Old Photo Friday

Buby's Mama's first day of preschool, September 1980. I was three and a half years old. This picture makes me feel ancient. My mom took it on what was a very big day for her. Next Tuesday, I will be the mom having the very big day. Buby's first day of preschool.

We received a letter in the mail today from his teacher... Miss Sherri. I know it's not exactly the same. Buby's only two years old, so his school is like preschool prep. The curriculum is similiar to other preschools {learning games, social skills, numbers, letters, theme-based projects}. The difference is that it's only 2 hours a week, and parents must stay the entire time. Still, I feel like it's his first day of school. I can't wait to see Buby's paintings hanging in a classroom with his name on them. I can't wait to see what friends he meets next and how he chooses them. I can't wait to see his wheels turning as he meets every challenge.

Go Bowling

Loving this foam bowling set, $62, from Garnet Hill!

Music Man

Buby and I started our fall MUSIC CLASS this morning, and it was utterly fantastic. We enjoyed every minute of singing {yup, parental singing is a big part}, live guitar by our sweet teacher Miss Andrea, maracas, hopping, and appearances from a few fuzzy friends. Buby hasn't been in this particular studio in about a year, and I was worried he would wander and explore instead of paying attention. Nope. At least not this week. He was totally into it and followed directions and participated the whole class. Hurray! He even gave Miss Andrea two big hugs at the end of class. Our little Music Man is tuckered out... and hopefully in for a supersized nap.

photo: flickr

Bunny Blossoms

Note to Alana and Eric: I came across this Bunny Blossoms poster, $28, at Mahar Drygoods and immediately thought of Gilly's new room. It's an awesome shade of pink to accent her soothing hydrangea blue walls. The 22x16.5 inch wall decor from artists Kozy & Dan could look amazing {after it is framed} with your subtle, sophisticated bunny theme.

Looking for Ladybugs

Ladybugs for everyone! Friends Jason & Heidi released about 1,100 ladybugs onto their lawn as we all "oohed" and "ahhed." What a cool complement to a children's party. The wee ones all scurried to see who could round up the most ladybugs for their handcrafted bug boxes.


Buby was fine with the bug crawling up his arm. He's Daddy's boy.


Buby's bug box. No, we did not take any REAL ones home.

Miss Spider Party

Buby & Co. had SUCH FUN at Hannah Girl's Miss Spider party this past Saturday. The afternoon was loaded with groovy games and crafts. Highlights included a pin-the-spider-on-the-web game, a beehive pinata free-for-all with squirt guns, glitter glue {who doesn't love glitter glue?}, butterfly-shaped sandwiches, spooky spider cupcakes, and a massive hunt for ladybugs. Above, Hannah Girl and her baby bro... Mini Cooper.

Pretty Spider

Buby's Daddy took the crafts table by storm and bedazzled this creature.

Kidorable Style

We picked up these Kidorable brand froggie boots, $24, and fishing hat, $14, from a village boutique on Saturday {if you live near us, you know what shop I'm talking about--check them out!!} The owner ordered size 10 boots especially for Buby, and he was thrilled to wear them home. You can also find Kidorable rain gear, hats and scarves online at Peek-a-Boo Kids. So many amazing styles. For girly girls, I particularly like the new English Roses collection. It's a bit pricier than standard Kidorable but worth the money in sweetness. $49 for a raincoat, $39 for boots, and $19 for an umbrella. Here are the two chicest designs.

English Roses/Kidorable "Polka Dots"

English Roses/Kidorable "Houndstooth"

5 Little Monkeys

Monkey Party

Last night we celebrated 5 friends, all turning 2 around the same time. 10 parents pitched in with appetizers, sides and desserts, but Grace's BRAVE folks hosted the monkey-themed soiree and went above and beyond to make it into a magical night for everyone. Thank you, guys, for your awesome efforts and crazy-fun kid stuff. There was too much cuteness at the party for just one post. So be prepared for a multitude of monkey posts.


