We came home a day early, because of a severe storm coming in. We were glad we did, because this storm, unlike most, actually lived up to all the hype and dumped three feet of snow in less than twenty -four hours. We've been out of power ever since! There was plenty of shoveling to keep us busy, and free entertainment when Will jumped off the deck rail into the snow and got stuck. Hopefully the power will be restored tomorrow, and in the meantime we're enjoying the quiet. Here's wishing you a peaceful week too!
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I simply cannot believe it. It is not possible that my son is old enough to go to school. He's just a baby. Well, maybe he's a toddler, walking before he's a year old, trying to get into everything. Or maybe he's the kind two year old who notices that his sister spit up and runs to get a towel before I've even noticed. The three year old boy getting faster and faster, and loving all things outdoors, sun or rain, summer or winter? The four year old going to preschool, and the only boy who could pay attention and sit still all class? This first born of mine, who reminds me of myself but with a lot more physical agility, is five years old, and he started school today. The pictures are for you Mom, in memory of every first day of school we ever had, which always started with a picture. It was hard to get a good shot in the rush of getting two kids out the door, but here are my three favorites. The top photo is on our front porch, and the other two are at school: outside the classroom and at his seat.
I love this five year old, and I think that he will like school. The first day was fun! 
This birthday boy loves balloons, and he chose this outfit himself, because they were good party clothes, as he said. We had a wonderful party for Jack's birthday. Beforehand we had asked him what he wanted to do: have some kids over, or go out to dinner, but he said he wanted to invite everyone and have a BIG party. So we did! It was a lot of people, and a lot going on, but Jackson was a gentleman to the end. Happy Birthday to my favorite five year old. I love your caring and responsible nature that you mix with boyish fun. Here is a catalogue of the party in pictures: mostly it's about good food, good friends, and good fun! 
Three girls, each seven months apart, playing on the swingset. From the left, Elizabeth, Marilyn, and Caroline. 
Two cute mamas: Lindsey and Betsy. 
Will enjoying the nice weather (finally!) on the back porch. 
The Beltran's came! 
Trace was given a smoker the day before, by a friend who was frustrated with it, so he made us two kinds of ribs, barbequed and smoked, along with whole chickens, and New York steaks. It was all accompanied by corn on the cob, coleslaw, beans, and smoked nuts. Yum! 
Andrew and Taylor were there, and Andrew brought Jack his own pair of Wrangler's as a gift. He can be a real cowboy now! 
We opened gifts with those who had little kids first, and spread the rest of the gifts over the course of the evening. Here Jackson and Marilyn, good friends, are opening her gift. 
Jack and Phil reading his copy of the book Phil made. 
Grandpa Chuck and Grandma Caroline gave Jack a sleeping bag, with a map to going camping in the backyard. He's slept in it most nights since, but in his bedroom. Here his cousin Natalie helps him try it out. 
Chuck's brother Ben and his wife Roz happened to be in town on their way to a grandson's graduation, so they made it to Jack's party too. It was good to see them! 
This is a bunch of Fike boys: Ted, Andrew, Tim, and Jack. Do they look related? 
Dave reads Jack his pirate birthday card. 
The birthday boy at the end of the evening in his new Giant's hat. Happy Birthday Jack!
