The chicken catcher

A few months ago, I had written about Angus trying to catch the chickens.  They always got away, no matter how close he was to catching them.  Well, he finally did it last week.  He was so happy, holding on to that chicken.  He brought it into the house, walked straight into his room, closed the door and sat in the closet, just holding his chicken.  

I walked in, looked in the closet and asked him what he and feather were doing.  "My chicken," he said and gave it a kiss.  

It got away from him when he went back outside.  He let out a loud cry.  I ran outside, not knowing what had happened.  I comforted him by telling him we'd catch it again.  We tried, but Feather wasn't going to let us get to her this time.  He was pretty down after that.

This Moment

SIX

Dear Jonas,

Your sixth birthday was on Sunday.  I cannot believe six years have gone by already.  I remember bringing you home for the first time, your first birthday at the park, where more than thirty people showed up.  I can recall every birthday, how you looked, how you have grown, how you have changed.

This past year you started kindergarten and have done so with ease.  You make friends easily.  Every time we walk through the doors to get to the playground, all I hear is, "JONAS", hugs follow, high-fives, hand shakes.  Some days you need me to walk you in and you make sure to get your hug and kiss.  I don't mind at all.  Even though it means I have to take two sleeping babes out of the car.  I tell myself that one day you won't even want me to kiss or hug you goodbye in front of your friends.

When the teacher opens the door, you greet her with a, "Ms. Aldrich, I have a question," statement or something.  You always have something to say.  She says you get on yellow often because you like to talk to your buddies in class. 

You have a good sense of humor-you make me laugh most every day.  But you also get very serious.  I have to remind you to relax and be a kid.  You don't have to worry about every little thing.  I think you get that from me.  I'm a worry wort and may have passed it on. 

You still love love to bake.  Spending time pouring and mixing is still lots of fun for you.  We make cookies, muffins, brownies.  You insisted on helping me make your cake.  I wanted to surprise you, but you said, "Don't you know I really like making cakes. Can I please help?  It will make me happy."  

I can't believe you are the little baby I used to hold in my arms.  Back when you were the only one.  I try to hold or hug you now and your body is so long.  I can't believe you used to look like this:

Now you are a tree climber, bike rider, friend maker, alphabet writer, book reader, obstacle course maker upper, video game player, baker, builder of things, jokester and so many more.  Let the list grow and grow.

"Today you are you!  That is truer than true!

There is no one alive who is you-er than you!

Shout loud, "I am lucky to be what I am!

Thank goodness I'm not just a clam or a ham

Or a dusty old jar of sour gooseberry jam!

I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!

If I say so myself, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!"

-Happy Birthday To You

By. Dr. Seuss

Happy Birthday, my son! 

Love, 

Mom

Pizza Party

Jonas' birthday party was at Peter Piper Pizza the day before his actual birthday.  He was loving it.  All his buddies from school were there, some family, a whole lot of presents and pizzas.  

 This is what a kids party should look like.  Kids aplenty.

 Our homemade spongebob cake.  Jonas helped, of course.

 It was a crazy party.

 A very cool toy from dad.

 Paloma thinks the party could be livelier.  

Receiving lots of cool toys and thanking everyone.

 Grandpa Jerry and Angus checking out all the cool games.

Playing as many games his big heart desires.

Grandma Deborah getting lots of love from the girls.

This picture says it all.  

This moment

Building sand castles

I walked outside and saw Angus happily playing, all alone, covered in mud.  I asked him what he was doing.  

"Angus, bid dan-castle."

Halloween

 

 The boys couldn't wait to start carving/trick-or-treating/eating.  They were ready to collect the goods.  And eat some cupcakes.

Paloma was making sure the cupcakes were safe to eat, inspecting them ever so carefully.

A little frosting for the baby.

 

Angus making the incision.     Woody the cowboy and Super Mario ready to fill their pumpkins.  

 

Miah helping carve pumpkins.

 The best picture of the night!

 All of us goof balls posing for the pic.  I was the only one without a costume.  I take that back. I am the chubby greying old grandma!

After we were done trick-or-treating and were getting ready to go home, Jonas said,

"This was the best halloween!"