September 2012

Ah September - we were gone exactly half the month. We started with a birthday celebration for Nathan, and ended with a birthday celebration for Jim. In between - 2 visits to see Sami and Mel in Florida, and a week vacationing in Aruba with Jen and Tom. Ah - September!

Florida visit #1 - Sami, Willie, Jim and Mel all pose for the camera.

Goats, burrowing owls, ancient Indian cave drawings and pelicans plus the beautiful Caribbean, lunch and dinners seaside and great companions - the recipe for a relaxing Aruba trip.

Enjoying a seaside lunch--fresh catch of the day. A pelican, a regular visitor we were told, stopped by our table.

One of Aruba's newest power sources complete with local free range goats at the base.

Aruba's national bird, the burrowing owl or "choco."

Here's Mel. Sami and Jim out side the "new" house.

One more year for Jimbo...20 yr old porto,  Greek blanket and GQ satchel might help distract from the next big one. 
                                       

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

At Michaela's School Age Child Care (SACC) program that she participated in this summer, each child was able to pick an area of interest each week. Surprise, surprise - Michaela picked the drama and arts segment. As a culminating activity the students (Grade K - 8) put on a play, complete with scenery and costumes. Michaela was cast as Charlie(Charlene)Bucket, one of four children who found the golden ticket and had the opportunity to tour Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.

We were very excited to go to Virginia and watch Michaela's performance - and of course she did a super fantastic job. The pictures below: The golden ticket winners meeting Willy Wonka and beginning the tour, Charlie hearing the news that she and her family can move in and help run the factory, the Oompa Loompa "chorus line," Charlie posing with her father , Mr. Bucket, who also doubled as an Oompa Loompa, and of course, her proud family.  Note at the end, Jim and Nathan practice pumping on the swings on the playground after the performance. And that's the latest buzz from SACC Hollywood!

Sami Turns Two!

Over thirty people partied with Sami at the end of July as he celebrated his 2nd birthday with a Thomas the Train theme party. Melanie did an awesome job with party planning, prep, and execution (with a little help from Jim, Barb and Marcie.)

On his "official" birthday, Sami had a celebratory cupcake with his bro, Amine, Melanie and the grandparents. The next day the house turned into party central - with swimming, a bounce house, excellent food and lots of great gifts.

Happy second birthday, Sami!