Sean's Day

Well, Sean has turned 11 years old.  It seems he's been 11 for a long time, though, because I am always thinking for 6 months before their birthday, 'my (child) is almost (next age)! I can't believe it!"  So by the time the big day arrives I am well prepared.

Anyhow, we had a lovely low-key birthday for Sean.  He didn't want a big party, just to have one buddy over, so that's what we did.  It suited Sean well as he is kind of my homebody.  He likes being with the family or up in his room building one thing or another or quietly drawing.  Or having pokemon/star war/Ben Ten/etc battles with his brother.  Which can get loud but are surprisingly often quiet as they play out their roles in slow motion.

The party was Doctor Who themed.  Brandon engineered the awesome Dalek cupcakes and Rice Krispie treat Tardis replica.  We did our traditional present opening at 6:30 am and then that evening took the family and Sean's friend Wes to pizza, played some games, had cake, watched a Doctor Who episode and played with Sean's presents (Phineas and Ferb WII game among others) for the rest of the evening.

(so at what age do you stop putting all the candles on to add up to that age?  We got quite a fire this year)

 

Sean has instructed me not to write anything too personal about him on my blog, so I will stop there. :)  Good kid.

School

I feel we've fallen into a pleasant school morning routine.  7:35 am family prayer, 7:42 Thomas pick up the bus right in front of our house, 7:50 Sean takes off on his bike to get his friend Emma and then heads up to school and Rin and I bike up together (we're a little slower than Sean).  Milla hangs out at home for a little bit longer (school starts at 8:30) and then walks with a friend.  Catherine and I both, I think, have been enjoying the one on one time together.  At least we should be able to ride for another 4-6 weeks 'til the weather turns.  We are still refining our route to school to make it the safest possible...for a little girl that has only been riding for 3 weeks we have had a few close calls with cars.  But most drivers are pretty careful and it's a good chance for her to practice stopping and starting  as well as learn rules of the rode.  Even though the list of things to get done seems endless I feel I'm moving at a little slower pace and am feeling peace in that.  We'll see if I can keep that perspective through the school year.

Backyard Project

Well, I guess it's time I post some pics of our backyard renovation.

Patio spot dug and leveled.  Check.
Bender board installed.  Sand base in.  Check
Bricks laid.  Sand/grout filled in. Check
Dirt filled back in on edges.  Sod laid. Check.
Extra sand in truck moved to empty spot in back yard becoming an unplanned beach for the kids to play in. Check. (turned out to be the best part of the backyard reno.  Thomas is out there playing every day).

(put the kids to work on this job.  they were super fast)

(Spidey here was also super fast, but not as helpful) 

Stones on other side of patio relaid. Check

 (white edge not yet painted here and stones not swept off, but you get the idea)

New wood arbor completed (by Sean and Brandon). Check

(Other boy in these pics is 2nd cousin Brian Oler who came to visit for a week in Aug)

Arbor stained. No check.  but this may happen in the next week...

Nap. Double check.

Labor Day

So the family feels as if we all labored hard this Labor Day.  We spent 4 hours of the morning canning 22 quarts of pears and 11 quarts of pears sauce.  Mmmm.  We had a few rough moments with a few tears (Rin), one cut finger (Sean), and some frustrated 'Stay Focused''s from Mama, but overall it was a sweet family experience.  Once Rin got some music playing and we got in the rhythm it went like clockwork.

After lunch Sean and Thomas walked the dog...this used to a five minute chore that Sean would race through, but this summer he has gotten in the habit of tracking down garage sales while he is out.  He's had quite a bit of luck raiding the free boxes...always remembering to bring home something for each of his siblings.  Mama is not so excited about all the new little toys that are filling the shelves that she has tried so hard this summer to clear out.  But Sean has been so sweet about it, what can I say?  Plus his walks have turned into 45 minute excursions.  Which is a good thing.

Then we decided that was enough work.  Rin and I went out for a bike ride, took a nap, read some books and then, for the first time ever, we took the whole family out golfing.  The course is nestled up against the foothills.  Alive with wildlife--mostly birds today--lots of killdeer, ducks, blackbirds, swallows.  Brandon did have to swerve once to avoid a snake making it's way across the cart path.   Luckily the course was pretty deserted for the holiday.  Every time we stopped the carts the kids would tumble out, start rolling down the hills, chase after the birds, look for broken tees to collect.  A little chaotic but cheerful and pleasant at the same time.  I love just having everyone together even if it's a little loud.  The kids mostly just putted when we got to the greens, although Rin insisted on hitting off a tee a few times.  Milla helped me out by driving the cart  quite a few times. It began with her being very fearful (Are you sure this is legal?) and ended with her just taking off with confidence and me with the fear (can it really only be 2 yrs and 1 1/2 months 'til she can get a permit and we'll be doing this for real?)  Drove home looking at beautiful pale sunset and with Thomas silent as he began drifting off in the back seat.  Finally slowed him down.