Andrew's in First Grade! {Minecraft Back to School Dinner}

The night before school starts we have a tradition of having a Back to School Dinner. This year we are going to have two different Back to School dinners since Andrew and Catie start school two weeks apart!

Last year we had a Back to School pizza picnic at the park and the year before we had a silly pirate themed night. Andrew currently loves Minecraft, so it was fun to add that to the mix. I made a super quick banner on the computer, decorated the table with some Minecraft toys and Kevin made us green waffles! We added dark chocolate chips to help them fit with the theme.

During dinner we talked about a few goals and some things Andrew is looking forward to about 1st grade!

After dinner Kevin gave Andrew a father's blessing that was super sweet! He had such a hard time going to sleep last night because he was SO EXCITED to be a first grader!!

Can't wait to hear how his first day went!!

Update: Catie never remembered about her Back to School dinner and I was too tired... so we'll try again next year with her. :)

Remembering a great lady!

Kevin's sweet Great Aunt June passed away about two weeks ago. Today we had the opportunity to celebrate her life at a memorial service down in Cupertino with friends and family. When we lived in Santa Clara she lived a few blocks away from us in an assisted living home and we really enjoyed getting to know her... and especially introducing her to Andrew.

One of my favorite Aunt June memories was when I took her to vote in the November 2008 Presidential Election. She greeted me all decked out in her patriotic clothes and earrings... and we drove over to Cupertino where her home was and voted. Her enthusiasm and accessories paired with Andrew's cute smiles made them the most popular pair at the voting polls.

We also had several fun visits in June's apartment with Andrew- who loved getting into all of her stuff when he was a baby. He was always a big hit with all of the residents when we went to dinner in the dining room too. 

After today's memorial we ate some treats and spent time with some of her family and friends. Kevin's mom and his Aunt Inez flew into town briefly for the event, so it was fun to see them too!

Aunt June will be missed!

Kevin with his 2nd cousins (Judy and Janet's kids)

Inez, Janet, Shari with Catie, and Judy (Janet & Judy are Shari's cousins and June's daughters)

This little cutie was such a good sport despite going to the memorial service instead of taking a nap. She made loads of friends and waved at everyone. It was so adorable!