#4

Happy Birthday, Macon!

par-tay

Someone has a birthday in less than 24 hours, so of course, we had a party this morning.

awaiting our guests 

Macon said, "Take a picture like this."

Nearly blind and nearly deaf, but ready for cake. 

The gang colors fire trucks . . . 

. . . to be used in pin-the-truck-in-the-station

with thanks to Jed for coming up with the idea for this game

cake!

When Macon requested a "fire truck birthday party," I sent an invitation (complete with the promise of cake) to Fire Station 3, just a few blocks away, in the hopes that they would be able to stop by during the party, but an hour before party-time, a firefighter called to tell me they would be in training all morning. He had called a couple of other stations nearby, and specifically requested the tiller truck (the long ladder with drivers in back and front), but no one was going to be able to shake free. No problem, I told him; we all know they have work to do and I said I'd drop cake off later in the day.

So just about the time we were ready to sit down to supper tonight, Jed spotted a fire truck slowing down out front. I saw the 3 on the side and told the boys to head outside, that maybe they were coming to us. Much to our neighbors' distress, they parked the truck in the street with lights flashing just to wish Macon a happy birthday. This was way beyond the call of duty and we, of course, thanked them heartily.

But then the captain made an offer that only one of us could refuse: do you want to go for a ride?

A RIDE?!?

That proved to be a bit much for Macon, so he hung out with a fully kitted firefighter and Eric while Jed and I took a spin around the block. Macon was pretty impressed, but Jed's head nearly combusted.

Happy Birthday, Macon! 

returning to headquarters

Jed jumping out of the back. 

I think Macon had a great party and I know Jed had a great night! 

tea party

As I've said before, I think, not a day goes by that I don't say or do something I never expected I'd be saying or doing. A few days ago, Macon suggested a tea party. I can safely say I never expected that invitation. He brought flowers and napkins to the table, I got a teapot for him, and we used their Williamsburg tin cups for our teacups. When I inquired about his inspiration, he recalled having tea parties with Amara at Marmie's over the summer. 

Then we started making faces. Back to normal. 

happy thanksgiving!

Jed is our own little Norman Rockwell. 

Here, Mom, bursting with pride, watches her son gun down a turkey. 

And Macon finally stayed on stage for a performance.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

parade time

Yes, Raleigh's Christmas parade is early. Yes, it's always this early. Yes, it's totally designed to get you to shop. Yes, it's fun. Yes, even for the boys (finally).

Worst selfie ever?

Have some pride, Macon: wipe your mouth. And your jacket.

The view from Macon's level.

Finally, through attrition, we got a curb-side seat. 

After the parade, we joined the Oakwood Awesomettes for lunch. I didn't march so I could take the boys, but if you click here, you can watch a segment. The Awesomettes show up at the 2-minute, 10-second mark and they looked fantastic! 

recent artwork

A few nights ago, Jed and Macon enjoyed the company of their favorite babysitter who is also an art teacher. She brought watercolors and had them painting tree frogs before Eric and I left. When we returned, she showed us Jed's work (on the left, with the tongue coming out to catch a fly) and Macon's on the right. 

And a few weeks ago, Grandma gave them a book, which has inspired a whole series of raptor vs. prey drawings by Jed. This one is the first, but they've become more and more colorful and elaborate. 

practice birthday

On Saturday, Teddie hosted the boys, Ina (another former Chapel Hill neighbor), and me for an early birthday party for Macon. Macon deemed it a "practice birthday." After a lunch of chicken pie (Jed's request), marshmallows (Macon's request), and hot chocolate, the boys were ready for C A K E! 

(four holes from the candles, one from a finger)

Thanks for a great afternoon, Teddie! 

Random shots from the big Y-Guides camping trip

Sunset

Chopping wood

S'mores

The Thunderbirds

Camp Kanata

Breakfast

Not pictured:  The massive roots and rocks that I had the great pleasure of "sleeping" on.

We are now a week after the trip, and my back still hurts and I am still sick.  But it was still a pretty fun weekend.