Happy x 10

Hey Rand...remember that time we got married? Ya, it was ten years (and three kids) ago. Love you lots.

The Great Outdoors

The aftermath of camping with a family of five:

Despite the tsunami in my laundry room, a good time was had by all. Even little Max was pretty good for his first trip. My kids are now the 5th generation in our family to make the trek each year to Fishlake.

Maura caught her first fish! She was soooo excited.

If you are ever in the neighborhood, stop by the Sunglow Cafe for the BEST PIE in the world. I recommend the pinto bean pie. Hey, don't knock it 'till you try it.

Gilligan was able to join us.

Happy Father's Day!

A little boy in our neighborhood (who shall remain nameless) summed up Rand perfectly. He said "You are a nice daddy, my daddy is mean." So true (about Rand anyway, his dad is perfectly nice). And his kindness is matched only by his good looks. I love you Rand!

Happy Father's day to all the dads and stuff. Even the mean ones.

And Happy Father's Day to my Pops who taught me many things including, changing a spare tire, gutting a fish, a few swear words (okay, all of them), appreciating good music and movies, and that when an animal jumps in front of your car and you kill it, it isn't sad, it is just Darwinism at work (and in fact you have done the species a favor by weeding out the ones dumb enough to be in the way of your car in the first place). We visited this one together again on our way home from Fishlake yesterday. Happy Dad's day!

You Say It's Your Birthday

There might be a few posts in row here...it has been a busy week. First things first, here are some pictures from Maura's birthday. She picked a Strawberry Shortcake theme (after I nudged her in that direction...I loved it back in the days of my youth, oh so long ago).

Isn't she gorgeous?

Breakfast in bed was a big hit last year, so we continued it this year. She graciously let Collin join her.

I would love to take credit for these amazing cakes, but I had nothing to do with it. Andrea came to the rescue and offered to make her cake and they were beautiful. Had it been left up to me she might have ended up with a twinkie with a candle in it...so THANKS ANDREA!

Happy Birthday Maura!

I just wanted to wish my favorite girl a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. She turns 6 today! Here are a few of many reasons why she is the coolest little girl in the world:

• She has me as a mom




• She was born on Friday the 13th (there was a full moon, of course)




• She wants to be a tattoo artist, a pilot, a painter, and a waitress when she grows up




• She is sweet to her little brothers, even when a certain little brother doesn't deserve it




• She thinks her left ear is lucky and that she can make wishes with it




• When she does make wishes, it is for her stuffed animals to come alive




• Sally, of course
  
  
  
• She has Rand as a dad

Intervention

My name is Max.

M-A-X.

I drink too much.

I try to cut back...but the more I drink, the more I want. It is a vicious cycle.

I fall asleep while drinking. Sometimes I just pass out.

I wake up with a new chin each morning.

My mom and dad think I have a problem.

I have it under control.