Hitting the big 5 years old - another one bites the cake!

Yet ANOTHER of the nephews had a birthday, and of course everyone showed up for this one - it's not every day someone turns FIVE! Here is the little man himself:

He knows how to count, how to fend off attacks from larger humans such as siblings and cousins, ride a bike, play video and Wii games, build Lego mosaics, eat his vegetables (please refer to Olive Garden video for that one), paint pottery 15 different shades of green, and can name all the Spongebob, Phineas and Ferb, and Sonic and Mario Bros characters.

On a good day, after 8 hours of sleep, I can do some of that.

The party room was decorated with some sisterly artwork:

and a handmade Sonic cake from his Aunt Kathy:

Out back...the assembled cousins, siblings and friends were already making use of the trampoline and play set:

some paper masks were good for a laugh or two:

and everyone was awaiting the tri tip lunch!

except this one, who tried to make a getaway!

While awaiting lunch, there was some polite conversation:

and some random photography:

Finally, after food and drink were cleared, the annual pinata sacrifice could take place:

This year's victim was a rocket ship:

some of the children seemed rather intent on it's destruction:

Once the pinatas innards were laid bare, the feeding frenzy for candy began. SOME PEOPLE SEEMED A LITTLE OLD TO BE PARTAKING IN THE KILL - I WON'T SAY WHO:

Disclaimer: I think he was grabbing some for the toddlers...at least that was HIS story.

Enjoying the spoils of the kill:

The birthday boy was quite thrilled to get to the best part of the party:

The usual display of impatience:

Brief pause to show you the child's amazing eyelashes:

Here is a look that is hard to fake...adults try for years to bring back this type of reaction upon opening presents:

some cousin love:

and the kid hams it up for some photos:

A few more kid shots while cake was being set up:

and the cake appears!

and is rapidly set on fire!

and just as rapidly blown out! A parting shot of the newly crowned 5 year old!

Summertime, and the Weeding is easy...

Summertime brings many things, the most visible and vocal being "bored kids". Yes, those same children that a mere three weeks ago were lighting candles in hopes of bringing their school year to a faster close are now decrying the horrifying fate of having "nothing to do".

Trying to be helpful, I generously offered these children the opportunity to come work at Auntie's to earn some summer spending money. Here's how the initial conversation went:

Me: Want to earn some money pulling weeds at Auntie's?
Them: How much?
Me: oh, maybe 10-15 dollars for weeds
Them: How about a dollar for every weed pulled?
Me: Auntie just remembered she has other plans.
Them: Just kidding. How about $20?
Me: (checking bank statement) - uh, ok.
Them: That's $20 a piece, Auntie. In cash. No checks.

I mean really! $20??? A piece??? Why, when I was a young lass, (cue violins) we pulled weeds for nothing! And we liked it! Anyway...they show up, dressed for a day at the beach, and have to borrow clothes and boots from me! And of course we can't go outside at first, since it was TOO COLD (for them), so I have to sacrifice my house to their cleaning "skills":

Here they are cleaning my tub/shower:
Finally, it was warm enough for the child laborers to head outside for weed pulling duty:

Here's a sampling of what I heard during the first 15 minutes:

"I'm dizzy - grandma told me to sit down if I am dizzy"

"How many weeds do I really have to pull?"

"I'm allergic to weeds, by the way"

"Have I earned my $20 yet?"

"Can we have a break?"

"When is lunch?"

Despite all the colorful commentary, they did actually do a great job pulling the weeds, as the photos attest:

So I treated them to some lunch:

Then I kicked them back outside for another 20 minutes of hard labor:
Finally, after a couple of back breaking, tween sweating, never ending hours of work, they were done:

They couldn't wait to get to the mall to throw away, I mean spend, their hard earned money. Before we left, I managed to corral them into taking a few photos:

Please note how "tired" and "overworked" they appear. Next week, the boys want a chance to earn some dough, so I had better start saving my nickels!

Fourth of July Shenanigans

Step One: Light BBQ Duties
Despite my obvious lack of skill no humans were burned, no cats were traumatized, and the hot dogs still resembled hot dogs when the grilling was done!


I put DP outside to enjoy his watermelon:
Step Two: Check fog level outside. Looks good this year!

Please note the difference here...LAST YEAR AT THE BEACH: FROZE TO DEATH:

THIS YEAR AT THE BEACH: SUNNY SKIES AND I AM UNCLOAKED (relatively speaking):
Step Three: Ensure enough fireworks have been purchased.

Step Four: Pass the time till sundown by taking random photos:

DP even found a new friend! Someone named "Gort" stopped by:

Step Five: Light up the very second the sun touches the horizon!

Some weren't impressed with mere sparklers:

Here is a 2 minute overview of the evening for you to enjoy!