we love books around here

and now that Olivine is pointing there is one more person to add to the mix

her eyes light up at the pictures which melts my heart

happy birthday henry

there were bonus gifts from friends

excited to take his bike out we headed to El Dorado

the breeze felt cool on our cheeks

they rode side by side on their “motorcycles”

the park had such an autumn feel

we stopped for a break

which involved rock and stick throwing

until someone woke up

besides being a little disorientated, we were as happy as clams

we went out for yogurt afterwards

there is a fascination with piling the gummy bears high and then dancing around

the day ended on a high note

with a dinner to the scary monster restaurant (aka Angelo and Vinci’s Italian restaurant with the crazy decor)

for our Henry 

at Ji’chan’s House

with presents for Paul as well

more celebrating

with cake and ice cream rolled into one

after all the fun

we somehow discovered and decided to take out the wasp nests 

never a dull moment around here.

to talk for hours

hang out in the outdoor living room 

making s’mores

trading stories

falling asleep 

for all that we have

the time together

the smiles

the baby cheeks

the closeness in age

the boy who almost has a birthday

the trust to play safe

the wide open space

the Trader Joe’s tofurkey

the happy baby who joins us as the table

the “Doyle gene” that zones out in front of televisions

the hardwork of loved ones

the colorful salad

the pie pops

the season

to help repair the bike cart

or to share a story with

hanging out in diapers together

or could be the brothers who are entertaining themselves

as she curiously observes from the doorway

Paul’s writing

Paul’s counting

pumpkin seeds that are sprouting

the sunshine

water from my upstairs neighbors taking care of their window boxes

a bowl of applesauce cooling, this time it turned out chunkier

with all the hussle and bussle I forgot to share some highlights from last week.

This girl can sleep anywhere now that she has made friends with her thumb.

He is loving his map in his room these days, it goes with his pirate play.

Henry and I (plus friends in the other car) fed the ducks and geese from our car window. 

A little too agressive to get out, because they are wild and will just come right up.

Paul has started making his own food and is quite good at it.

starting with breakfast in bed..this boy ate two bowls of cereal.

Grammy came over early to help with party set up and to bring Paul a new bike!

Henry could hardly wait to get in the water (even thought it was overcast at first, I should have known better and packed swim trunks for this water baby).

I loved Joe’s hand-painted signs complimenting the theme

who doesn’t love a candy smorgasbord?

or homemade cupcakes? (thanks Grammy)

Paul had a chance to blush a little with everyone gathered to sing to him.

I know it is sensory overload for him to see friends from the co-op, school, church, family, and they are all in the same place at once.

We tried to minimize some of this and allowed him to open just one present at the park, which included that crazy ninja outfit (his latest obsession).

Olivine was happy to be passed around, sleep in a sling, or check out the hair on her second cousin who is three months younger and already outweighs her.

The weather turned out better than expected and I am so grateful that folks showed up to share in this special day.

So I officially have a two year break and will then (I am swearing by it) do this all again for Henry when he turns five.

A make shift photo booth at the Patchwork Craft Festival on Sunday

meant we grabbed props and posed quickly

because we love a group photo.