Taz

Kit and I went to check on Megan's cat, Taz. She was hiding.

Cookies

Bryan and Kit had fun baking cookies today.

Auntie Kathleen and Baby Hannah got in on the action too.

Kit posing with the cookies.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Today was Kit's first aquarium trip. She loved the otter feeding. We missed seeing a baby otter named Kit though. Perhaps next time.

She liked touching the starfish but the water was cold.

The jellies were impressive. Kit was quite amazed by them.


She watched them for quite a while.



I liked the sardines.

Tuk got hungry for sushi after seeing the tuna.

Outside it was pouring rain, but of course it was very comfortable indoors. What a great day to be at the aquarium.

She liked the exhibits designed for children too.

And she ran from one to another. Such fun!

Quick pose with mommy.

Wow, the kelp forest is nice.

She would just look with wonder and curiosity.

We were able to get lunch reservations at their restaurant.

Tuk says the crab cakes were the best she has ever had.

Kit liked looking out the window. She saw boats and otters but no seals.

Silly Kit!

The sea horses were very interesting.

This one is like a dragon.

And this one is like a clump of seaweed.

Looking for Nemo, Marlin and Dory.

She liked watching the turtle feeding. They had a nice salad then would swim up to her.

Dude!

Penguins are always fun.

We had a great time. The otters were Kit's favorite.

We became members so I am looking forward to many trips this coming year.

Thai New Year

Today we celebrated Thai New Year at the Thai temple in Fremont.

The weather was cold and windy so they cancelled the dance performance.



A necklace for Kit.

We met Yukari and Steve there for lunch.

Quote

Today Kit said a vacation is when you fly somewhere.

She helped water the plants.

Spelling

We often play a spelling game at dinner. We will pick a word together then she will sound it out and spell the word.

BEF (beef)
KOT (cot)
KUP (cup)
HAM
KID
KIS (kiss)
TRE (tree)
GREN (green)
PANT (paint)

Kit told Tuk, "Awesome, you did a great job Mommy."

Easter

Kit's Easter basket contained crayons, a dark chocolate bunny, Old Maid game, and her first PEZ. She also got a new toothbrush to remind her to always brush her teeth. Grandma gave her a nice vest.

She says the PEZ are too sweet but the Swiss dark chocolate is delicious.

Looking for Easter eggs.

We took turns. First I would hide them for her to find then she would hide them for me to find.

Santa Clara Citizen's Police Academy

I have been attending Santa Clara's Citizen Police Academy, a 12 week volunteer program where we learn various aspects of law enforcement.

Last week I went on a ride along with a new officer. He finished the academy at the top of his class and finished field training a couple months ago. At first it was pretty slow and we were the secondary unit so we just stopped cars for vehicle code infractions. A little boy waved to us and girls smiled.

1:00 was the start of "prime time" as we became the primary unit to be called. Busted two guys in their early 20s for smoking pot in their car, about 2 blocks from my house. Then some situations came up where I could get out of the car. A lady waved us down on a side street to report some abandonded industrial materials. Next we responded to a work place arguement at a large manufacturing site so we had to go in and find the people involved.

Then the activity started picking up. We went as backup to a known problem house. In fact, while I was waiting for the shift to start I noticed and read a bulletin at the station on this house. Seemed half the department responded so we were not needed. We started responding to a domestic violence call but had to cancel because he was called to San Jose to work an undercover case as the informant was ready, so he dropped me off at the station on the way.

Today was the highlight of the class. We broke into 3 groups of 5 and learned first hand what they do.

My group started with pursuit driving. We qualified at low speed on the technical course then the higher speed track.

Best part of my day was chasing the rabbit car through a cone maze at up to 45 mph. I had to stop at each intersection then catch up again. While there was no hope of catching the instructor driving a Z28, it was still crazy fun with lights and siren.

Punching it on the straight aways then tapping the brakes a bit before drifting through a turn and punching it again. I could chase the rabbit all day long.

Second section was scenarios. My partner, Rosa, and I were unit 1 and responded to all sorts of calls. We likely died in the last one as we were greatly outgunned.

Lunch was great. I need a taco cart!

The Police Chief spoke. Many officers volunteered their time to put this event on for us.

After lunch my group went to the range to shoot every weapon they have except the sniper rifle. Started with soap simunition rounds then an old service revolver. AR-15 is nice but the 12 guage shotgun with a one ounce slug is impressive. Went full auto on the SWAT assault rifle yet my best performance was on the standard Glock G17 9mm handgun.



My group did extremely well in the ratings. We came in first place for shooting. Rabbit car driver said I was the most aggressive, yet safe, pursuer and I didn't hit a single cone. Yea!

Baking

Tuk and Kit made fruit pops. Yum.

Weighing the brown sugar for chocolate chip cookies.

Scooping the dough is her favorite part.

She is really good at it.

We also made chocolate pudding.

Yum!