6 Years, 9 Months

Following the trend I started earlier in this year, Steve turned 40 in May.

Sassy and silly boys show off the cards they made for their Dad:

Since Steve is impossible to shop for, we went with just getting one of his favorite desserts (strawberry rhubarb pie) and loading it up with 40 candles: 

The last day of kindergarten was May 25th. 

Heading off to their last day, stylin' in their track suits (Jack left, Henry right):

Henry's year-end report card comments: "I have enjoyed having Henry in my class this year. He consistently does his personal best in all his school work. He has met or exceeded kindergarten standards [and] is ready to move on to first grade." 

Jack's year-end report card comments: "I have loved having Jack in my class this year. He is a good student and I have enjoyed watching him learn and grow this year. He is a kind and empathetic friend to his classmates. He is all set and ready for first grade."

Discovering the Toys R Us section in our local Macy's: 

My dad got our old video game systems working and brought them up to our house for the boys to enjoy. The vintage games have been a huge hit and the boys prefer playing the old games to watching TV or using their tablets. 

Frogger on Intellivision: 

Super Mario World on Super Nintendo: 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time on Super Nintendo: 

The boys particularly like playing the TMNT together, so that's been nice. And I make sure to kick their butts regularly in MarioKart to keep them humble.

Jack, the one-boy band:

Tapping out a melody:

I really need to get that kid into piano lessons. I've got to get my act together and find a teacher.

Henry was excited to receive a rainbow assortment of press-on nails from Aunt Jessica. When I asked him to pose with them, however, he went with... dramatic. 

Sigh.

The boys are finally tall enough to go on the ridiculous Cave Train Adventure ride at the Boardwalk by themselves so I don't have to go on it anymore! Hooray!

They were pouting that I didn't go with them. Tough luck, kiddos.

Dragon riders:

Beach swing with a fantastic view (it looks out over the beach and Monterey Bay):

Though this swing doesn't attract a lot of attention from Boardwalk patrons, the boys say it's actually really fun.

New kiddie ride that the boys found entertaining:

The cars just drive in a circle. I'm not sure the appeal, but they were probably just interested because it's new.

Hot rod Henry:

Glimpse of the beach and ocean beyond:

We really do live in a stunningly beautiful place.

The main Boardwalk attraction as far as the boys are concerned is still the arcade:

I recall when I introduced the boys to skeeball recently, I cautioned them that the game could be tricky and it would likely take awhile to get it. Jack stepped up for his first skeeball roll ever, and promptly launched the very first ball perfectly up the ramp so it hopped into the highest value cup. I'm not sure why I bother talking.

The boys got to go to several fun birthday parties to kick off summer.

At Rowan's party (a friend from preschool), her parents rented a claw machine, which was brilliant and was a massive hit. 

Jack was determined to win (he did eventually pick up a cute stuffed animal keychain, as did Henry):

Classmate Bettie's party was advertised as a "reptile party." The kids got to learn about and handle a variety of creatures. Henry was particularly delighted.

Henry with a little (corn?) snake:

Henry petting a big lizard (skink?):

Jack eyes the Mexican Beaded Lizard suspiciously: 

Henry and friend Avery (with the fabulous red hair) watch the beaded lizard wander by:

Listening to the reptile expert: 

Jack was more reserved with the creatures, but he did pet the chameleon: 

Kids watch the chameleon: 

Henry meets a cool orange lizard:

I love this picture, communing with the lizard:

Henry is very excited to hold the big snake:

Oh, wait, there's an even bigger snake!

Jack and friend Avery step up to pet the giant snake (undoubtedly at Henry's urging):

We've been to a lot of creative birthday parties for the boys' friends and classmates. Unfortunately for Jack and Henry, Steve and I are very much not party people, so our current plan is to bribe them not to have a party with promises of unlimited arcade games. 

Poor kids... it's hard to have antisocial, exhausted parents.