Shane’s birthday

Our sweet Shane is turning 11!  What?!?!  He is sprouting faster than anyone in the house.  He is kind, often removes himself from arguments with his brothers.  VERY mission focused.  Love to-do lists and tackles chores with ease.  He is a good buddie to his pods of friends and often wants

 to fly under the radar.

While the boys were out practicing soccer (Shane was thrilled to have practice on his birthday)  I slaved over the largest VAT of Pork Fried rice.  I was SO nervous about screwing up his favorite meal.  Turned out I nailed it!  Birthday Boy loved it!

My folks joined us for dinner and brought the coolest gift!  A portable Ping Pong table.  While initially we played it in the kitchen area, its next location was in the driveway where they played roller blade ping pong.  I cannot make this stuff up!

Arrows to augment is sweet cross bow.  He got a carrying case too.  Love how Nora is by his side.

and yes, I can believe he even let his brother use it once and a while.

We love you Mr. Boo Boo Bear!  I say this many times - you are exactly what this family needs and loves.  I hope you continue to bring your grace to those around you!

 

Shane's Pre Party

IN the time of COVID do we really need a big outdoor birthday party?  I seemed to justify this in a few ways (even thought part of me was opting out of a party at all!) Yup, its been a struggle for all these kids socially and getting together outside for some back yard fun seemed like exactly what everyone could benefit from.  So yup, 15 boys and one VERY brave girl!

The party is best viewed through the youtube links.  WE nailed it with the sun timing.  Initially, super bright for some baseball

 Blitz Ball game

After lots of pizza and wings, we moved onto birthday cake.

The Birthday Song

The night ended with glow in the dark capture the flag.  A real crowd pleaser.

Can you see them?

Capture the flag

Polo anyone?

Socially distant, tailgating, outdoor games and horses!  Sign us up!!  

We raced from soccer games.  Met my mom right before she checked out of stop and shop grabbing some tasty food (dinner!).  We scored a place along the 'end zone'.  You have to get there by 2:30 or they start filling up.  This was the last polo match for the season and we were excited to finally get to see one!

Impressive seeing the horses and riders racing around on this huge field.  You would literally feel them as the ground echoed.

We got to even head out there at the 1/2 point and replace the divots.  Just like in the movies!  As we were out there replacing divots we ran into an old friend of Drews - Jordan and Kristen!  Love that they recognized us.

Such a fun and unique event right in the town over.  Need to file this away as fun things to do with friends!

 

Favorite things

Jon Bon Jovi makes great Rose!  Thank you Farrah =)  Enjoyed the night outside.

This book was an investment for me.  Time and emotion.  Labor of love for the author and an education for me.   Its hard to say I loved the book.  Every night I did want to learn more about this mans life in and effort to understand what could be done to change it.

Favorite things - pond serenity at Nick's Soccer practice with Nora.

And YES, my dahlias are blooming!!

 

Nick's Golf clinic

Guess who has the golfing bug - this Leadbetter.  

He signed up for a 5 week clinic with match play through Fairview Farms.  Clinics were every Wednesday at Fairview and matches were on Sunday.

Drew and I joined him for a beautiful Sunday afternoon

The course was adorable.  See the pond and little house behind us?

Here are the kiddos teeing off.  Parents often joined their kiddos throughout the match.

Drew and I opted to stay by the club house.  I was devouring the Robert Peace book, while Drew got plenty of practice shots in.  He even had a little friend come and join him.

The fox was truly beautiful and very interested in Drew's golf technique.

Nick had a great time with the clinic.  He was on the older end of the spectrum and was able to be a bit of a mentor to the younger kiddos too.  It is orchestrated by the courses golf pro - Bob Sparks.  Someone I taught ski lessons with at Ski Sundown!  I knew having these boys - our paths would cross again on the golf course.  

 

Lunch Lady addition to the PODs

One of the my POD days I was feeling particularly adventurous and played lunch lady to.  Here we go, schedule printed out and everything.

Several happy mouths to feed.  Needless to say, this beautiful weather made for a great PE day and outdoor recess.

 

Labor day weekend blow it outta the water!

Lets make a memorable seafood boil!  Look at this dish.  We combined efforts on the ingredients and Rebecca had the recipe - nailed it!

There really are moment that I stop and realize how truly blessed we are.

And, yes, Nora is one smart dog!