Grace eats a banana and then dumps sand on top of her head.


No complaints from Buby as the girls take turns pushing him on wheels.

Shaelin trying so hard to move Buby forward.

Monkey Business

Check out these wonderful mini wood bowling sets Alana and Eric found as favors. WAY better than the usual party paraphernalia. The menu was all island... Cuban sandwiches, tropical fruit salad, pineapple crisp, yellow jello, Caribbean rice, wings, etc. And for dessert... monkey cupcakes, banana cream pie, monkey bread {to which Buby's Daddy and I are now addicted!!} banana-shaped sugar cookies, and frozen key lime squares. YUMMY!! Yellow and brown were the colors of the day.




Beautiful Things

Monkey Invite

The clever invitation to our Five Little Monkeys party, handmade in the wee hours by devoted parents Allison and Jon. Can you tell they are teachers?

10 Candles

What a moment. Five babes at a grownup table waiting ever so patiently to blow out their two candles each. A Mama or Daddy stood behind each kiddo to avoid any premature contact with the cupcakes. Lillian went first... while the others looked on in awe. Buby blew out his own. We were so proud. The whimsical monkey cupcakes were crafted by Grace's grandma. Seriously talented lady!!

It was curious to see how each child approached the art of devouring dessert. Buby ripped off the cupcake wrapper so fast, as if he's done this a hundred times before {I swear he hasn't}. He then proceeded to carefully pick apart all the decoration on top. Gillian carried her banana cookie around like it was a telephone, meticulously licking off every last little bit of frosting. Grace happily chewed up her cookies and then {when 80% done} placed them in my hand and headed back to the table for more.

Monkey Race

I was finishing dinner with two mom friends when I heard the craziest laughter coming from the front yard. And a bunch of 30 somethings huffing and puffing. We jumped up to see what was going on. All five dads were racing the kids on tricycles around a makeshift track with orange cones. The kids gasped and giggled. Time of their lives! It was obvious the dads were having too much fun with this. The scene grew hilariously competitive, but the kids wouldn't stop for anything. "GO" "GO" "GO!" When the daddys finally brought the race to an end, the cuties talked us mommys into another lap or two... or 12.

Soup for a Week

This morning marked the beginning of Soup Swap, a soup exchange suggested by my friend Allison. Once a month, we all cook up enough homemade soup for four families and then exchange at a playdate. The idea is genius... if you have freezer space and love soup. We have two freezers and absolutely no space, so we'll be sipping soup for a week. Yesterday while Buby napped I ventured into unknown territory and adapted a Sweet Corn Chowder & Potato recipe from Food Network guy Tyler Florence. My kitchen was crazy messy, and I might have left my husband {the real chef in Buby Land} an idiotic message or two relating to mincing or dicing. Whatever. We had it for dinner, and it was DELISH! Today we walked away with a French Onion, a Red Lentil, and a Spicy Curry Lentil {or something like that}. We're psyched for soup and sandwiches later in the day.

images: google/kraft foods

Old Photo Friday

This is one of my most favorite old photos. It's Buby's Great Grandpa V. fishing with Great Aunt Yaya. I'm guessing back in the late '30s. Aunt Yaya is my mom's oldest sister, and there is like 20 years between them.

Playdate Friday

Buby and Lillian go parking during Playdate Friday. The kids took turns on Lillian's Jeep and were pretty diplomatic about divvying up driving time. Buby is sporting an old medal around his neck from The Little Gym. He found it in his toy box and wouldn't part with it the rest of the day.


Thelma and Louise. These girls {okay, mostly Lillian} were total dare devils.

Such gorgeous little people.

Buby and Gilly's turn to take a drive.

Lillian pushing Buby in the swing. Super sweet.

These two like to walk hand-in-hand. They did it earlier in the week, too. And they carry on the most random chit chat while they stroll. Thank you to Erika for hosting yet another wonderful playdate.