Happy Birthday Fisher

Happy Birthday Fisher! Because nothing says first birthday party like taper candles and skeletons.  Next year we'll go with a happy pumpkin theme or something more appropriate . . . maybe.

As I explained to the man with an expression of shock on his face when he glimpsed Fisher sitting in the trunk of my car while I loaded in pumpkins and groceries on top of him- I've never won a parenting award.

Our 1 year old lion.  Thanks grandma Jann for the great costume!

The family- I feel we look quite rural/suburban here.  I think it's my Meijer shirt and the crepe paper in the background.

Hallobirthday Tablescape.  My favorite part is the little pumpkin in the tree

Even a one year old can experience the joy of PRESENTS!

Just give me the cupcake already mom.  Do I have to pretend like I've never had one of these before?  You were sneaking me cake ages ago.  Writers note:  See above- I've never won a parenting award

 For those of you who feel the need to an excessive amount of photos of a little man in a lion costume check out my Facebook.

On 30

I'm (almost) 30 days past 30 and thankfully it feels a lot like 29 . . . pretty good.  I don't feel 30 until I look at pictures of myself and think who is that lady?  She definitely looks 30.

My dream of spending the eve of my 30th birthday frolicking in a Florentine piazza didn't come true, however I did manage to round up the family for an evening picnic and hike at the beach. 

Fishy loved to play in the sand, probably because it guarantees a post play bath

Still handsome when he's grumpy

Did you know sand is our regions greatest export?

Birthday girl and her favorite son

Can you spot the kite surfer?  This is a major sport on Lake Michigan in the fall

The beginning of fall color

West Michigan's famous dunes

The first sunset of my 30's

It wasn't the Duomo at sunset, but on a night like my 30th birthday I'll put Grand Haven, Michigan up against anywhere in the world.  It's take your breathe away beautiful.  Although I wouldn't complain catching the first sunset of 31 on the banks of the Arno.

Songs with Barbara

Great grandparents are great because when they visit they bring their personal ukelele and sing bedtime songs.   For real.  See below for evidence.

Top of the World

Giant Pumpkin

After initial hesitations I am embracing the birthday/Halloween combo package and have created a new holiday - Hallobirthday.

Nothing like kicking off Hallobirthday week with some giant pumpkin jumping at the Meijer Gardens with Fishers friend Isaac.

Future Wolverines

This boys club loved watching Michigan beat Michigan State this weekend.

In a couple more years I fear they'll be asking- where are the ladies?

Photographing kids

It's borderline impossible to get two kids smiling and looking at the camera.

Fisher when you have a sibling your days of glamour shots are over.

All your pics are going to look like this:

Alternate Family

Cute pic.

Too bad I'm not in the photo and 1 of the 2 kids isn't mine.

On the outside they look like a really happy family.

A Boy & His Dog

For Fisher's birthday Jann & Horacio sent him a Radio Flyer wagon just in time for Halloween Trick or Treating. Fisher and I love it.

Fisher is mostly excited to have transportation for him AND his dog.

Shades of Blue

For my 30th birthday I let a few key players know I wanted to complete my blue and white china collection.

For the last couple of years I've gathered (read this as cleverly acquired from family) an eclectic range of Old Willow pattern and Chinese rice China, but I didn't have enough to serve a full dinner. While I love my diverse collection of blue and white sugar jars and toothpick holders. To really use China you need enough to serve a dinner party. One plate = no good. Plus I thought it would be fun to mix and match.

My call was answered. I LOVE the mix of China I received. It will forever be my 30th birthday set and I will use it exclusively at my (future) beach house. In the mean time it will happily make its appearance in June, July and August as my summer everyday ware.

I was particularly touched that my college girlfriends tracked down an entire set of 12 Old Willow dinner plates on eBay. This is the pattern we used at the Connecticut cottage so it holds a particularly soft spot in my heart.

Below is a selection of the assortment I received. Fun, right?

I have been debating what to collect next. I want something super girly. Maybe even pink. I know I'm shocked too. But I'm missing something for ladies lunch/showers. Something that says April. Have a suggestion? Let me know.

Lobster Anyone?

Strange Obsessions

Fishers obsession with the suitcase makes it difficult to unpack. If its out, he's literally in it.

I hate unpacking anyways.

Dallas: Labor Day 2012

I'm never going to an out of state Michigan game with Katherine and Paul again. It's bad luck.  First the 2004 Rosebowl, and more recently the Cowboys Classic Michigan vs. Alabama season opener. Both games were brutally embarrassing for the Wolverines.

Despite the outcome of the Alabama game, we had a blast and I therefore retract the above statement- I'd go anywhere with Katherine and Paul, they're fun even in a loss. 

We brought Fishy to Dallas.  He stayed with the Shavers for the night and LOVED playing with sweet Campbell.  Note his game day chic attire

Sunday night we had dinner with the Daniels and Shavers.  Love all these little ones.  Fisher is wearing his SMU cheering outfit.  He took of his maize and blue in shame.

Girls from the midwest with Fritos and beer

Cowboy Stadium from afar

Nick succeeded in eating BBQ 3 times in 2 days.  He's obv quite happy about that

Some of my favorite ladies at brunch Monday AM.  Courtney is due with baby #2 in December.

Here Comes the Bride: Missy & Jeff

We enjoyed a wonderful weekend "up north" for Missy and Jeff's wedding in August.  The wedding at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, MI was easily one of the most stunning wedding venues I have been too.  This coupled with a beautiful bride, good friends and the Michigan fight song lends itself to a happy night.

Lovely U of M Sigma Kappas reunite

Chairlift to the ceremony is a nice touch

A kiss with a view

The water in northern Michigan is turquoise, like Carribbean color.  You have to see it for yourself. . .

On the way home we detoured through Traverse City and stopped at Nick's grandparents in Petoskey.  Mario Battali has a place outside Traverse City, this is one of his favorite restaurants.  It was delish.