My man...

...turned another year (in October).

One of our family traditions is to surprise the birthday boy/girl with a "Birthday Breakfast Table" complete with some colorful place settings, balloons (which means I'm typically in the basement blowing up helium balloons --yes, we have a helium tank in our basement-- at midnight the night before), cards, and a gift or two.

Here are a couple of snaps of the kids presenting their personalized cards. (Actually I just got Maclaren and of course no photos of the festive birthday table...what was wrong with me?)




Did you spy Peanut swaddled in the background?

Unfortunately I can't remember anything more about the big day (no cake?)...I guess that is what happens when you are months behind in your blog!!!

Bloggers note: I am posting SOC photos until I get caught up AND get a chance to figure out my new editing software. I am finding it to be a teensy bit overwhelming...

Soccer

Angus loves playing soccer. More specifically, he loves PRACTICING soccer.



He is not a fan when it gets competitive...including games, scrimmages or any other type of drill that is competitive.




So we changed it up and instead of playing in a league this fall, he participated in a weekly clinic in the park near our home.



What I love about Angus and soccer is that ever since he joined a league and was handed his uniform, he always wears it!! Every practice, he suits up in his uniform...full on!!



Lookin' good, Angus!

Who would have guessed?

That this boy would love salad?

2010 Lookback: The Birthday Boy

What could be better than turning 5?

We celebrated on the actual day (in August) beginning with the traditional Montessori birthday ritual.

The kids gather in a circle. Cards representing each month of the year are placed in a circle with a lighted candle in the middle to represent the sun. The birthday celebrant carries the earth around the circle for each year of their life which represents the earth traveling around the sun each year.


The kids call out each month as the birthday celebrant passes. At the end of each trip/year around the "sun", the teacher leads a discussion about the types of skills, activities, or events occurring at each age.

I love the tradition and how it focuses on a child's birthday in such a meaningful way. Its actually a pretty long ritual and amazingly all of the kids are quiet and engaged throughout.

And of course it ends with a heartfelt chorus of the Birthday song!

Special requests for Birthday #5? Transformer theme and...

..."JUST COLSON". So we had to gently specify the invitation would NOT include Colson's sister Redding, mom, or dad who we would typically celebrate with. Yes. It was a little awkward.


So we celebrated that night with family and Angus' FOC (Friend of Choice), Colson.

And it ended up being a very nice, chill party (as you can tell from the present opening position he assumed on the couch).

Summer Trip to Michigan

August is the BEST time to visit Michigan (and Grandpa). Beautiful blue skies, the freshest vegetables, and warm lakes to swim in. And apparently it's a good time to...





Learn to shoot a bb gun?


And spy on the neighbors?




And head to the lake...






to splash around!







Bloggers note: Finally have my new software installed and am SLOWLY figuring it out. So the first batch of shots are SOC, the second and third I enhanced in Lightroom and the last are a Lightroom preset that I tried (I liked the old-school look for these since they reminded me of my childhood on the lake but don't think it is my go-to look for all). LOTS to learn...

Summer

What a perfect time to reminisce about summer...when the leaves have fallen, the temperatures drop and we're searching for our warm woolens.

This past summer was spent primarily at Pawley's Island where Allan and the kids helped my sister-in-law with house/dog sitting and in renovating her kitchen. I worked and met up with them on the weekends and for my summer vacation.

The Pawleys routine went something like this...low tide crabbing, playing games and entertaining on the dock...high tide gearing up and taking the john boat to the "end" (the point on Litchfield beach that overlooks Pawleys). Evenings at Brookgreen Gardens. Throw in a couple of parties (including a reprise of Maclaren's 7th) with our "cousins" Reid and Kelsey and you get the picture.

For a full visual click here.

Bloggers note: I discovered my camera takes awesome video but for some reason (okay...user error) most of the filming took place sideways. So just kind of turn your head when you get to that part. Also, I still haven't figured out how to embed the video link (I think smug mug should work but haven't figured it out yet) so you'll be rerouted there for the "viewing".

Coming soon...

Summertime in retrospect.