The simple joy of living - Happy Birthday, Tim!

Our friend Tim turned 4 this week and decided a Soldier party was a great way to celebrate - we couldn't agree more! Jack (and his skinned nose), Tim and Harry enjoyed pizza, camo-style
I missed the blend by a split second, but they were all over the place enjoying the sun and water/toys

Harry got out the big gun, then got some payback...

Those little pistols are pretty effective!

Harry enjoying his birthday treat

Tim, Harry and Jack trying to figure out how the grenade launch would work

and doing a little work

Does anyone else love A Christmas Story...you'll shoot your eye out!!

The Boys Are Back In Town

Thanx for including us all in a really fun day, Tim, and welcome to the 4's!

Johnny Cash's Like A Soldier

Twistin' By The Pool

At the half-way mark of Swim Nazi school, the boys have earned a few ribbons and surprised themselves a few times - I'm looking forward to what next week brings.

Tho Harry was thrilled to earn his first ribbon and read both of Jack's, he was too exhausted to put much of it to use at yesterday's Pool Fest at Zach's :-(



clockwise from top: Harry, Jack, Asher, Grayson, Zach and Carter
It was a perfect day, with the exception of Jack's spill and tired boys and Mommy, and we couldn't look forward to next week any more (we'll all sleep more this week with Daddy home).

I got a few great pix that I'll share with the moms but this one shrieked Boys of Summer to me - Zach has become a frog whisperer this summer, and he and Asher bonded over their frog-catching adventures yesterday

Thanx again for all the fun!

Dire Straits

'Cause HE'S A thriller

Poor Jack learned the very painful lesson of why we don't run on concrete yesterday - he was covered from nose to toes and everywhere in between. After the initial reaction, he's been a real trouper and views it more as a chance to learn about the medicine, various types of bandaids and healing capabilities of skin....

and now for the reference - we're worried about his nose not getting infected, making sure it heals as well as possible without scarring, etc., so I slathered him with Neo and put a bandaid on before naps today. He looked pretty silly but likes it fine...Dean and I were goofing on what plastic surgery might look like and then talked him into doing Thriller hands.

Michael Jackson's Thriller

Love, love, love is sunshine.

The boys introduced Grayson to one of their favorite parks this afternoon, and I thought it might be fun to compare them with a picture from one of their first visits....

Grayson, Jack and HarryApril 2006 - Harry in front of Jack

It was a pretty gray day, but friends always make it brigher!

I know I have this same picture of Jack blowing out a flipflop, but I can't find it right now

It was a really fun afternoon, following a great morning of movies and lunch with Asher and his parents. What a week!

James Taylor's Shower The People

...if I didn't earn it, I don't want it

After yesterday's difficult lesson, Harry really pulled himself together and earned his first ribbon today - yahoo, indeed!

Aaron Tippin's I Got It Honest

I'm ready to play!

Two boys who are happy that Daddy's packing to come home!

Our schedule's been all kinda off this week, and we had a picnic in the living room before heading to t-ball for pix and a game
He's actually talking to Dean, who called just before their game, but it *looks* like he's negotiating a contract with his agent, right?

The awesome Coach Chad getting Jack set up

and Jack excitedly awaiting the pitch

Coach Chad giving Harry a little encouragement in the field

Harry and Asher have mastered the 'ready' stance

Harry at the bat

I was into all the iconic baseball visuals tonite - Harry in the field

Jack was doing a dance while playing third base

Harry made a few good plays, and it's always better with friends cheering you on!

John Fogerty's Centerfield

My baby HE wrote HER a letter

We're big on apologies, when needed, and this one definitely was. I was proud of Harry for determining to write to his swim teacher after today's lesson.

I cleaned up his 'puked on you' but otherwise it's all him. I even have it on video, so tomorrow will be a better day!

Their lessons involve immersion - when the child refuses, they go under. He swallowed a LOT of water, and I hope he learned his lesson. These ladies earn their money, for sure.

Jack earned his first ribbon today after learning to several safety maneuvers and being very cooperative - yay!

Joe Cocker's The Letter

You Oughta Be In (At?) Pictures

We started going to this year's summer movies last week, and it's going to be a pretty busy week with movies, swim lessons and tball. They, ok me too, are starting to crack under the fatigue, but they rallied a few times today, and tonite we made it thru almost the entire nite with no whining or tears...a small miracle. After a really rough afternoon, they knew that they had to listen to the coach, play and refrain from whining or crying in order to go to the movie tomorrow. We'll be picking up friends early :-)

They've gotten into a good routine - Harry gets the popcorn and Jack gets the snack in the kids meal.
Nothing makes them much happier than a trip to the pet store, and they earned it during the movie this morning. If only it could have lasted....they flipped this afternoon, and Jack balked about lessons while Harry trooped on (180 degrees from yesterday). It was a terrible whinefest; I yelled and they cried themselves to sleep, but a nap seemed to do the trick

In the dugout during their first game:

I'm not sure of the first two names, but then it's Jack, Grayson, Harry, Asher and Zach

Here's Harry flanked by two of their great coaches: Chad and Andy

Jack getting ready for a grounder - he did a great job hustling for balls tonite...he didn't do much throwing after stopping them, but he did share with a few friends, which is a good start on the teamwork ;-)

This is Harry's first pitched hit (that I can recall) - he was so excited!

You can see the ball about 1/2 between him and Coach Andy.

I will remember my camera next time....I will remember my camera next time...I will....

Brenda Lee

The waiting is the hardest part

This is what two boys trying to be patient while waiting for THREE HOURS to have a tire repaired. It was a long day, but overall pretty great, considering....we all miss Daddy and hope this week flies! The boys started swim lessons this afternoon, and they were pretty excited (despite the fact that they ignored my question at the end)

Jack is really into his hair being spiked, or 'grassy,' but he refuses to do anything to make it last longer than it takes him to look in the mirror or me to snap a picture
Story Minute with Jack - he's been particularly hammy lately

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers

Oh, What A Night!

We started our birthday party for America with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, featuring Thomas Jefferson's fifth great-grandson. It was cool to hear the words amidst all the current changes, and having them read by a direct descendent was a real treat!

There was pledging

There were lovies

and there was silliness

Then we headed over to the G's house for some fun in their new pool - it was a blast!
Carter, Harry, Jack and Zach

a parade of pool toys

Zach's great smile

Harry and Mr. Ed primed their guns for a water fight - something doesn't seem quite right here....

Ms. Christina bringing out the birthday cupcakes.

After all the good eats and splashing, it was time for the light show

Jack is so excited for the fireworks this year, and he was not disappointed!

Neighbor friend, Zach, Harry, Carter and Jack had prime seats

Mr. Ed and his neighbors did a great job this year - I think their show was better than the county one we skipped, and no cops this year....great all the way around!

Happy Birthday, America!

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons' December 1963