Quote of the Day

Recently good friends of ours had to follow the job, and move to Atlanta. We are all sad to loose our friends, Lisa, Bobby, Noah and Jude. We met the Ponds 4 years ago, when Patch was just a baby and Jude hadn't even been born yet. I know we will keep in touch, but we will miss having them 2 miles away!

At dinner last night I asked Sam if he would remember his friend Noah. "Of course!" he replied, "I have a picture of him glued to the inside of my brain!"

Quote of the Day

Today Sam came into Atti's room while I was getting him dressed. Sam says, after observing his baby brother for a few minutes, "When Atti doesn't have a shirt on, he just seems so available for tickling!"

I couldn't agree more!

Friday flashback

In March 2007, Sam had all his teeth, and Patch was highly suspicious.

Hair

So, here I am blogging about my boy's hair again. Normally, I don't think about their hair all that much...I swear! Sammy's locks have always gotten a lot of attention, but the longer it gets, the more people comment on it. It's been happening an awful lot these days, so I thought I should let you all see it in all it's California surfer boy glory.

These particular shots were taken in the morning, after his hair had been washed and braided the night before. Normally it is stick straight and very smooth. He is planning on donating his hair, if and when he ever cuts it, but for now, he just wants to keep growing it.

14 months

Spring seems to have arrived in the Napa valley. We went to the beach yesterday and today had all the windows open to let in the warm, sweet smelling air. Sam had baseball practice this evening- a sure sign that spring has arrived- and Atti and I were outside at 7pm doing a little yard work. While I missed my hour of sleep Saturday night, I sure have enjoyed the long, sunny evenings.
Tomorrow Atticus will be 14 months old. He seems to be growing so fast these days- I can feel his babyhood slipping away as the toddler emerges.

In general he is easy going and lots of fun. Unless you take away his toy or deny him access to your phone or remote control. Then, watch out! Little boy has a temper and isn't afraid to let it fly. He loves to look at books- this is without doubt his favorite activity. Actually, he mostly just likes the activity of emptying bookshelves, but flipping through the books on their way to the floor is mildly interesting too. He makes us all laugh with his funny faces and melts his mama's heart with his sweet, wordless singing. He is really just delicious.

School Play

Sam's 2nd grade class recently performed a play, based on some of Aesop's fables, which they are studying in school this year. The kids did a great job, memorizing many, many lines and songs. They were all dressed as different animals and performed with joy and bravery. Sam was a Hyena in the fable The Lion and the Mouse.

Getting his make-up done.

Pre-show madness in the classroom.



Patchie was almost as excited as Sam was.

Sam, Patch, and Roanin (a very big ant).

My hyena.

Just one of the boys

Quote of the Day

This one is from Sam.

"Mom? Do you think I'm lucky to have all these brothers? Because I do."


Oh, what a kid! We sure are lucky to have him.

Eight

My biggest boy is now 8 years old. Amazing and astounding. We've had a wonderful week of celebrating Sam- he's had lots of fun, gotten lots of great gifts, and eaten lots of yummy ice cream! Thanks to everyone who sent a card, gift, or just some plain old love for my big boy. I think 8 will be a big year of growth for Sam- he is learning so much at school, cultivating new interests and hobbbies, and making new friends. He is still a lego maniac, of course, and is WAY into Star Wars. He also loves to read and is learning how to do so on his own. He starts a baseball league in a few weeks, so he's been playing some catch with Jeff and Grandpa Moustache. Sam loves to climb trees and hang from his rope swing. He is sweet and generous, mellow and inquisitive, as well as silly and boisterous. He makes me happy and proud to be his mama!

Star Wars Legos! Heaven in a box!


The neighborhood friends, over for a birthday dinner of hot dogs, fries, and sundaes.