Sunday, September 30, 2012

George's birthday weekend


All I need to show you is one picture …



…for you to know that George had about the best birthday a three-year-old could have.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.  George’s birthday landed on a Friday this year, which meant no school (he was devastated, as you may imagine), so I asked him where he wanted to go for the day.  His pick?  Maymont Park.



I secretly jumped up and down inside.  It was a gorgeous morning and I love, love, love walking around Maymont in the early fall.




We spent the morning looking at the animals.





And even met a new friend.





After we picked Frances up from school, they begged to go to Monkey Joe’s (which they often do) and I almost said no (which I often do), but then I thought “it’s George’s birthday, it’s a rainy afternoon, and it would completely wear them out.  Why not?!”



Little did they know what was in store for them the next day.  Unfortunately, this is where my picture-taking became very spotty because I have almost zero images of George’s birthday celebration, which started with a lunch with Nana and Pop (yep, no picture) and a dinner cookout with almost all of the rest of the family.

James, Henry and Katherine

Henry, Kerrin and Baby Maggie

Baby Justin



The highlight of the party was the giant moon bounce (I had no idea it was going to be quite that huge), which kept the kids jumping and sweaty for nearly five straight hours.



We capped the evening off with some Cars cake.



I’d say this now three-year-old had a pretty fantastic weekend.  




And the rest of us are completely worn out.





Including Marshall, who spent this morning recovering the mudroom dirty clothes basket.  It's hard work trying to steal food off of 15 people's plates.  A dog's job is never done.


Thank you to all of our family who could make it this weekend!  And happy Sunday to you all!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Three!


Three years of smiles



Three years of sniffles



Three years of hair



Three years of giggles



Three years with Mommy



Three years with Daddy




Three years with Marshall and Max



And three years with all of the family




Three years of trips



Three years of books



Three years of sleeping



Three years of wearing your sister’s looks



Three years of Halloweens …




…and Thanksgivings …



…and Christmases.



Three years of Frances’s love…




…and lessons in “sharing.”



Today is your day, my big little man

There’s not one ….



 … not two ….



…but THREE fingers pointing high on that hand!



Happy 3rd Birthday to my monkey!!  


Now stop growing, darn it; you promised me.




Love, Mommy

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Miracles on Conte Drive


We had no fewer than two miracles happen these past few days at the Homiller house.

For the first time since school started (three LONG weeks ago), George did not cry when I dropped him off.




AAAAND, I finally finished painting the fireplace.

Before

Done!


Okay, so these two events aren't exactly otherworldly in nature, but if you had seen George as early as last week when I left him at preschool you would never believe the change.  He still didn't go bounding into class (the way it appears all children besides George do), but there were zero tears.  He pulled me away from the door, dug in his heels, and tried his best to avoid walking into the classroom - but I can handle all of that so long as it is not accompanied by gut-wrenching wails and ear-piercing shrieks as I peel his strong fingers away from my clothing.


But even considering this paradigm shift, the real miracle was that I finished this project.





 Will said he didn't think I had it in me to follow through with a job that required so much painting (did I mention that I have no patience or stamina for DIY projects) and was impressed that I did it myself, which I took as a compliment at the time, but now I’m beginning to wonder.  The good news (for both Will and me since undoubtedly he would have been the one cleaning up my good intentions) I did finish and I couldn't be happier with the way it looks.



We call the new color "Bichon White."  It seems to fit.

And now I promise to never mention the word "fireplace" again.  This might just be the third miracle of the day.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!