Another HOT weekend

We went to our nephew Justin's house for his birthday this weekend. Matthew is giving the birthday boy a kiss.

It was a scorcher (111 degrees to be exact) so the kids played in the water to cool down.

Initially Matthew was a bit reserved. He is very social with adults and older kids but can be very aloof with younger children, especially ones his age. He eventually warmed up and was chasing Devin around the house and reaking all kinds of havoc.

Matthew and his "Gwama".

*************************

We had a swim/play date with Brenna and Kiran today and the kids had a blast. The water felt so good!

Matthew's little pals......

Look who is getting so brave and swimming to Daddy!

We topped the day off with some yummy cupcakes. Matthew asked Brenna to go into the backyard with him and then asked her to sit on the bike and he wanted to sit on the back....sooooo cool! I love seeing those times when he initiates with peers.....we have worked so hard for that. Funny the things that now bring us such joy. I look forward to the time those moments become a way of life.

Love those weekends....

On Friday I took Matthew to the San Diego Zoo and met up with some friends (mine and his). It was crazy hot but Matthew had a good time and wants to go back.

The weary moms!

Matthew just loves the ladies these days!

He loved the elephants. He watched a feeding and got a kick out of seeing them eat lettuce. He said "Mom, ephant eat lots salad. I yuv ephants"

My adorable little boy!

Inspite of the heat and crowds Mattthew did very well and is looking forward to going back. It was so cool to see him so interested and even tell me the names of a few animals I did not think he knew. He shocked me when he yelled out "Mom...I see a wawabee! I want pet it!"

It was not so long ago that I would not have taken Matthew anywhere without Mark or a therapist. I love that we can spend precious moments together and enjoy each others company. I love you little Bubaloo!

*************

On Saturday we went to a friend's b-day party. Matthew had so much fun between the bounce house and the swimming pool.

Special people in our lives.

Something that was really great was that Matthew was able to sing happy birthday to Logan. The sound of everyone singing used to send him into a complete meltdown, it was too overwhelming. We loved seeing him be able to join in and sing....of course keeping him away from the cake was a whole other Oprah.

The adorable birthday boy.

Spending time with Dad is the best part of any day!

***********

Today we had a swim play date with Matthew's friend Zachary, Miss 'Nena and Mr. Paul.

Matthew had so much fun and is loving pool time. I think that swim lessons have been great for him.

Zachary and his Mom

Mr. Too Cool for words. Could he be any cuter?

July 4th weekend

We had a nice and relaxing July 4th weekend. Friday we went to the LA Zoo with some friends. I did not get to take my usual amount of photos because a certain 3 1/2 year old was a little cranky, probably due to the heat but he still had a good time overall.

He looks like he is up to no good in this photo.....

On our way home we stopped by Keiko and Rob's house. They took us to the La Canada Country Club for a swim.....Matthew's new favorite activity. The cool water felt so good and Matthew had a blast playing with everyone in the pool.

An afternoon with his auntie and cousins always results in a big smile.

Nothing like a fruit popsicle!

On Saturday my friend Marla from Connecticut stopped by on her way home from a business trip for a quick visit. We spent the afternoon and evening barbequing, catching up and watching the fireworks shows from our back yard. From where we live we could see 8 different shows and Matthew really enjoyed it.

Auntie Marla and Matthew

Pictures don't do the view justice, it was great.

Matthew was busy working the ladies.

Today was beautiful so we had a pool day. Matthew loves the pool now and it getting quite brave in the water.

That smile just makes my knees go weak.

My precious Grandpa

Early this morning Matthew's Grandpa Sumida passed away. Though we knew it was inevitable, it was so sad. We are very grateful that Matthew had a chance to get to know his Grandpa and had a precious relationship with him......we just wish it could have been for a longer time. They had a beautiful bond and Tom was an "extra special" person in Matthew's life. As you can see in these photos, they had a really sweet affection. Tom was a wonderful Grandpa and Matthew loved him dearly. Now it is up to us to make sure that Matthew always remembers their times together.

Grandpa, you are so loved and will be so missed.