Summer 2013
We came back to San Diego n the middle of July: right in the middle of Summer, even if you would never tell from looking at all the stores, full of Back To school stuff and even Halloween items! Of course, it is easy to ignore these signs when San Diego offers you perfect summer weather or a wonderful summertime rainbow.
We definitely got the chance to fill the dog days of summer with lots of great summer activities. Just a few days after we got back, my work had a Summer Celebration with sweets and ice cream. Both Keegan and I were still home, so I brought him along. He always enjoys seeing my workplace, and all the attention he receives from my colleagues.
pretending to be the teacher, in term 5 web class
On the first weekend back, we arranged to go with our neighbor Kelton and his mom Melissa downtown, to the special Inflatable World event. We went last year, and Keegan was terrified of the huge waterslide. This year, though, it was one of his favorite rides, even if the sky was overcast. I did not feel like getting wet, or paying for the privilege, but he went up and down many, many times all by himself.
He of course loved all the bouncies and rides, but he especially enjoyed the floating balls: a huge inflatable ball that completely encloses him and that is rolled over a small pool full of water. Imagine an over-sized hamster wheel.
He also enjoyed racing on ATVs with Kelton.
The first few days after our trip, were very busy and stressful for me. I had to teach a new class slightly over a week after our return, and I was really behind. With Keegan at home for most of this time, I tried to maximize my work time. I only had three full days to work when keegan was at school, but of course, we had to have a power outage in one of these days…which sent me in panic mode and made me lose almost three hours of work time! And the reason? A tarp tent flew on power lines. Come on, what are the odds???
On the days before Keegan’s school started, we tried to entertain him the best we could. The Platt College Celebration was one way, Comic Con was another, but on Friday, I caved in and went to Seaworld. He had a lot of fun: we got to see some shows, animals, and he played on the kids area. We were also able to watch Madagascar Live Show, which was basically a mini “rock” concert for kids. They had a band on stage, with real instruments, and even had a guitar solo. I can’t say I rally enjoyed it, but Keegan did.
Matt’s work, URS, also had its annual picnic in Balboa park. There was food, and entertainment for the kids (and adults alike). Keegan tried the tightrope first.
They had face painting, and temporary tattoos (even I got one) and, most importantly, Keegan meet his buddy Pavlo, which “persuaded” him to get his face painted, something he never wanted to do before. He chose Iron Man. The kids played very well together, even if Keegan is a year older: probably this is because they act as if they were separated at birth. Same behaviors, same “songs’ and even same movement. Impressive.
They tried group games, with varying success. The three legged race, while very entertaining to see, was not the most successful.
We also organized playdates with old friends, to help him miss his old school a little less. We had a fun afternoon/dinner with Julia at their house; we met Van and Camren and Alyce at Clairemont Family Day: a fun filled event with rides and vendors; and finally we had full pladate with Van in Balboa Park followed by dinner. We took advantage of a caricaturist to get a portrait of the kids.
the finished work
August also brought us Mila’s (or Milena as she now wants to be called) birthday party at Playtown. Pavlo was there again, so the two of them “terrorized” the place. Only pizza and cake would calm them down. This time, Keegan had Batman painted on his face.
Of course, you don’t need any fancy place to have fun in San Diego. We had a few beach outings, crowds permitting, and parks outings (practicing baseball or frisbee or his bike) and we visited the Egyptian Exhibit at the Museum Of Man.
We did not even need to leave the house, between bike riding and playing with neighbor friends, or even just climbing on trees in our front yard.
So, it has been a fun summer. Keegan is growing up so fast and never lets us forget he is a very active, little BOY. He often talks about girls, and he seems quite fascinated by girls, especially scantly clad ones. Boy, are we in trouble…We documented his first perusing of the Victoria’s Secret catalog (lingerie store).
We are now looking forward to a fun, and challenging fall, when Keegan will start Kindergarten at the beginning of September. Wish us luck.
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