Continuing Adventures of Esther Xiaopan: Lots of reunions, school starting, and a quick trip to Legoland.

This summer was the summer for reunions. First came a reunion with two of my college roommates. We hadn't seen each other in years, not since Esther was two. It was great to see Tiffany and her two kiddos and Valerie (her kids are older and would have been bored out of their minds so they weren't there). We really missed Angie, who lives on the East Coast.

We met the roommates at a splash park. Esther had a blast.

The three kiddos: Joey (age 7), Esther (age 7) and Jasmine (age 5)

Then we headed to Sequim to attend my hubby's 20 year high school reunion but first we got to reconnect with our good friend, Jen, who we hadn't seen in about 4 years. Esther and Jen's two kids really got along well. My sister, Heidi, and her son, Bela, also came down from Alaska to attend the high school reunion.

Everett (age 4) in the foreground, Esther and Ivy (age 7) in the background

Unfortunately the outdoor adventure turned into a nightmare, when we stumbled
onto a beehive and all the kids got stung multiple times!

Everett and Ivy

my sister, Heidi, and Jennifer

my nephew, Bela

Esther started 2nd grade this year. And so far so good!! Her teacher is very laid back and doesn't seem as strict as E's first grade teacher. E still has her issues now and then but seems to really enjoy her teacher and classroom. It also helps that there is bigger trouble maker in her class!

First day of 2nd grade

In the middle of September, we headed to Legoland in San Diego for a five day trip. We stayed at the new Legoland Hotel and it was awesome. It was right up Esther's alley. Just walking in to Reception there was a river of Lego for kids to play in. There was sculptures completely made out of Lego and a huge castle themed play area where they had a show every night from 6-7 pm. The rooms were themed and we got an adventure themed one (think Indiana Jones). The elevators played disco music and there was a whoopie cushion in the floor that made amusing noises.

Legoland itself was fun as well with lots of rides and lots of opportunities to create things. If E had been old enough (9) she could have taken a robotics class. She was a little disappointed that she couldn't do it this year. We also got passes to the Legoland Aquarium right next door and although small, it had lots of cool things to see, like sharks and stingrays.