August 2008 - New Beginnings

The last month has been full of new beginnings. Rick started a new job, which he is really enjoying, at the Palo Alto law firm of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (see here). Ariella turned 5, and Jonah turned 2. And last week, Ariella started kindergarten. Enjoy the pictures and videos.

Here's Ariella, on her actual 5th birthday, with Jonah and Cole.

Once again, we see a yellow Lamberghini in Palo Alto. Honey, is this our car?

This is the only picture out of about a dozen where all four kids were looking at the camera - a shame it ended up a bit blurry. Jonah, Tate, Cole & Ariella.

We went to LA for a bar mitzvah. Here's Ariella, dressed up.

And Jonah, playing with the neon rings.

We had a nice dinner on Venice Beach at Figtree Cafe. Before dinner, Ariella hanging out by the beach.

Jonah, with the wind blowing through his hair.

Another of Ariella.

A good one of Ariella and Rick

The kids chase the birds.

Daddy, I wish I had caught a bird!

Ariella the artist.

Andi and kids with Lindy and Clara.

In between the kids' birthdays, we had a joint pirate/princess party. Here's the treasure chest. We had a great treasure hunt.

Ariella dressed as a princess, of course.

And Jonah as a pirate.

Andi was a fairy and Rick a pirate.

We had face-painting. Here's Sophie Alter.

The cakes for each kid.

Blowing out the candles.

After the party, the Austins dropped by. Jonah tries to impress Abby by taking off his shirt and showing her his "Dozer" book.

Andi, Isabel, Ariella, and Julie.

Gamah Charlotte was in town for the party. Here she is with the family.

Ariella and Gamah.

On Jonah's actual 2nd birthday, we went to the Oakland Zoo.

And rode the choo-choo train, of course.

Ariella and Rick take off their glasses for the picture.

Ha, you can't kick me off this ride. I'm two now.

On the carousel.

Enjoying the slide.

After the zoo, we had the Loebs over for cake. Andi made this choo-choo train cake, with whipped-cream smoke and jelly-candy wheels. Needless to say, it was a big hit.

A week ago, Ariella started kindergarten at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School. This was her first day outfit. She was nervous at first, but she loves school!

With the new backpack

Trying to find the name with Mommy.

A tour of the class.

That's it for now - probably for another couple of months.