Sam and Calob

Sam had a very hard time leaving his friends in Bakersfield. Especially, his best friend, Grant Matejka. Every year at his birthday he has gotten really upset because his friends would not be here to help celebrate. It has taken him a long time to make another really close bond with someone, but luckily, he has found a GREAT friend in our next door neighbor Calob. Calob's family homeschools as well, so it is really nice that he is home throughout the day like Sam.

Thursday night I was sitting next to Sam and I said, "So do you think you have a Flagstaff best friend now?" He said yes, "Calob is 99% my best friend in Flagstaff. " I said, "That's good, how come?" And he said, "Well, the other day I got hurt by a brick and Calob ran up to get me a band aid." I said "Well, that was nice, so how come he is only 99% your best friend?" Sam replied, "Because he hit me with the brick!"

Hilarious!!!

I did ask was anyone 100% his best friend? He said, "Of course, Jake!" Gotta love him!

Jake's Biggest Fan

Sam's Birthday

Here are some pictures of Sam and his new mountain bike. He says it makes him go faster than any other kid on the street because it has 21 gears...as you can tell by the picture he can go pretty fast. Also, if you're wondering why Sam has such a pathetic looking birthday cake, (in the pan, not decorated) let me tell you why. Yesterday, I made him a beautiful layer cake. In fact I think it was the prettiest cake I have ever made. The layers were so high and straight, it was perfect! Well, a friend knocked on the door for the boys and Will woke up from his nap all at the same time. So while the boys went out to play I went downstairs to take care of Will. I heard a noise in the kitchen and when I went upstairs to see what the boys were getting into I couldn't believe my eyes. They had left the front door open when they went out, and a dog from way down the street, came in and ate Sam's ENTIRE cake off the counter!!!!! I would have taken a picture to show you, except there was NOTHING left to photograph!! So I had to start over. I wanted to buy a cake, but Sam wouldn't have it, and then I wanted to order a pizza instead of make the pork chops Sam had requested, but that did not go over well either. So we started over. Dinner was great, and the cake was still yummy...but no time for decorations!!

The Last Day He Will be Eight

I reminded Sam today that this is the last day he will ever be 8 again. He said, "I know, Eight was great, but NINE is a magic number!"

How can you argue with that? Even though sometimes I feel like he was only eight for a moment, I have to agree that with every year, I delight in him more. So I guess I'm pretty excited about seeing year nine as well!

Science Festival

Today we went to the Flagstaff Festival of Science. We had a great time and we saw a lot of amazing physics and chemistry experiments. The boys even played with robots!

Sam definitely thought the best part was all the really cool bugs! But I think my favorite part had to be watching Jake. Sometimes this oldest son of mine is such an inspiration! I find myself delighted at the curiosities of his mind, and in awe of his ability to approach anyone, and ask any question so as to satisfy that curiosity. These are qualities I truly wish I had and that I so admire in Jake. Here are some pictures of Jake doing what Jake does best...talking to people, and learning a lot!

Sam petting a tarantula
Sam and a millipede
Jake holding a stick bug (I think?)
Sam with the eye of an owl!
Will says, "This, This!!!"

Autumn is in the Air

The mornings are starting to be a little chilly, perfect for pumpkin pancakes or chai tea. The evening air is crisp and cool and you can occasionally smell a neighbors fire place. Our bike rides have been such a joy, as the weather is pleasantly cool and autumn is slowly begining to reaveal its lovely shades.

Is it October 1st yet?

This is the second package that Sam has received so far that he can't open until his birthday. Aunt Kim wrote specific instructions on this one (not ok to open, ok to rattle!) It's making him crazy...it rattles good! When he woke up this morning the first thing he said was "How many more days until I can open that package?" It's good to be 8, and excited about your birthday!