Happy Birthday to Liam!

September 20 was Liam's second birthday, and he had a great day! It was a Sunday, so first we had a relaxed Sunday morning breakfast of oatmeal 'porridge' (like in Goldilocks and the Three Bears), a quick bath, and Mass at Saint Benedict Parish. Afterward, what more could a birthday boy want than to play outside in his dirt pile with tractors, trucks, loaders, and other machinery in a pleasant, breezy, late summer day.

Liam had such a great time playing in the dirt that when I brought him his traditional birthday cake, he decided it looked like just another big dirtpile, and played with the little animal figurines holding the candles on the chocolate icing... I don't think he took even one bite of cake that night. Instead, he had it for breakfast.

I think even Goldilocks would think that Liam's second birthday was 'just right'.

Here are some great shots of the birthday boy!



Thomas was happily wearing his breakfast with Liam here!Patrick is just as cheerful as his big brothers, and happy to see them smiling.
His Majesty Prince Patrick bids the birthday celebration begin!

Summer visit with family

It was so nice to get up to Pennsylvania for Patrick's first real trek out of Baltimore. Here is the welcoming committee, complete with LOTS of aunts ready to hold Patrick (after his diaper change, of course).

Later, Aunt Ellie reads a story to Thomas and Liam. Reading books to them is never a simple matter of just reading the words, though. One must be prepared to answer their every question and query about the whys and wherefores behind the book. Aunt Ellie does a very good job of that, as you can see below.
Aunt Dorothy especially enjoys spoiling the babies with kisses and love!
Above: Aunt Mary Beth holds Patrick like a professional! Look at those smiles!
Below: Patrick looks up in astonishment as he realizes he has soiled Grandma's lovely red and white apron with the would-be contents of his diaper, honey to a mother, and, lucky for him, a grandmother as well!

Mountain Craft Days 2009

We had a lovely time demonstrating and learning about life in the 18th century at Mountain Craft Days 2009 in Somerset, Pennsylvania September 11-13. Below are some nice pictures taken by the boys' Aunt Dorothy:
Above, left to right: Uncle Jake holds Thomas as Liam sits in Uncle Sam's lap, amused by a stuffed fawn.

Below, Mama holds Patrick beside the headless Aunt Abby and Uncle Seth, Patrick's godparents.

Above: Uncle Jonathan entertains Patrick.

Below: Sarah Johnson, fellow demonstrator and a fabulously witty musician discusses details of 18th century life with Grandma, such as herding small children with large skirt frames. To demonstrate the point are volunteers Thomas and Uncle Charles, coached by Uncle Seth.

See what a motley crew they all are, standing around, neglecting the many tasks we take for granted now. From left, Aunt Abby, Uncle Seth, Uncle Sam (standing behind), Papa, Uncle Jonathan, and Uncle Andrew.

When we weren't standing around looking pretty, we earned our keep by playing concerts or showing off the sewing and beautiful crafted furniture.

Dragon Invasion

Does anyone else have this problem? Liam's pet dragon, about 5 feet long from IKEA, green with wings, no legs, and a big orange felt flame hanging from his mouth, is getting into EVERYTHING! I think it may have to do with Liam's choice of training exercises, but I think I need to intervene. This morning I found the dragon drinking from the toilet bowl, after having cleaned up multiple messes from him in the past few days. This dragon especially likes water, and doesn't mind one bit if that water is brackish. He even took a swim in our oak-leaf tea in the pool last week, then came right back in the house smelling of it... guided, of course, by Liam.

Does anyone have hints on training young dragons (owned by a 2-year-old boy)?