hipster.

...or Elton John in training? another ap to make us look cool.

Couldn't have wished for more

an amazing b.day at the beach, friends, family, food, incredibly yummy, awesome cake (wish I had taken a single pic of it.. I'm so glad the paparazzi were there... but it was so cool... waves breaking onto a beach... kudos, dad!! even pre-ordered??? seriously.. Justin was party PLANNING!) and not to mention the infant princess crown.

Dear Jbird,

{April 14, 2010, age NINE, breakfast at IHOP (she ordered a burger and fries, tho??)}

Whew. I think your ninth birthday celebrations have been put to rest...for the moment...

You have squeezed every moment of joy out of the past year! Your eyes are wide open with a curious mind, living and enjoying each adventure and challenge that the days bring. You love being a part of the ensemble. Whether it be an oompa loompa in Willie Wonka or running with the boys on the basketball courts...or just being a part of one big, extended family.

Being a team-player is effortless for you. You are always encouraging to your brother and people always compliment you at your love and tenderness with him. You don't want anyone to feel left out and love the chance to be "in charge". At school, the principal has given you a special "title" as you love to help pass out Popsicles to deserving students on Fridays...(and this was is your own private "thing" as Dad and I just learned about it at a conference!)

Your hands have outgrown holding in public, we are left yelling at the slamming car door as you bound out to meet your friends at school.. the "I LOVE YOU, have a great day!!s" are cut off mid-sentence..and forget about getting a smooch from your dad.. it is breaking our hearts to see you in women's size shoes and teenage brand tees and (still skinny) jeans...but the truth is, we couldn't be prouder.
{April 14, 2005, age 4 at D-land!}

Your independent spirit and style still make us so proud. You beat to your own drum, at times, and have taught me not to compare children. It is a gift that I will always be grateful for; that you showed me that everyone is different, learns differently, is motivated by different things and will surprise us to no end. You are working so hard and are having such a great year in 3rd grade. You say math is your favorite, (god bless your super teacher) and you love the whole "Harry Potter/ Sci-Fi" genre (not my fave) but you are still a great artist and love to write letters (for pleasure.. not so much when it's homework). You have dropped "Jadyn" at school, so as not to be mixed up with another girl in your class named "Jade".. would NOT want to be mistaken for her.. (trust me)... so everyone calls you Jbird. What a great name.

Skateboarding and surfing are probably your favorite sports..I can't wait to see you this summer as your biggest fan and coach/ dad will be back in action after last year's ankle debacle. We have so much in store for us in this great year ahead of being NINE. I know I speak for all of us as we just love the little lady you are, and I am so glad to celebrate with you.. everyday of the week.

{2002, First birthday!}

bake me a cake..

just one of the several for Jbird's birthday week..

Must be rough...

Dad's working hard... wish we were there.

Wiggin' Out

Emma, you rock for bringing the party with the pink wig. We all had to get in on the act on the rowdy ride home..
RuPaul's Drag Race next contestant?? scary!




Emma, you rock for bringing the party with the pink wig. We all had to get in on the act on the rowdy ride home..

Cut a rug, Campbell

While his sister was hesitant to get in on the groove train, Cam joined right in.. ready to go backstage with the crew. sorry, I am video challenged.

Super fine to be (almost) 9

The only thing J wanted for her birthday was a limo to pick her up and go drive around.. maybe get something to eat... I know, everyone is saying.. a LIMO? she's 9! But seriously.. an unforgettable day and the girls couldn't have been cuter. Kicked off her birthday week with a bang.

the excitement... calling everyone saying "we're in a LIMO," .. and dance parties galore

Corvette Diner was out-of-control awesome.


Everyone joined in the soda jerks' dancing around the place


Cutest quotable ... "um, Bibif? How are we going to get home?" ... "girls, the limo waits for us," I replied... "WHAT?? He just SITS here and WAITS and doesn't come in???" the shock and awe was priceless
C always getting in on the action.. Still reeling a few days later talking about the "wimmo" party

Ready to rock and roll...

Pre-party candy bar.. the girls were too nervous and excited to even eat more than a few little nibbles and some soda... the way home was another story.

New jaccuuzz

it's 8.30 in the morning... too chilly to fill up the pool with hose water... so naturally, you fill it with warm water from the house and bubbles... add some squirt guns, and all of the neighbors are so excited to be awakened on a spring break morning to the screams of excitement of a couple of toddlers

Happy Bday In Elay

Auntie Julia; the most level headed, savvy twenty-something we know. You have an amazing way of making people feel at ease and can relate to anyone, be they 2 or 82. Happy birthday week! (so glad to have someone to accompany me to Crumbs, finally!)

dog pile

the joy of cupcakes.

this series is just too precious for words... I love their communication.. and obvi sweet teeth. they are so lucky to have one another. we just love townsie.

Heit hunting...

We were so excited to see that Townsend and Campbell really "got" the egg hunting thing on Easter this year. Awesome Easter brunch and hunt..(and all day hang-out sesh) at K&J Heits and the boys were priceless all day. There is no way we can separate these guys... Bert and Ernie all over again.

"ready to go"

Easter morning look

A real character

After finding the golden egg at the hunt (a treasure for the kid who is always the eldest at the party, it seems)... Jbird took it upon herself to have a little fun in the bunny suit and was hoping to win over her little bro on the whole "idea".. unsuccessful at winning over C, but the neighborhood kids were in hysterics as she came out to play hoops looking like this..

Some bunny to love

What a gorgeous day for an egg hunt. The Garretts had an adorable party... all details were just perfs...Justin was extremely festive and came dressed up! Sadly, the EB costume was not loved by all of the under 5 sect.... especially Campbell. I need to find some pix from the Halloween 2004 when Justin rented (probably this same, unwashed gross) costume and had a blast... the problem this time was that he couldn't reveal his true identity to the other kiddos and they were by and large freaked out....