Happy Halloween!

Here's a preview of King Finn. He seems to think the scepter is a combination wand/sword/bat. It grants wishes, turns people into other things and goes "bam" a lot.

Sawyer refused the multiple costume choices offered and instead channeled the terrible-twos. He is going as Senor Cranky Pants. No costume necessary.

Halloween Box 2011

Aunt Betty's box full of Halloween treats arrived last week. Oh boy, oh boy.

Finn sneaks a peek

Hey, what'd you get?

Aunt Betty was very sweet and sent two of everything. Thank you!

Serious business

No time to take off the plastic

Sawyer is ready to ship himself to Montana to visit Aunt Betty. Scout is glad to help out!

Halloween Part 1 of a lot

Finn started begging me to decorate for Halloween for ages ago. I kept telling him, "first your brother's birthday, then we'll do Halloween." We had had this conversation 146 times and it was only Labor Day. Yes, the kid likes him some Halloween. So, of course, we had to indulge him with Filoli's Autumn Festival come October 1st. And it's not so bad for the adults either.

Here is Finn with the apple cider press. He even got to turn the wheel several times. Of course, the best part is drinking the cider, not making it.

Sawyer actually did a pretty good job with this necklace.

Finn is the master of crafts, necklace making included.

The boys running in the gardens.

Had to have his face painted. A blue butterfly.

Sawyer parked it in the flowers. Luckily we didn't get in trouble for that.

More photos from Sawyer's Bday

I'm only a month behind in posting these. We've been very busy with Halloween. More to come on that.

Sawyer getting a little help from big bro to open his presents.

Favorite present from that day has to be these new rain boots. He put them on immediately.

A week or so later we celebrated with the family. Here are Sawyer and Auntie Kirsten with their birthday cakes.

Making a wish. Blowing out candles.

Having fun!

Sawyer Turns Two!

Happy Birthday Baby Boy!

Can it be that Sawyer is 2 years old already? Yes and he is. And he knows it.

Me: Whose birthday is it today?

Sawyer: Me's!

When it's your birthday you get to decide if pants are optional. And today they were.

He really liked that candle. The candleholder looks just like him (and Finn).

Oh yeah. Kickin back with full tummies after a special birthday breakfast.

First Day of School

Guess who started Preschool today?

Finn was a bit of sleepy head today (rare!) so we were in a rush to get out the door (not so rare). But we made it in plenty of time. The teacher had started story time and Finn quickly found a spot in the circle and blended in like it was his 100th day. He was very excited about going to his new school and didn't seem the least bit scared or anxious. Wish I could say the same about his parents. I'm really proud of this little guy for being so adventurous and outgoing.

Not sure which was more exciting- the first day of preschool or his new lunch bag. Here he is showing off the contents to Jason and Sawyer.

For my Mom

I'm a little embarrassed that it has been well over a month since my last post. What have I been doing? Lots of stuff. And since things aren't slowing down and I won't be anywhere near my computer on July 3rd, let me just say

Happy Birthday Mom!

And in honor of your birthday, it is now your turn to be the subject of my tribute.

For my Mom:

My Mother set a very powerful example for me. You can be a wife and mother and have a career. When I was just beginning grade school, my mom went back to work. As I recall, this was not the norm among her peers and I never got the feeling that financial need drove her to do so. What I understood, was that my Mom wanted to work, she wanted to develop a career for herself and do something productive outside of our home. I remember her going back to school, studying, taking tests. My friends’ moms were not doing this. But we were all so proud of her. And then she landed her first job at Dawson and Brolan. And then she was on to Hill & Co., Troycor and McGuire. She artfully balanced her career and family and I don’t remember ever feeling deprived because she had gone back to work. I mean, except for that time she forgot to pick me up at summer daycamp. And the entire family and half the neighborhood were out looking for me. And it turned out that I had been resourceful and walked to my Nana’s apartment and waited there for someone to pick me up. And the whole thing nearly drove my Mother to quit her new career. You know, except for that.

My Mom taught me to fight for what I want and not accept “no” for an answer. And that is especially true with anything relating to her children. She motivates us (one way or another) to try harder, do better, and never give up. I can say without a doubt that I would not be where I am today had my Mother not raised me the way she did. When I have thought of giving up, I hear my Mom’s voice in my head, and keep pressing forward to reach my goal. That is a Gift that she gave to me.

My Mom and "her brood" circa 1976

How the brood has grown by 2010.