Spencer's birthday

Spencer turned 4 on the 24th of August. It is amazing how fast he is growing up. I guess that's not too surprising since he was already the size of a toddler when I gave birth to him. We had a swim party for him on the Saturday before. He had a great time jumping off the waterfall with his friends.

Then on Monday we had a family celebration. He had wanted a chocolate race car cake for his birthday (he was very adamant about that), but I made him chocolate cupcakes with race cars on them for his party. So he was still bugging me about having a race car cake for his actual birthday. I found an easy recipe that was made out of a pound cake. He wasn't happy that it wasn't chocolate, but he was pleased to have a race car cake. The funny thing is that he doesn't even really like cake, but he was positive he wanted it. When I asked him if he wanted left-over cake the next day, he finally admitted that all he wanted was the frosting. Next year, I should just get a can of frosting, stick a candle in it, and sing Happy Birthday. Oh, and of course I'd have to add sprinkles.

My Flutist

Siena went to Curry Music Camp at the beginning of the summer and then when she got back she didn't practice her flute until school started again. My fault. I know. I kept telling her she should practice, but then didn't make her. So the day school started, she got back to it and played this beautiful song that made my heart ache and made tears come to my eyes. I don't know why. It is amazing how certain music can touch your soul. It could be, too, that I was impressed with how much she improved while at camp. Imagine if I had gotten her to keep practicing during the summer! Anyway, I loved the music so much I had her come and play it again so that I could record it. The song is called "Ashokan Farewell" composed by Jay Unger. It was used in a PBS documentary on the U.S. Civil War.

Back to School

I've had a smile on my face for two weeks and it's because the kids are back in school. They started on August 3rd, bright and early and full of energy. It's not that I didn't enjoy them this summer, but we were getting stir crazy.

Siena is the big kid on campus as an 8th grader this year.

Lily entered 4th grade and was excited to get back to her busy schedule at school because the summer was not exciting enough for her.

Spencer will start preschool in September, but in the mean time we are working on recognizing his numbers and letters. He loves having work to do, too.

Why I haven't posted very much lately.

During the beginning of the summer when Siena was at one of her camps, I spent a few hours in the early morning on the computer. While I was busy in my own blogging fog, Spencer played on the playstation and asked if he could have a go-gurt for breakfast. By the time I came out of my haze, I realized he was so hungry he had eaten 5 go-gurts. I decided I needed to spend less time on the computer and more time with my children. At least he picked something slightly healthy. Usually, he sneaks marshmallows or cookies when he knows he has the chance. You can tell by his face that it didn't sit too well with his stomach.

15th Anniversary

I can't believe how old we are, but Paul and I have been married 15 years as of August 13th. We are a little worse for wear, but our love remains strong in the fabric of our lives. I couldn't have made it through the tough times without his strength and support, and the good times wouldn't have been as sweet without his laughter and love.
You were meant for me, Paul. I knew it then and I know it now. I love you.

Summer Activities

This summer we just hung around AZ

doing a little of this

and a little of that.

It wasn't terribly exciting. But we did do a few fun things.

We went swimming

and bowling.

We made rocket ships,

we played with friends,

and we went shopping and played in sprinklers. All in all, it wasn't too bad, but it was too hot!