It hardly seems possible that we are nearing the end of the year and with it Open House nights at the kids schools. The evening started at Emily's school where she showed off her contribution to the classroom heroes quilt. Emily created the Elvis square.
Over at Grayson's school, we were treated to a dinosaur inspired show.
Afterwards, Grayson excitedly showed us around his classroom and playground.
The brave biologists set out to explore the jungles of Santa Ana.
Emily encounters rough roads on her way to find the giant lizard of Orange County.
They are shocked to find Cole has already captured and tamed the giant beast.
Grayson has enjoyed library story time for years.
Continuing with his exploration of various sports,
We all enjoy watching him having fun with his friends.
Dad, of course, is his biggest fan.
When you are invited to a Mother's Day Party by a gentleman this handsome, 
When we arrived at his preschool, Grayson presented me with beautiful roses. 
After a yummy lunch under the trees,
You are looking at one very proud and happy Mommy and one charming young man.
Sometimes the best toys, aren't toys at all. Cole was very impressed by how much noise he could make as he gleefully banged on the pots in the kitchen.
It was Friday night when the cries went out for fast food. When I insisted that we head home for dinner I was greeted with groans. Then the kids came up with the idea to open their own restaurant. Pizza King was born.
Emily served up the "happy meals" complete with pizza pockets, dessert and a toy surprise.
Pizza King was a hit, with great ambience and happy customers. 
Sometimes it is the little rituals that mean so much to the kids. The boys just love sitting down with Dad after work, eating peanuts he brings from the farmer's market.
Easter was great fun this year. There were treats left by the Easter Bunny, buckets of fun from Nana and Grandpa, and a challenging Easter egg hunt.
The beach in March? This is one of the many reasons I love living in California.
How can you not have fun in the world's biggest sand box?
Even at the ripe, old age of 11,
Hemmelgarn Park is proud to announce the opening of our new sandbox.
Emily dove straight in and turned herself into a mermaid.
Then she helped Grayson turn himself into a merman.
Emily took it up a notch and decided to bury her whole body. I look forward to finding out what they will dream up next.
Lots of creatures come to our apple tree for a snack, but I have never seen a creature quite like this . She was flitting about from branch to branch.
She was a cheeky little thing, but seemed to be friendly enough.
I did become a bit alarmed when she beat on her chest and let out a yell. 
Borrowing from Emily's idea from years ago, Grayson decided to build a Leprechaun house. He carefully constructed and painted a little house and placed a special picture inside for his new friends.
A few days later, Grayson found a little note and a yummy treat left by the leprechauns.
After several exchanges of notes and treats, Grayson is determined to meet a real leprechaun. He devises a plan to dress up like a leprechaun and fool his new friends into coming out. He looks pretty friendly to me.
Time for Grayson's first official visit to the dentist. 
He sat quietly as the dentist stuck fingers and tools in his mouth.
He was pronounced clean and cavity free and given a new toothbrush for all his trouble.
It was a moment from a magazine, with two boys in matching sweaters, (thank you Nana and Grandpa) feeding the ducks at the park.
Then Grayson saw the bikes for rent. Before we knew it, the boys were in the back of a tandem bike, bumping along with crash helmets. It was the most entertaining workout I have had, but in the end we agreed that next time we would bring Daddy along to help pedal.
It is such an incredible time in Emily's life now. At 11, she is becoming a beautiful young woman with an incredible mind, but she is still our vulnerable little girl.
I can't think of a better way to spend the day
Here is a cute chick that is ready to break out of this shell.
Dad catches some cuddles on the carousel.
Meanwhile, Emily and Cole are nothing but smiles.
When we arrived home,
Seeing these pictures, I really understand why the kids are never bothered when we leave them with Nana and Grandpa.Looks like some good chocolaty fun was being had in our absence.
As I proudly showed off my birthday necklace and bracelet, I was once again reminded of what a wonderful family I have.I couldn't imagine a more perfect birthday.
Jeff and his band Heroes recently had a photo shoot for their EP which should be released shortly. Here is Jeff trying on some of the clothes the stylist brought.
