." Linda and the boys attended the class together and it turned out to be one of Leyton's favorite classes to go to. It was a very casual atmosphere of learning Spanish through visuals as well as singing. Leyton can sing a couple of simple songs in Spanish now and Lincoln has learned to say simple things as well, both in English and Spanish. We were going to enroll again for the next session but unfortunately we were 1 of 2 families enrolled and so they cancelled this session. Bummer for Leyton, he was really looking forward to it.

So as a fun break from our busy schedule (since Leyton has preschool 4 days a week), we decided to head to Sea World. The other reason we were going on this particular day was that we need to buy FUN cards for Mommy and Daddy, since the last day to purchase them was 4/30/08. The Fun card allows you to theoretically pay for one day and get to play for free the rest of the year. Leyton has a Silver Passport, which is basically the same thing except that it's always a full year from activation and it includes parking ($10/visit). We love to go to Sea World because there's a good variety of things to do, more than just seeing a show. Sea World is currently renovating the kid's play area which should be opening by the end of May. Aside from being a huge playground it also includes a water park which is always a refreshing alternative for the kids when the weather is warm. We look forward to when the kid's play area reopens.

Today's visit to Sea World included something that has never happened to us before. Both Leyton and Lincoln fed the dolphins and bat rays. In the past, Leyton has always been the only one to feed the animals, but today, Lincoln was very interested and willing to feed the animals and had a great time doing it. Feeding the bat rays is a little tricky since you are supposed to put your hand down far enough for the bat rays to swim over your hand and suck up the food. Lincoln wasn't completely successful but he definitely gets an "A" for trying. Aunty Nancy and cousin Grace met us later on at the tide pools and the kids ran around together enjoying the space and freedom of a non-crowded day at the park. We'll keep you posted to when the kid's park reopens, since we'll definitely be spending some time there this summer.

Sea World 4-29-08