Preschool

This is Currier's preschool class. He goes Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-12 and absolutely loves it.

Friday Favorites—Our New Hard Wood Floors

I thought I'd start recording my favorite things every Friday and there is no better way to start this installation of blog posts than my new hard wood floors. We just got Australian Cypress installed two weeks ago and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that these floors have changed my life! Not only did they make our home more pleasing to the eye but they are also a snap to clean up. No more getting on my hands and knees with resolve carpet cleaner! Hooray! The guys that installed our floors (Wood boys— highly recommend them!) said the best cleaning product for wood floors is Bona. Does anyone else think that's funny or do I have the sense of humor of a 6th grader? Happy Friday.

Ten Months Old

Dear Rya D.,

You're ten months old today. I'm not really sure where this month went. It went by in a flash and I felt frazzled all month but I still managed to notice a few of your milestones. You're standing on your own, you're saying Mama, you're opening cabinets, and you're throwing adorable tizzy fits.

It just happened last week. Your father and I looked over and there you were standing in the middle of kitchen looking so proud of yourself. We're pretty proud of you too and we're anticipating those first steps any day now. You finally said "Mama" and now you say it all the time because you get a big reaction out of me every time you say it. You started opening the kitchen cabinets which reminds me that I need to child proof the house but honestly I doubt I'll ever get around to doing it. You've been throwing little tantrums if I try to put you down. You arch your back and screech and I'm not supposed to think that's funny but I do. You are just so stinking cute even when you're being a stinker.

No matter how busy life gets or how frazzled I feel, I promise to try to slow down and observe your achievements. I may not always applaud them out loud but I notice and I am so proud.

All my love,
Mama

Backyard Update

Our rocket ship birdhouse remains vacant despite stuffing it with popcorn and hanging a birdseed bell beside it. I think the birds would rather take up residence in a backyard not occupied by Bruco and Paolo. We do however have a new friend in our backyard. There is a giant banana spider that lives on our fence and we like to watch him spin his web.

Our little garden is coming along. The basil and tomatoes came in fast and furious, the cucumbers are catching up and the flowers never really took off. I'm surprised at Currier's interest in this. He checks his little garden every morning and got so excited to see his first tomato bloom. Stay tuned for fresh Insalata Caprese!

One Man's Trash

Yesterday morning we went yardsaling on Daniel Island and scored Rya the cutest dollhouse for a steal. Trent teases me that I bought the dollhouse for me because I haven't stopped rearranging the tiny furniture. Yay for girly things!

Labor Day Boating

Our friends Stacey and Mark just bought a beautiful new boat and invited us for a ride. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to have friends with a boat!! They also have three sons who keep Currier entertained.

They took us through quaint Shem Creek, by the beautiful mansions of the Isle of Palms and then anchored at Capers Island where the boys went shrimping while the girls collected shells and relaxed in the sand. We can't wait for another invitation out on the Aukamp boat (HINT HINT!).

Water Park

Today I took the kids to Splash Island to get them out of the house while Trent worked on his massive honey do list. We had a blast playing in the water fountains, sliding down the water slides, cruising down the lazy river and eating Popsicles. I'm sad summer is coming to an end.

Water Balloon Fight

We kicked off Labor Day Weekend with a water balloon fight. We plan on doing a lot of relaxing, eating, drinking and swimming this weekend. What do you have planned?

Transition

Rya is finally sleeping in her crib in her room. It's been three nights now and it better stick because I sold the co-sleeper on Craigslist this morning.

IOP Dinner and Drinks

Another Newburyporter was in the Charleston area this week. My friend, Jenny, was staying at the Wild Dunes resort on the Isle of Palms for a conference and we met up one night for dinner and drinks. Jenny works for the Cape Cod Chip Company so she greeted me with a large box of kettle cooked goodies. We had such a great night out together= beers on the beach, years of catching up, an evening without kids, a delicious mahi-mahi dinner and then more beers. Good times.

The Learys Hit Chucktown

My friend Amy, her husband Terry and their three daughters, Isabelle, Grace and Fiona came and spent a few days with us on their way to a resort on Myrtle Beach. Amy and I became fast friends in the 5th grade, took years of dance lessons together and have remained close all these years. She's funny, smart and kind and does one hell of a Janet Jackson dance impression!

They packed in as many activities as possible during their short stay: a picnic by the pool, the aquarium, a beach day at the Isle of Palms and the Children's museum.

It was a fun filled three days—lots of giggles, gossip, good eating, beer, sun=sunburns and Irish step dancing.

Rya's Do

Looks who's finally sporting a ponytail!

Buon Compleanno Paolo

Paolo, our Sicilian dog, turned 4 years old today. We celebrated with T-bone steaks, lots of belly rubs and a long walk around the neighborhood. Happy birthday Paolo. We love you.

According to Currier

Currier drew this cute little picture of his family at school today. According to him, we go to Mars and don't celebrate anything! I'm just glad he didn't mention all the beer his mommy drinks.