Continents, Continents

Charlie learned a new song at school and it is my new favorite! Which version do you prefer?

(Nice Version)

(Serious Version) 

Charlie's 5th Birthday Party

March 14, 2015 was a beautiful day in the City. The weather was a perfect 60 degrees and people dressed in green lined the streets celebrating unofficial St. Patrick's Day. It was a great day for Charlie's 5th birthday party!

Charlie's first friends' party was at a local ice cream ship called ICream. It should have been easy, but we had a problem! His party was set to start at noon, but the person with the key to the store had overslept and the shop was not open. Matt and I were a little nervous. After waiting with 8 kids on the street for 20 minutes, we decided to brave it and walk them to a nearby park. The kids had no idea what was happening nor did they care. They all played outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather for the first hour of Charlie's "party". Around 12:45 pm we got the call saying the store was open and we were finally able to begin the actual party. We headed back and quickly fed the kids a late lunch before singing happy birthday and letting the kids make ice cream. It was stressful for us, but Charlie didn't notice and had a fabulous day! Before bed he said, "thank you for today. It was the best day ever". What a great kid!

(Charlie, Lilija, Max, and Aaron at the park)

(Charlie eating pizza with friends)

(Lord of the Rings Dragon Cake)

(Happy Birthday Dear Charlie...)

(Charlie starting his ice cream)

(Now the ice cream is flash freezing with liquid nitrogen)

(It's really smoky)

(YUM! He created his very own concoction)

(Charlie and his bff Lilijia beign silly)

Happy Birthday Charlie

Our boy Charlie is the most amazing 5 year old boy. He is loving, creative, imaginative and has a big heart. He loves spending time with his family and doing anything that involves swimming, especially if it is in Florida, which he dubs his most favorite place to go. He is a loving and caring big brother. He loves to play with Evy and teach her new tricks (some better than others). When she is sad, he runs to help and when she gives him a hug a huge smile lights up his face. This year he has grown so much. He has made many great friends in school. We never leave the playground without someone saying. "hi Charlie" and although he seems to have trouble remembering other kids names they always know his name. He loves making people laugh, which has also gotten him into some trouble this year. He knows how to write the entire alphabet and even some words. He is learning to read and is learning addition. By next year, I have no doubt that his math skills will probably be better than mine and he will be reading me books at bedtime. He continues to grow and amazes me daily at how observant he is to what is happening in the world around him. His smile, his hug, his giggle -- he lights up my life and the lives of everyone he meets. We are so lucky to witness the start to what will be a fantastic life. Happy Birthday baby boy! 

Evy Swinging

Evy is really enjoying this weather. We stopped at the park today and she made it clear she did not want to leave. Her response when I ask her if she wanted to leave was, "no"! 

Slot Car Racing

Charlie and Pops have a new hobby -- slot car racing! The last time they went racing Charlie even got to pick out his very own car. He picked it because it was fast and will beat Uncle Barry's car. Good reasons for a kid who has racing in his blood. h