first fall day

soccer

Gus (third from the right) wandered into the world of organized sports today. While playing at Taney this morning we noticed quite a few preschoolers dressed for soccer, and finally we decided to follow one to see what they were doing. It was the first day of a fall soccer clinic for three to five years olds. Gus begged (had tantrum) to play. The coach, Coach Mark, let Gus give it a try, but warned he might be too young to participate. But he kept up with the others and followed all Coach Mark's instructions (run, kick, stop, and sit). Gus LOVED it. He was given the green light to sign up for the six week session. I am not sure if we are going to do it. We have nothing else going on at 1 pm on Tuesdays, and certainly had fun, but he is so young. Maybe it will depend on finding shin pads.

theo's party

We had a big (over 50 guests!) birthday party for Theo today at Taney playground. We served watermelon, cookies, ice cream and cupcakes, and had spray bottles, bubbles, chalk and balls for the kids to play with. Despite the record heat, it went smoothly and I think people enjoyed themselves. The nicest part of all was that Grammy and Grandpa were able to come down and Grandma, PopPop and Uncle Michael were able to come up for the party (and to help out last-minute Sally, here). Gus also pitched in by making sure that all his friends had juice and/or milk boxes. Theo fell asleep on the way to the party, and was pretty confused when he woke up. I have a feeling, even with all the hoopla, it was just another day in the park for Theo.


Gus, Nikki, Ellie, Theo and Grandma


Theo and Grandpa


Grammy, Kate and PopPop


Charlie, Theo, Ellie and Harper in the background


Gus, Philip and Zach

happy birthday, theo

One! Can you believe it? Following are pictures from our little celebration on the 6th. The boys are in pjs because we waited for Jonathan to get home from work for cake and presents.



Yes, that is what it looks like. Gus wanted us to sing happy birthday to him and we figured all would go more smoothly if we just went with it. We billed it as a demonstration for Theo.



And when Theo got his turn to be the birthday boy he seemed to understand what was going on.





He really liked trying to blow out the candle and spent the next five minutes blowing on his de-candled cupcake.













Seriously. Five minutes of just blowing on the cupcake before he decided to dig in.



















He liked the frosting so much that he never even got to the cake.

down the ocean, hon

We are back from our week in Ocean City, Maryland with Grandma, PopPop, Uncle Michael and Uncle Andrew. I can say with confidence that a great week was had by all. On the first day at the beach, the boys did not know what to make of all the sand and water. Theo decided it was safest to play in the beach wagon.



But after a couple of days they were regular old beach bums.


Theo and PopPop



Jonathan, the uncles, and Grandma and PopPop introduced Gus to the boardwalk, while Theo and I relaxed at the condo.


Gus was mesmerized.



He ate boardwalk staples. Pizza, fries, funnel cake, ice cream. How could he not love it? The rides were a huge hit, as well. He went on every single one.


Gus on the teacup-ish carts.


Gus on a motorcycle. He was a little small for it.

We had so much fun. We are counting the days until we go back.