Tuff Mudder

Gabe's party was a BLAST! I just could not NOT post all these pics. WARNING: there are many!! Thanks to Jennifer, all my helpers and especially Eric for creating such a fun, exciting obstacle course. It was a great day for all!!

the awesome birthday boy

Eric with our adopted daughters

Watch out! Coleman and Jack will spray you!

And so the birthday boy starts the course....

Only to be squirted by brothers and Harout

Gotcha!!

Still chasing Gabe... Finn cannot get enough!

After round ONE.

Tommy, a good friend of Gabe's

Gabe making his way out of the spy zone

One happy, dirty boy! Love him!

Little Dirty Johnny and Gabi

Harout and Benny on the balance beam

Natalie was really hungry.... ewwwww!

A better variation of the egg race.

More "helpers" (o;

Someone got Mommy. A perfect handprint!


Perhaps the best pic of the day... Aidan.

Can they make it?

Some of our favorites!!

Christopher and I held our own with the sponges. I think we knocked some kids silly. Oops!!

Here are some of our dirtiest darlings! Who is that handsome winker?

Sotir is fierce!

My favorite helper!

Gabe is getting it...

Can he recover!! Yes!!

Sydney, the best tuff mudder and sport around!

A quick game of trash in your neighbors yard...

Oh no! The birthday boy is hurt.

It was "him"!! That is shocking....

Busted.

Hosing down Tate and all the darlings.

Handsome boys and the loves of my life!

Pizza

Cupcakes

Camouflage friends

That's my man. I sure love him!

Everyone got a shirt instead of a goodie bag. I think it was a grand idea! Makes for a great pic too!!

Giving his Daddy a kiss for a job well done!

The perfect party. Thanks Daddy! We love you! And we sure love the birthday boy!!

I missed you. Let's be friends. For reals.

Waterford

I love Waterford. It is the perfect way to really start Fall. My boys also love Waterford and know a lot of the crafters and where they are located better than I do. I walked around and noticed that many if not most of the artists there are older folk. I wonder who will carry on these trades and tradtions when they are gone. The caramel apple man is gone... and there is noone there to replace him. The basket man is gone... still no one. The silhouette woman is also gone and the new one cannot compare. I felt a little sad this time. The man who made our beautiful grandfather clock has long time passed away.

I want the younger generation to see value in what we are feeling, touching, smelling and participating in at this festival and the creative part of life. Many of these traditions are America and I am afraid that many of the things that have made America special are getting lost and forgotten. I am lucky that I have a couple creative children that I will happily encourage to follow their talents in life. We did buy an awesome wood carving of Mr. Invisible from a young wood carver. It was a good purchase and my boys all got to meet him and admire his work.

Gabe just about burned off his finger while stamping wax, but other than that it was splendid time for all. We ate at Barbara Fritchie's on the way home which was the best way to end a great family day. We almost didn't go and I am so glad we did. This is one tradition I really don't want to break.

Life is good.

Wise words

p.s. Happy birthday to my awesome and amazing sister Tia. I love you! I wish I could see you more and run marathons with you and the other one.... yes you Dayna! Thanks for being so wonderful, sweet and thoughtful! Happy day to you!!