We Are THAT Patriotic

Yesterday started out as a beautiful day. Then suddenly the sky darkened and we could

see a storm rolling. Quickly, some of the boys and I ran out to pull laundry off

the clothesline (I love my clothesline). We barely missed the downpour as we came running

inside. Then, I could see our flag out in that storm, and I said outloud "We forgot the flag", Noah quickly answered "I'll get it" in a somwhat superhero kind of voice. So, instead of helping him....

I grabbed the camera to take pictures of him saving our flag from the rain!

We all had a good laugh at my reaction vs. his~

Cousins

We had a surprise visit from my cousin and her family. They live in New York and the last time we saw them was '04 (shame on us, we should get up there again). I was SO excited to see her and her family. The kids had a blast and we enjoyed trying to catch up with half of conversations here and there as the kids came in to share their own excitements over and over. It was great, too short, but great!!!

Our New Favorite, Eggs Benedict

My version:

Whole wheat toast

Turkey bacon

Then an egg, over easy

Hollandaise Sauce

Delicious~

*The boys gobble these up faster than hotcakes

Just A Swingin~

Summertime fun

Just a swingin~

Double Digits

"Can I Open Them Now"???

"How about now"???

"PAAALEEASE, can I open them now"???"YEAH, I CAN OPEN THEM"!!!!(alright this isn't the birthday boy, but he is sooo cute and looks a lot like the birthday boy did 8 years ago! Who can resist that "cheeeese"
"Woot Woot, Soccer Shoes"!!

Double Digits is a big deal, a really big deal! Simon has been begging to play soccer for at least two years. Each season has come and it has just not been something I could commit to. Finally, this next Fall looks like it will work. Simon's birthday present was that he got registered and got ALL the gear you would need to play soccer. He has been kicking that ball all morning, ever since he opened it!

In our family we hide the birthday presents and then give clues for the celebrant to find the gifts. Pete's Mom and brothers did this for me on my 20th birthday and it made such a huge impression on me, that I've continued that tradition ever since. My kids love it, and I still do too after 17 years of playing the birthday "hide and seek", it still hasn't gotten old!

Happy Birthday to my wonderful, brilliant, soccer playing, Simon...it has been 10 great years, here is to 10 more!!!