Slappy Gets Her Clarinet

Every year, a flyer has come home saying, "Join the Orchestra!"  Every year, the kids have shown no interest. This year, however, Maddie said, "Mom!  I want to play the clarinet!"  She had heard it in an assembly, and described it as "so graceful."  And so we begin our journey into the world of band.

Madd Max Has A Cousin Beach Day

The fam rarely gets to the beach, but thankfully there is Cousin Spencer, who calls and manages to get us over the hill.

Which is great, particularly because the kids love it.  About 4 hours was spent in the water, mostly boogie-boarding.

Along with some frisbee playing.

Hole-in-the-water digging.

Hole-in-the-sand digging by this awesome octopus (made by a previous beach goer).

Cousins - Spencer and Sam.

Slappy Gets An Outift

From Mimi to match with Jess.

Madd Max Enjoy The End Of Summer

Kids in the Findley's pool.  Adults on the edge with a glass of wine.

Madd Max Has A Dinner

That included some Williams/Countess cuddle time.

As well as some viewing of the backyard pergola - specifically the new concrete.

Some fine dining was also had.

The Scrapper Has A Preschool Reunion

Max has been with these kids and that teacher, Robin, since he was 1 1/2.

Madd Max Checks Out A New House

Jess and Alex's! In beautiful Pasadena.

Madd Max Makes Introductions

Big cat, i.e. Oscar, has not been happy about little cat, i.e. The Countess Emmeline,  joining our family.  There has been a lot of growling, hissing and the occasional swipe.  Improvements to the hostile environment have been made thru a doling out of treats - closer and closer together, day after day.

Madd Max Has A Civilized Playdate

Dining around the table with Evan, Phoenix and Jackson.

Followed by a little Apples to Apples.

The Scrapper Writes Thank you Cards

And cracks himself up - this was written to his friend, Max B. and his sister Eva.

The Scrapper Has A 7th Birthday Party

A little late due to summer traveling.

BFFs.

Lining up before...

This SkyZone jumping extravaganza.

The cake.

The song.

The end result.  Happy Birthday, son!