Halloween - the boys

Lake is at the age of trying to decide whether or not he is too old to dress up for Halloween. I told him it was completely up to him - if he wanted to dress up, I would try to help him with an idea. We've been listening to 1980's hip hop - thus the rapper.

Oh, and in case you don't know Lake.... He is so NOT this serious. In fact he was trying not to laugh while I took this.



Tate knew for months that he wanted to be Indiana Jones for Halloween.

Halloween - the girls

Minnie





Pippi Longstocking

While we were at the beach

On the day before we left for the beach, I discovered that an internet friend was going to be in the same general area at the same time. Of course, we had to meet. She has three children (her girls are the same ages as mine.) It was funny to watch the girls size each other up and then pick the one that looked their same size and then begin playing. Way to cute!



At first, Daisy and her new found friend just played near each other.



Then, they moved in a little closer.



Daisy had to check the size of the hole that they were digging.



After three hours, these girls appear to be fast friends. Since we have been home, Daisy has asked several times for this friend.

Soon, we hope.

Rosie jumping

On our last day at the gulf.

Daisy jumping

I think she likes the beach....

ten

What a great birthday weekend! Lake turned 10 on Saturday and we spent the day doing the things he loves. His best friend and his friend's brother was with us.




He asked to eat lunch at Lulu's in Gulf Shores.



He asked to ride go-carts at The Track.



He wanted to visit the ocean.



We finished the day with birthday cake.

On his last day to be 9

That's right. Tomorrow Lake will be 10. Double digits. Yep, that's him fresh out of the shower ready for school this morning.

When he was asked whether he would like to have a big birthday party or go on a trip somewhere he chose to go to the beach. So, that's where we are headed this afternoon. He invited his best friend and his best friend's brother. We will have six kids with ages ranging from 4 to 10 years old. Hopefully we will be so busy playing that I won't dwell on the fact that my firstborn son is 10. Ouch.

Letter to the neighbor

In case you don't know Tate very well - there is some thing you should know to fully understand why my heart feels like it may burst over what he did yesterday afternoon. He doesn't like to write. Anything. Getting him to do homework that involves handwriting is like pulling teeth. Permanent teeth.

Yesterday afternoon the only homework he had was reading. So, you see, I was surprised to find him at the kitchen table with paper and pencil. Writing. I peered over his shoulder and could make out the words, "Dear Mrs. Dot," A few minutes later, he folded the paper and asked me if he could go to Mrs. Dot's house for a minute and take the letter to her. I said that he could but asked if I could read the letter first. He handed it over. It nearly brought tears to my eyes. Oh - never mind - it DID bring tears to my eyes.

Dear Mrs. Dot,

I love your sweet heart. You are so nice to people and animals. I know you must get lonely living by yourself. When you get lonely you can call us and we will come and play with you.

Love,
your friend,
Tate

Mrs. Dot is a neighbor that lives two houses from us. She is older and lives alone. The kids visit her for a few minutes in the afternoon about once a week. We've never really talked about her being lonely. Tate did this completely on his own. When he came home I asked him if she hugged him. He said "No. But she did say she was going to keep the letter for the rest of her life and look at it every day."




I don't post this to brag. I just want to remember these sweet, tender moments.