Rock Star Concert

You know how sometimes your kids have a soundtrack running through their head? They will be building something with legos and you can hear them humming a song? Well....since last Fall....Frances's song has been "Soul Sister" by Train.  So, when I saw that they were coming to Edgefield, I had to buy tickets.  The concert was awesome. It was a beautiful day and the kids had a blast. The only thing they didn't like was waiting in line... to get in...to get food....to go pee....but I explained that this was part of the life of a real rock star, so they bucked up. The opening acts were incredible. A person sitting next to us was so excited to see how elated the kids were that she gave us her tickets to the reserved section. So, when it was Train's time on stage we went up to the front. I worried that maybe Train wasn't going to sing Soul Sister and we were about to call uncle and go home - and then they played it. I must admit, I didn't really see any of the band singing but watch the magical spark in my sweet kids eyes. They were elated. A top ten parenting moment.

Oaks Park Octoberfest

When Henry was 18 months old we took him to Octoberfest...like the real one...in Munich, Germany. It is one of my favorite memories. We LOVED Germany, loved Octoberfest and LOVED the beer. For some reason, this year the Oaks Park Octoberfest called me. Mark was out of town, so I loaded up the kids and headed out. Yes, slightly crazy. I am happy to report that we had a BLAST.

Bring on the new school year!

2nd grade....bring it.  2nd year of preschool.....gonna rock it.  


The new school year has started.

We had a quirky start to the year.....and unfortunately since Henry is seven...he will remember it, and I have a feeling it will be a favorite story that he will bring up ...often.

On Monday night I ironed Henry's clothes, got up early to make him special breakfast, had a whiteboard set up for him to write his name, teacher and what he wants to be when he grows up (to do annually), took pictures of him and then cried when he and Frances hugged for a long time as he left for his first day of school.....only to get to the school and realize that his first day is Weds......he laughed the entire way home at the "silliness" of his mom.....

His real first day went without a hitch. I ironed a second outfit....Had him fill out the whiteboard again....this time he clarified he still wanted to be a football player, but wants to be the wide receiver or the quarterback.

Frances first day also went wonderfully. She woke up early and insisted on a "handsome outfit like Henry". She declared that she wants to be a coach when she grows up...her brother's coach....and a rock star. Normal combo. 

Fake First Day:

REAL First Day:

 FRANCES'S FIRST DAY

                                     

NY Cousins Help us Close Out Summer 2012

 

My sister Katie and her family came out to help us round out the summer in pure bliss.  The weather was amazing and the kids adore each other. We went to a concert on Sauvie's Island, the pool at Waverly and the beach --- we are seriously good at vacation. Christian and Henry were inseparable and are kindred spirits. Olivia is a sweet, caring and patient older cousin who adored her baby cousin. An vivacious Frances, she just charmed us all. It was so fun to have time with Katie and her husband -- I feel so lucky to have them as friends...who happen to also be my family.