Skyler's Friend

Skyler has a friend named Luke from school who we meet for playdates sometimes.

This was at Sugar Sand Park, somehow they just "posed" for this photo:


we went on a nature walk at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, or rather a nature RUN. This is pretty much how Luke's mom and I saw them the entire walk as we yelled "stop!" and "don't run!"

They enjoyed climbing on this giant coral rock:

we also stopped at the beach and they ran around and stopped at the intracoastal side of red reef where they rolled down a grassy hill. we went to dinner at mizner park and they were throwing coins into the fountains (we got the much coveted table next to the fountains) when Luke said "take our picture!"

VPK Certificate

I had to go to the library in Boca to get the VPK certificate (more on that below), so I brought Shayna and Skyler with me, since Skyler had a birthday party to go to and the library was on the way. Shayna wanted to go because she loves the library. Here they are in the "teen room" which is in the back of the childrens section. There are computers and internet access.


The VPK certificate is to enroll your child in a voluntary pre kindergarten class/preschool. The state pays for preschool under this program, and pays for 3 hours per day of instruction or about $2600 for the year. You need to go through the state agency which is in west palm beach and apply for the "certificate" which you then give to the preschool your child will attend for pre-K. So you need to get this now for Fall 2008. They come out to various locations at different dates to make it easier (not have to go all the way to west palm), and they were in Boca today. It does take a while and there were a lot of people (had no idea there were this many future pre-K kids!). It wasn't too bad, they give you a number so you don't have to stand in line. I was #140. Oddly enough, even though you could go inside the library, most people were standing in line OUTSIDE the library in the heat. For me the time went so fast, as I was inside the kids section. We found a few good kids books. Diary of a Wimpy Kid=probably the funniest kids book I have ever read! I highly recommend getting it from the library.

Writing Names

Both Skyler and his cousin Sam did a great job writing thier own names on thier Valentines:

Getting Ready for School

As per the normal morning routine, after dropping off Shayna to school, I come home and get Skyler ready for school.

I ask him to get dressed, which means put on his clean underwear, shorts, and a shirt.A few minutes later, he comes out with 3 shirts on one on top of the other, with the original (dirty) shirt on the bottom. So I say, noooo you need to go back and put on ONE shirt. Of course he giggles because he did this on purpose to be funny.

He goes back, and comes out a few minutes later. This time I notice he has on 2 pairs of shorts, one on top of the other. Again, I send him back to put on ONE pair of shorts.

Now its time for me to help him get ready in the bathroom. I call him over and hear approaching footsteps. I notice there are quite a LOT of footsteps. I look outside the bathroom, and Skyler is a few feet from the bathroom door stepping in place!

Learning to Read

I got Skyler a new set of early reading books Friday at Barnes & Noble. he doesn't like the "Bob" books (we still had the 2 sets from Shayna, hardly used). I got him level 1 of a program of phonics called "Now I'm Reading!" Level 1 is called Animal Antics, the series is written by Nora Gaydos. The set comes with 10 phonics books all contained within a bigger binder type book, a parent guide and stickers. The 10 books progress in skill level. When they read the book completely on thier own, they get a sticker. Skyler knows all his letters and sounds, and we have been working with him on some sight words, spelling, and some phonics. he is really enjoying book 1 so far. Its called "Fat Cat." he is almost at the point of earning his sticker.

Treasure Hunting

we did another form of treasure hunting today: yard sales.


Going to yard sales is a lot of fun. You get to check out different neighborhoods and streets (here are so many in Boca) and become more familiar with the roads, since you go to places not in your normal routine (in this regard it is similar to geocaching).


It is also a challenge to find things you need and things you may not need but want, all at a great bargain. You also can find things you can't find in the stores and that is one thing I like.


We went to a total of 10 yard sales all in Boca Raton. Our main goal was to furnish the art studio (bookcase/s, big wooden table or desk, art books, supplies). I also was looking for a trunk to use as a dress up trunk for the kids. Here is what we wound up getting:


1. Trunk, vintage style, painted a beige/bone color: $3

2. Desk height light wood bookcase, like new: $3

3. set of 6 jars for using with painting: $2

4. Playstation 2 pirate game BRAND NEW: $4

5. Hugs board book: 10 cents

6. Silly 6 pins game with batteries: $3

7. 3 rubbermaid containers to use as geocaches: $1


As per tradition, afterwards we went to the breakfast place near our house, and had delicious omelettes, pancakes, and banana cinnamin french toast.

Shayna's Birthday Celebration - Part 3

We went back to Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale to pick up our art pieces and to go out to dinner. We now know the best place to park, right behind Joe Picasso's. There is a neat little "secret" walkway/alleyway to go from the parking lot to where the the art place is. Its really pretty with stone/stucco and gorgeous fountains in the walls and wrought iron details.


Inside Joe Picasso's, some of the details. There is a giant tree:

Part of the studio where you do the painting. Notice the cool chandeliers:

we got our finished art pieces. Skyler is proud of his fish:

Shayna and her mermaid. It looks great in her room:

Manny and the mug he made for Shayna, also holding the mezuzah I made:

The coffee parlor. Great comfy couches and chairs, and wifi. They sell coffee, various snacks, desserts, and ice cream here.

we had a delicious relaxing dinner outside at the crepe place, across the street from Joe Picasso's. we had a delicious escargot casserole as an appetizer, it was sooo good. We had dinner crepes (yum) and then shared a scrumptious dessert crepe. The food here is the best.

view from our table:

after dinner we took a walk and looked in an art gallery- one of which is the same gallery that we went in with my parents in Delray. we were showing her all the classic rock pieces/photos and discussing all the artists (don't want shayna being clueless) and how Led Zeppelin is going on tour again.

when we drove home, we went east down to A1A by the beach, then north along A1A and west to 95 for the scenery. we had a good time and rolled down the window and opened the rooftop, screaming and laughing like we were on spring break and being silly.