Wedding Vermont Style

There are few things I love more than a stuffed minivan with my favorite Toads. This weekend we took a Vermont adventure to attend my friend Clementine's wedding. A wedding invitation for a family of 7 is a rarity and a great honor.

But we know our limitations so we claimed the back row of seats early!

And then killed some time blowing bubbles

and playing with caterpillars.

And since we were in the very back, this was the best wedding picture we got ;)

The happy couple!

We had a great time being together and I loved introducing my family to my work friends.

Jaws and Mia didn't know it at first, but they have been friends from way back. These two are just 6 weeks apart and they rode along in our wombs when Dina and I went for our daily lunch break walks.

And here is our beautiful bride!

And her fancy hair and gorgeous moss earrings...

And her fabulous shoes adorned with  clementines and mushrooms (the wedding motif). Every detail had Clem's signature and was absolutely perfect.

And the delicious cake- one for each table with a little clementine and mushroom on each.

I really am extremely happy for Clementine! She found herself a great one and I wish her and Brad a lifetime of happiness together! 

We are so happy to share in their joy!

Because I Love You

Let's face it. Jaws is 3. He is raking us over the coals.

He is a fiendish little devil. 

Whenever he is caught in one of his little naughty acts, in our mounting frustration we confront him with the question: WHY?!

Why did you color all over yourself and our bed with magic marker?!

Why did you empty out mommy's jewelry box?!

Why did you rip the material off the pillow and shred the inside?!

His answer is the same.

Without hesitation and with every ounce of cuteness in his being he says, "Because I love you."

This kid has good survival instincts. He will do well.

Let's just hope he turns 4 before his cuteness wears thin.

The Queen Bee of Utah

Abizella chose the great state of Utah for her 5th grade state report. She worked very hard on this report! It included a written report, tri-fold informational poster, oral report and costume. She is pretty much a Utah expert. She even prepared Grandma's home made bread and honey for the visitors to her display.

Like everything everything Abizella does- this display was all out! 

Way over the top!

Abizella was a beehive (the state symbol), complete with bees buzzing above her head. The beehive symbolizes industry, which not only is the perfect symbol of Utah, but also Abizella.

The display...

The presentation to her principal...

Abizella's 5th grade teacher...

Abizella's 5th grade teacher's aid

What a perfect cap to the 5th grade. 

I am so proud of your hard work and effort Abz!

6th Grade Concert

Here we are at the end of Superkid's 6th grade year! 

We all gathered in support of Superkid at his final chorus concert.

Here is the band of enthusiastic concert-goers...

I am so proud of this kid. He navigated the 6th grade scene like a champ. He worked his guts out. He really did. He worked and worked and worked. And it payed off. His grades are fantastic and he has learned to manage his workload. His teachers all have the same opinion; he is just a good kid and a pleasure to be with. Superkid, we love you to pieces. Thanks for giving it your best!

My Bike Gang

Little Chief learning to ride a bike puts me one step closer to my family dream.

I now have 4 out of 5 bike riding Toads!

That means that we are REALLY REALLY close to family bike rides!

We woke up early the first Saturday after LC started to ride to take a spin through our favorite bike trail at the estuary.

And we took all of our favorite stops... 

the old fallen tree...

The river bank...

And I looked at all of these kids! on bikes! And my heart soared with happiness!

I have my own bike posse!

I just couldn't wait the couple of years before Jaws becomes a full fledged rider, so I went straight home and ordered a bike seat for him. 

I don't know what could make me happier than to cruise down the street with my Toads and listen to Jaws chortle and giggle behind me. 

Life is good, really really good.

HE DID IT!

I am so proud of Little Chief. 

This kid decided he wanted to kick off the training wheels and there was no turning back!

Jaws and I must have run up and down the street a hundred times right by his sides.

He only occasionally needed a steadying hand...

 And only made my heart stop a hundred times!

He is so brave!

 He did it!

He Did It!

HE DID IT!

General George Washington

Tadpole's class did oral reports about the Revolutionary War. 

Of course Tad chose his hero, General George Washington!

Pops found the perfect white powdered wig for the occasion.

While it was dissappointing to not be able to bring his musket to school, the General delivered a fine address about his conquests in the Revolution.