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.