Jasmine had a fun filled playday with her sister Destiny and foster family Ron and Kristi.  We started our time together at the zoo. First up was hand feeding nectar to happily chirping Lorikeets. Then we strolled through the Pacific Shores section viewing seals, otters, and fishies. After lunch, we viewed monkeys, polar bears, elephants and we all sat down to watch the bird show.

As the energy of the adults began to diminish, we exited the zoo and got an energy refresher at the Dairy Queen. Then Emily and I took Jasmine and Destiny to the park while the foster family headed off to prepare for dinner. In the evening we said our goodbyes with promises to get together again in July.

[Show slideshow]

After a morning of errands and playing in the park we were hungry. I had a craving for some egg drop soup, so off we went for some Chinese food. Jasmine put on her hesitant face saying “I want real food.” We said this is real food. She look unconvinced. When the pot of tea and teacups arrived she looked even more concerned about what the heck was going on. Then I said “Are you ready for the tea party?” and then Jasmine’s face lighted up. After her first taste of hot tea I could tell she didn’t like it, but because we were having a tea party, she kept asking for more. She especially liked clanking the teacups with us, which I’m sure is a cultural no-no, but I thought it would add that element of fun to encourage her to try new things.

We picked an entree for Jasmine that was pretty much fried chicken and had them put the sauce on the side. She was a trooper and tried several bites of new foods like egg drop soup, fried rice, fried wanton, spring roll, and different sauces before settling down with her chicken strips and ketchup (which the kind server brought in an ornamental Chinese serving dish).

Of course the best part of going out for Chinese food is having left overs to take home, yum.

[Show slideshow]

I’ve learned the secret of getting a 5 year out the door with no fuss. “Would you like to go to the park after we do some errands?” There was a cartoon puff of smoke and Jasmine was miraculously dressed with brushed teeth and hair at the door ready to go.

As you can see in the photos, Jasmine is becoming quite the monkey bar expert. The other kids her age  attempt to match Jasmine’s skills on the monkey bars but end up walking away in shame. (Hmm, I wonder if I have developed the “my kid is better than yours” syndrome.)

Emily and I also got into the swing of things trying out some of the playground contraptions.

[Show slideshow]

Kinder garden graduation with cake and icecream.

[Show slideshow]

Today we ventured to the Portland science museum OMSI with Jasmine’s friend Avery. There was a brief delay as we had to turn back because someone left the tickets on the kitchen table. But that gave me an opportunity to tease the kids by saying “Wow, OMSI sure was fun we should do it again.”  They were amused.

We arrived to the museum and headed upstairs via the escalator because kids love them almost as much as ice cream. The first exhibit hall quickly bored them so we diverted to the science play center. That place was packed with happy kids playing in the water works, sand box, craft area, puppet theater, and chipmunk tree hideouts. After lunch we explored the downstairs science labs including an earthquake house which made me nauseous but Jasmine and Avery loved the shakiness. Then we went back upstairs (by escalator of course) to explore the earth and life sciences exhibits.  The kids really like the ball rolling contraptions. I really liked the ocean wave simulator and the colored light music instrument – very zen.

My favorite quote of the day was Avery saying to Jasmine “You sure have a lot of energy.”

[Show slideshow]