7 Years, 6 Months

Age 7 1/2 arrived and we took the traditional semi-annual height measurement. Jack and Henry are virtually the same height (within 1/8" of each other) at approximately 4' 2". At 50" tall, they are now officially tall enough to go on all of the rides at the Boardwalk. However, they both said they are not interested in trying the big roller coasters yet.

 
Well, at least Steve appreciated the local ice cream shop's "ice cream for breakfast" event:

Jack, hopping (yes, hopping) down the street on his scooter:

Jack and a group of his friends show off the "squirrel house" they built so the squirrels "wouldn't get wet" (left to right: Avery, Camden, Emil and Jack):

Jack was student of the week:

For his stuffed animal, he brought "Fireplace" (yes, it's a stuffed fireplace). Following are his answers that were put up on the board behind him.

What I like most about school: Math

What I do well: Math

My favorite animal: Penguin

My wish: Is to have an Apple Watch

My favorite book: Amulet

My favorite food: Sushi

A person I admire: Mom and Dad

Jack showing off his "birds on a line" painting:

Henry in particular got really excited by the school presentation about the upcoming science fair (which is mandatory for 4th graders, but optional for everyone else). A wonderful parent arranged for the boys' 1st grade class, as a group, to do a science fair project. Henry and Jack pose by their class science fair board "Does the color of food change the way it tastes?":

Henry and his creation in class:

The last heavy wind and rain of the season brought down this tree in the kids' school parking lot. Fortunately this happened overnight and no one was there at the time. Jack for scale:

Former nanny Kasey came into town and we got to have lunch with her and spend some time together at the Boardwalk. Henry, Kasey and Jack pose under a balloon arch at the Boardwalk:

Henry tries out the seat of a crazy ride that he's (gasp!) actually tall enough to ride now:

The boys roast hot dogs over the backyard firepit: 

The kids insisted that Steve light up the firepit for them. Then they did this:

Sigh.

Cool bright moon and clouds, as seen from our house's back porch looking over our second house (which I often refer to as my parents' Santa Cruz timeshare) next door:

My parents came to visit for my birthday, which I appreciated. 

My mom, Henry, Jack and I went to the local pottery painting place. My mom did a sunflower, Henry an apple, Jack a rabbit and I did a little cactus ornament. Showing off our creations:

Hanging out in the most comfortable place in our house(s): the big blue Habitat for Humanity ReStore couch. 

My dad on his reader while Henry and my mom talk to Steve (while my mom does her needlepoint). 

Watching the kids build Lego:

Oh, yeah, I also turned 41. 

I got socks. Socks are good.

My parents bought me an electric scooter, an extremely thoughtful and generous gift. I had mentioned that I felt guilty that Steve always has to take the kids on all of their bike rides (I can't ride a bike due to knee and hip problems), but felt spending money on an electric scooter that was suited for me (with a comfortable seat and a wide enough deck to position my feet the way I need to) was extravagant. Well, my folks went for extravagant and got me a Razor EcoSmart Metro. It's fantastic. Unfortunately, I am absolutely terrible and timid at riding it, but I'm hopeful I'll improve with practice.

I definitely feel older than 41. But I'm still here.