"When I was Five, I was just alive. But now I'm Six, I'm as clever as clever. So I think I'll be six now and for ever and ever!"

quote by A.A. Milne

My baby turned six! Time is going by so fast. I try to savor the moments with my boys beause I know one day I will miss these days terribly.

Aidan is six years old now and he has grown so much in this past year in so many ways. He has become more independent and more sure of himself. He can read books and write stories all on his own. He can pick out his own clothes and dresses himself and he makes an excellent PB&J! :) And he is a wonderful big brother to Owen. I love watching them form more and more of a bond as they get older.

Aidan has a wonderful personality and a big heart. He loves to be around people and everybody falls in love with him :) He is such a charmer!

He loves to draw, to read, and to dance. I see so much of myself in him, it is scary sometimes. He is eager to please and gets frustrated with himself very easily- just like his mama! It's so amazing to see him change and become his own person as the years pass.

This year, we had a family party to celebrate. Then we went to Busch Gardens on Aidan's actual birthday, just the four of us. We had a blast! Can't wait to take them there again!

The birthday boy :)

Ready for take off!

Up and Away

Owen and Aidan dancing during the Oktoberfest show. This was too cute!

Come sail away with me...

Owen on the Grover roller coaster. What a brave little guy!

Somebody REALLY likes the chicken dance :)

One of their favorite rides


Happy Birthday Aidan! I love you all the way to the moon and back!!!

Good Good Times

I guess that is goes without saying that I am a fool for some DMB (Dave Matthews Band)! Hey, everybody has their thing and this is mine. It's hard to explain this love affair I have...it's just one of those things that you either get it or you don't. I always tell people that going to a DMB show is something everybody should do at least once in their life. It is one of the most wonderful experiences that you can have. The energy of the band and the crowd in contagious. You just get swept away.

Of course I could rant on for hours about my favorite band but I promise not to do that to you :) I just have to say that their music has been powerful for me. It has helped me through some very tough times and it has also given me tons of joyful memories.

One of my favorite DMB songs is called Pig, which is about making the most of your days while you are here on Earth- "Dont' burn the day away" and being thankful for what you have. It also talks about the importance of LOVE in your life and finding love during the tough times- "there's bad times, but that's okay, just look for the love in there".

That song was the inspiration for my recent tattoo-

It's a reminder to me to make the most of every day because each day is a blessing. The pig is for the title of the song but also a tribute to my mother-in-law, who collects pigs. Her strength has been an inspiration to me.

Here is a video of the band playing the song live for your listening pleasure-

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA2pZDYR0gw&feature=related

Of course, every summer Mike and I go see a DMB show. This year (since they are taking next year off after almost 20 years of touring) I was lucky enough to go to two of their concerts! There are many fans that go to 8, 9, 10+ shows a year but this is not doable for me (maybe some day!).

I am just happy to have had the opportunity to see them play this summer! I big thank you goes out to Mimi for taking care of the boys for me while I got my Dave fix! :)

Two of my friends and I went to the Virginia Beach show on July 20th and the hubby and I went to see them in DC on the 23rd. Both shows were amazing! Good good times!

Virginia Beach Ampitheater

My girls Anna and Ann enjoying the show

Aidan decided I needed a sign to take with me to the show (totally his idea)...it says DMB I Love You, Brandy. How cute is that?

Nationals Park in DC

Waiting for the show to start...definitely well worth the wait!

One Down, Twelve To Go

It's hard to believe that Aidan will be starting 1st grade soon! He is VERY excited about it. :) Another year full of adventures in learning.
I have to say though that his next teacher has some big shoes to fill. Aidan's kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Tirs, is one of the most amazing people I have ever met and her passion for teaching is infectious! I am so thankful for all that she did for Aidan. She helped to instill a love of learning in my little boy and that is one of the greatest gifts in the world.
Here are some photos to recap Aidan's school year...

Aidan and Mrs. Tirs

Aidan dressed as Waldo for book character day at school

Dad and Aidan at the field trip to the Children's Museum of Richmond

Mimi and Aidan during the field trip to Maymont Park

100th day of school project :)

Aidan was the ring bearer for the wedding of Q and U

On stage for the end of the year program :)

**side note- I was not able to attend the program because my K class had their graduation that same day. So Mrs. Tirs, being the angel that she is, had a video made of the program so that I could see it! Of course this kind gesture brought me to tears, I am so grateful to her for doing that for me. What a special lady!

Aidan, Mom, and Owen at the summer birthday celebration

Fall school portrait

Spring portrait

It's amazing how much he has grown, both in height and knowledge! He is such a smart boy and he truly loves to learn. At the end of kindergarten, Aidan has memorized all of the sight words for Kindergarten, First and Second grade. He reads on a second level as well! The amazing part is that I did very little to make this happen...the kid's a natural! Yes, I am one proud mama! :)

Elephants, Tigers, and Tight Ropes...Oh, my!

In April, we took the boys to see the Circus! As you can tell from the photos, they had a great time. They were very impressed by the motorcycles and thought the clowns were hilarious. We all had such a good time. Can't wait to go back next year!

My three favorite guys :)

Just look at that face!

I love the elephants!

Bye circus friends!

Play Ball!

Aidan had his first exposure to organized sports this year. We signed him up for t-ball in the spring. He enjoyed it but I think he liked the social aspect of the team more than actually playing the game. In fact when the coach asked him where he favorite spot was on the team, he replied, "the bench"! Hilarious!

Hello Again!

After a not-so-brief hiatus, I'm back. Boy do I have a lot of catching up to do! I am hoping to have the blog up to date before I go back to work....wish me luck! :)

Where does the time go?

It's so hard to believe that my "baby" is 3! It seems like yesterday he was only this big!

Newborn

1 year old

2 years

3 years old and growing like a weed (Owen is taller right now than Aidan was at age 4!)

Cake number 1- this is the cake we had on Owen's actually birthday

Cake number 2 (this one was definitely a labor of love!)- we had this one at his party over at Mimi and Grandpa's house

Birthday Morning-opening his very 1st gift of the day!

An awesome "Cars" ambulance

I wonder if he wished for more cars?

Yum!

Checking out his new Handy Manny tool bench

Opening gifts at Mimi and Grandpa's house with all the family

Best Buddies- playing cars... notice what is on the TV:)

Wish number 2!

Looks like somebody had a pretty great birthday! Happy Birthday sweetheart!