We got back from our Disney Adventures and started on a nice warm summer!  June and July rushed past so fast that we found ourselves in August before we knew it.

Back from the cruise, we had to go out and fly the kite Madeleine made aboard ship.

We went out to Shoreline Park in Mountain View where the wind blows steady and the kite fliers gather.

Here is our moment of glory!  Madeleine running full out, kite flying, everybody happy.  It didn't last long, but we have a picture of it!

Summer means having friends over.  Madeleine, Katherine, Jessie, and Anika enjoy some watermelon in the back yard.

Then there was some playing in the sand box.

Madeleine and Ciaran looking through coloring books behind the couch cushions.

The Fourth of July!  Madeleine and Daddy watch fireworks.  Madeleine liked fireworks so much, she wanted to go see them again the next night.  When that didn't pan out, she wanted to run outside every time she heard a fire cracker.

Madeleine and Felix on the couch together.  Felix is no longer afraid of Madeleine.  Oscar, on the other hand, runs in terror still when she approaches.

Bonfante Gardens! Madeleine sits very still to get her face painted.

Here, with our neighbor Allison, Madeleine shows off her face painting of Nemo.

Madeleine in the bouncy house at the Las Madres Willow Glen picnic.

What would Summer be without swimming.  Madeleine after a dip in the pool up at Aunt Mary's house.

Then, later, inside admiring cousin Catherine's guitar.

Of course, she had to have her own time with the guitar.

Madeleine visited Aunt Renate at her work when they had a cultural fair.  SanDisk, where Aunt Renate works, is doing well, so can afford that sort of thing.  Aunt Renate went hog wild on the Americana theme.

Oma and Madeleine making music.  Oma brought over a wooden flute and a harmonica for Madeleine, and we didn't even ban her from our home.

Madeleine eventually scored a guitar of sorts.  Her own ukulele!

More friends over for a painting party!

There is a plastic mat spread somewhat optimistically on our kitchen floor.

And, finally, Jessie and Madeleine admiring the flowers at the San Jose Community Garden.