Last week of our summer vacation

Last week a friend of mine organized a field trip to San Francisco to attend and enjoy America's Cup races. She had been an avid sailor participating in sailing competitions during her college years, so understandably she was very excited to introduce the kids to such an amazing sport. I grew up by the beach, and although I never sailed on my own, I had awesome experiences going on rides on board of ferries, row boats, speed boats, and on one rare occasion on a sailing boat. Needless to say I didn't know much about America's cup and I was surprised to learn that it is one of the most difficult trophies in international sport to win. The competition is called the America's cup after its first winner schooner called America, which took the prized trophy from its mother land, England, in 1851. The winning trophy, the same won by America - possibly the oldest trophy still in use today - is passed down to the winner. And as far as I understand the race, it's a matter of sailing skills as well as design. For the longest time you also had to be wealthy if you were to abide by the many rules of participation. Nowadays, like with every sport, if you have a good sponsor you might have a chance to winning using your best skills and design in the race. This is a competition where there is only one winner and all the best sailors through out the world participate.

In anticipation of the races, we took a different route to San Francisco, by ferry, starting from Oakland. The kids were so excited about this ferry ride I think more than the race itself. Charlton held Gillian's hand the whole time and kept asking her to take him around the boat. When it was time to get off, he didn't think that was a good idea. All the kids loved the ride, smelling the ocean air, looking at the ships in the docks, and enjoying the panoramic view of San Francisco. They even got to see a coast guard speed boat in action.
We departed from Jack London Square and arrived at Pier 39 in a matter of few minutes. The ride was pleasant, so when we got off the boat, the kids were ready to use their energy walking. And that was a good thing because the races were taking place a couple of miles away. The day was beautiful, the view fantastic, and the streets were busy. This made for a scary walk because all the kids wanted to linger and check things out, and when you have a bunch of them scattered in all directions trying to see various things, it's a mother's nightmare. So we slowed down alongside our kids and tried to enjoy the view as much as they did.

When we got there, the kids were hungry so they sat by the edge of the sidewalk near the water, had some snacks and watched the race, while at the same time gathering a crowd of seagulls down below by feeding them crumbs from their snacks. From all four of my kids, Jefferson seemed the most interested in the race. Gillian and James were having fun feeding the seagulls and causing havoc amongst them by favoring one group of seagulls over another. Charlton was just happy being with friends and eating his snacks.

After all the snacks were gone, the children were ready for something else to do. So we took them around and let them play. At one point we found an art and craft area for kids, and let them enjoy making their own toy sail boats. This was Charlton's favorite activity.
We said goodbye to the boats, and went on our way. The walk back was slower since the kids were tired, but the fresh ocean air kept us going. This was definitely a fun excursion. And now that I know more about America's cup, I'm looking forward to following it next year as well. This was my kind of outing, and I really enjoyed it.
Besides going on field trips, this week we tried to do things at home and enjoy each other's company without the stress of school and extra curricular activities. It was a very bittersweet week. We did a lot of things that we will still get to do even during school year, but not with such relaxation and free time. Two months isn't enough in our household for summer vacation. I think I could have enjoyed my children for at least another month.

For one reason or another, my kids had playmates every day of this week. Gillian was a trooper and helped me with my friends' kids that I was babysitting. Jefferson and James enjoyed playing with new and old friends. They rode bikes, roller bladed, and played dress-up.


They climbed trees, drew pictures, and wrote letters to family. They finished their running club with Jefferson having run altogether 50 miles, James 30, Gillian 29, and Charlton 3. And a few days before school started, Gillian read Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice, and my boys had haircuts that made them look smashing.

School started yesterday. Elijah gave all of the children a father's blessing for the beginning of the year. We talked, prayed and discuss our schedules and goals for this coming school year. My children are excited for school to start. They are growing so fast, and I often wish I were a better mother so I could truly enjoy these fleeting years without regrets. This year I was planning (once again) to apply to graduate programs. And once again I felt strongly that I had to be home with my sweet Charlton and give motherhood all I have. With all my heart and mind I want to have my own identity as Melita, and not just as the mother of my children. But compare to all other identities I could have, my heart leaps when I think what a blessing it is to be a mother to my beautiful children. Happy school year, children, and to all of you moms out there hats off for trying your best. It isn't easy, but it's worth it.

Charlton's 3rd birthday!

My sweet Charlton turned 3 years old on August 20th. He brings such joy into our lives. He is happy and loving, easy going and friendly, and he tells me "I love you" hundred times a day. Furthermore, he has learned to use his charm to his advantage. When he makes mistakes and I'm starting to get angry, he turns toward me and gives me his biggest smile while saying that he loves me. I'm totally powerless with him. My three older children love him tremendously and always fight who is going to take care of him, play with him, or read to him. He lets them fight over him, and then goes with whoever wins the battle for that time.

He isn't a picky eater. His favorite drink is milk. He eats well and without complaining. His favorite thing is toasted bread with butter and jam. He devours every fruit I put in front of him, but he loves to peel his own cutie, so he eats a lot of those a day. When he feels like he wants a snack, he grabs some yogurt from the fridge. He isn't a dessert guy, which makes me very happy, but he won't say no to sweets.

His favorite thing is reading and playing with his siblings. Little Bear series is a classic that never leaves the new piles of books we read each day. Charlton loves music, and his favorite song is "Rumor has it" by Adele and "Always (open your eyes)" by Erasure. His unique quality is his memory. Charlton will remember things from a year or two ago with precise accuracy, and he is just three. He is also very sensitive. He will get very upset if he makes a mistake, or if I reproach him. Sending him to time out is the cruelest thing you can do to him; he can't believe that we are even considering that. Tears fall at the mention of time-out. He is very obedient and loves to work. He has thrown one tantrum, actually two days before he turned three, but in general he is a good child who wants to please and be happy.

Since Rebekah was leaving for Idaho on the day of his birthday, we had two parties for him one on Sunday, August 19 and one on Monday, August 20. I made the cake on Sunday, and so we had him blow the candles and open some presents that day. He was so happy to share the cake with us, but he kept reminding his brothers not to eat too much because that was his birthday cake and he was the birthday boy.

While I was helping Charlton open his presents, James borrowed my camera and took some candid snapshots of the family (my favorite is that of Gillian stealing some cake, but Jefferson's mustachio man doesn't lag behind):

Charlton loved being the center of the attention (not too much different from his usual days), but he loved opening the presents most. Among other fun presents from family and friends, Charlton's favorite presents were the ones that his brothers gave to him from their own collections. I bet he felt part of the gang now that he had some of their preowned stuff.


The birthday boy closed his celebrations by donning a pair of mustache and joining his brothers' mustachio man gang. He is officially a big boy now. Happy Birthday, Charlton!

On a Sunday afternoon...

Right before Rebekah's vacation with us was over, we decided on the spur of the moment to take a few family pictures. The kids, who are always very accepting of this irritating picture-taking habit of mine, were kind of tired and hungry. We had just returned from church and the only thing on their mind was food. Nevertheless, they were good sports and did what they know best when it comes to pleasing their mom, and posed. Elijah was kind enough to let his hunger linger for a few more minutes as well. Of course, the whole thing didn't take more than 20 minutes, but I was still glad that my family lent me their time for some photographic fun.