Pumpkins, 2011

Zen's 4th Birthday

In the tradition of Zion, Zen had his birthday party a month early so we could celebrate outside and with costumes. The birthday boy decided he didn't really want to don his costume for his party after all, but this was ok...over 30 guests arrived, including 7 extra kids from the neighborhood! Fortunately, there were games and prizes and food enough for all.

Neighborhood Buddies

Lee and Olivia often join us in the yard to ride trikes and scooters, play soccer, or jump in the leaves.

Polar Bear Halloween Party, October 2011

Halloween party at the Polar Bear room...buddies Zen and Francisco were both Transformers.

Skates

In order to properly prepare Zen for the upcoming hockey season, Sam got him a pair of inline skates.

We Love Uncle Brian

He's our fun uncle, he wrestles, he plays, he is always happy to see us. He would do anything to protect us, he'd be there in a heartbeat...It's Uncle Brian, stud on the football field or baseball diamond, loyal nephew, faithful son, and loving uncle.

August, 2011: School Daze

Zion started his 7th grade year at Haven Middle School, and Zen started his year in the Polar Bear room at the YMCA. It was a bit of a rough start for Zen. The first week, I patted myself on the back and congratulated myself that Zen was not one of the sobbing, shrieking children who literally had to be peeled off their parents' legs at drop off. Then, a few ear infections and a pneumonia later, with the spotty school attendance, Zen finally figured out that he would have to go to this "school" EVERY SINGLE DAY, and HE became the little clinging crab who wailed and sobbed as mommy left every day. Truth be told, mommy did some sobbing of her own. However, once he got into the swing of things, Zen began to do very well and even to look forward to going to school.

Take Me Out to the Ball (White Sox) Game

Thanks, John Tanagho! All 3 of the boys had a great time!

Covenant Point, 2011

Having lost my friend, former boss, mentor, and director of Covenant Point earlier in the year, I wasn't sure what it would be like to return. Yes, I grieved, by I felt Chuck Frasier's presence all week as I experienced the wonder that is so unique to Covenant Point, the wonder that he helped create. The boys and I had an amazing time catching up with other families, bonding with each other, fishing, snorkeling, and hanging out on the waterfront. Jedi, once again, was adored by the whole community as well as she lived in and out of the water.

Festivus 13: 2011

It has become throughout the years the highlight of our year...the road trip through the rolling hills and river country, past farms and small towns, past fields planted with corn and soybeans, 5 and a half hours away from city life, to the Myers farm, where we will celebrate family, the 4th of July, and our shared heritage. Cousins squeal in delight as they reunite, disappearing immediately into the sand pile, the 3 story jungle gym/condo, the shop filled with toys and wondrous things, the pool, to the pond for fishing, paddle boating and canoeing. The adults bring out their best recipes and the garden's finest offerings are picked, cleaned, shucked, snapped and turned into culinary delight. The talent show (a relatively new but very successful addition to the weekend) provides entertainment and laughs. There is a pinata and a parade and a fireworks show and family pictures. Stories are shared, babies are passed around, and love wraps us like a fuzzy blanket. It's Festivus, the best time of the year.