Lake Fun

We are at Lake Hartwell, at the new house. Here are G, Aiden, and Dylan getting reaquainted.

Birthday (Cup)Cake

At Miss Mamie's in Marietta Square.

Great Day Award

When G got off the bus yesterday, he was so excited about his news that he almost left his backpack on the bus!  He was holding this trophy, his "Great Day Award."  Since they had early release from school on Wednesday, it was waiting for him at his desk yesterday morning.  He said to me, "I was hoping you would be at least a little happy."  We are way more than a little happy!  My, how far he's come in the past few months.

Just One More

This is, I think, Gabriel's first time climbing a tree.

Fun In The Crabapple Tree

The kids had early release today, so it was a perfect time to play outside. 

There was a little excitement earlier, though, when a lawnmower threw a rock into a window of the bus.  They had to pull over at our bus stop, and the kids had to stay on the bus until a police officer came and told us the kids could exit.  It was silly, really, to trap the kids on a hot bus in August in Georgia when they were perfectly fine, but we do understand that the school system needs to protect themselves.  In all, we probably had to wait twenty minutes.

Tonight will be our first soccer practice of the season.  I will be co-coach with Tara, our coach last year and my friend.  Go, Team Portugal!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today was a day of celebration.  First, Chip and I went to Christopher's party at DAC Kids, an indoor play place.  Matthew was sick at home with a cold.  He overdid it yesterday with our Big City excursion, so he needed to get some more rest.  There were lots of friends there, so we all had a great time.

Later, we celebrated Dad's/Papa's birthday.  By now, Matt was feeling just good enough to get out and have some dinner.  We started by meeting Mom and Dad, and Jack, Jen, and Jackson at our favorite barbeque restaurant, Jim 'N Nick's.  Most of us ordered giant potatoes called Pig in the Potato Patch (example here),  and most of us had a tasty beverage or two.  Afterwards, we went back to my Mom's and Dad's house for dessert and three games of Euchre.  Jack and I tried to let Matt and Dad win, but it was just impossible for us to lose!  The only thing we can say to make Dad feel better is that Euchre ability must be genetic.  Actually, he usually wins, so this was a rarity.

So although Dad's birthday is tomorrow, we want to start the recognition early.  He is a unique and wonderful person who always makes sure his family is loved, and we wish him the happiest birthday ever!  Happy birthday, Dad!

You Gotta Have Aaaaaaart!

Here are some pics from our trip to the High today.  The painting is a Monet, and the bust is of Victor Hugo, by Rodin.

Going Up?

The elevators in the High Museum parking garage remind us of Charlie's glass elevator.

"Well, Charlie, I've pushed every button in this elevator...  except this one."

Sunrise Fluff

One of the benefits of getting the day started before sunrise is that some of the shyer animals are out getting breakfast.  Today, we saw this bunny on our way to the bus stop.  Hope you enjoy this bit of morning fluff!

Serious Discussion

This morning, at the bus stop, G and his friends had a Very Important Discussion (as A.A. Milne might write) about the ninth level of Super Mario Brothers Wii.  It makes me feel so proud to see Chipdip having a serious, intelligent discussion with another kid. 

The amount of growth he has done, in every sense, over the summer is astounding.  He seems to have outgrown the challenges he had in kindergarten.  For example, he seems to be completing his work thoroughly, neatly, and on time.  At home, he has been kind and loving, has been doing his chores without complaint, and has been eating well. 

I just thought that these photos - one at the bus stop and the other at Starbucks while he did his homework today - made me think about how G is growing and what a great little boy he is.

Introducing Salvador And Gala Angle

People in other cars noticed.

Last night was the Surreal Soiree, an opening night party for the Salvador Dali exhibition at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.  There was a surreal fashion show, face painting, flamenco guitar music, an odd photo booth (which we didn't actually see), and lots of good humor all around.

The exhibition was of Dali's late work, and included my favorite Dali, and one of my favorite paintings of all time, Christ of St. John of the Cross.   

Christ of St. John of the Cross, 1951.

We will be back to examine everything in the show, and we highly recommend it to those of you in the Atlanta area.  It's worth even a very long drive.  Here are some more photos from the night:

Our face painter is also a magician and fire-eater.  Can't you just tell?

My necklace by Ashley Buchanan, a local artist.  Can you see Dali's mustache?

Salvador and Gala Angle

You KNOW my feet are in pain if I'm walking the city streets barefoot!

We are very mysterious.

Up close and personal with Mr. Dali.

Ice Cream Social 2010

Good friends and Dippin Dots - can't lose with that combo!

Day Two

Rarin' to go on Day 2!

Test Ride

The bus drivers in our school district did a practice drive today, and the K-2 students were welcome to come along.  Since I hadn't done this before, because we have a new driver, and to help us get used to our new wake-up time, Chip and I decided to go.

It was interesting to see what his ride is like, and we met several new students.  There was another first grader, whom we know, and the other four (including Drew) are kindergartners.

Tomorrow school starts in earnest, and we have high hopes for this year.