Jacob's Fifth bday party (Friends edition!)

Jacob wanted to have a birthday party at home. So he invited 8 friends and we got a bounce house for some birthday fun. We had the party on Sunday October 5th - turned out to be a great day for Josh (he was not away with the golf team) and the weather was spectacular! The day before the party was POURING rain so we were thankful that the weather held out. Jacob invited: Walter Love, Dylan, Jackson, Max and Henry Easton, Adele Polk, Sara Isby, and Stella (neighborhood friend). Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of his friends here. Only one has Walter in it as he arrived early. Maybe Josh got some.

Of course, we had an underlying Star Wars theme. I further narrowed it down with an R2D2 theme. I ordered some invitations from etsy and an R2D2 inspired shirt. Getting an R2D2 cake made was really expensive, so I asked Jacob if we could make cupcakes and then get the Coffee Shop to make R2D2 cookies (to use as favors). He agreed so that saved us about $50 (at least!).

Guests arrived at 11am and they had fun bouncing, eating pizza, and having cake. We kept it simple and I think it was certainly a success!

Backtracking: First Day of School: 9-3-2014 Pine Cobble PreK

Since Jacob has a fall birthday, he missed the cut off to be able to start Kindergarten this year. At first I was sad, as I was ready for him to start school. But, the more I thought of it, the happier I am that he gets to spend one more year in a preschool setting and start K on the older side. We decided to send him to Pine Cobble, a local private school for a PreK year instead of complete a second year in the Preschool 2 classroom at the Children's Center here at Williams. Here are some pictures from his first day. He was SO very excited to start a new school.

Legos

So Jacob has been really into Star Wars. For Easter the Easter bunny brought him a little Lego kit where you make one of the small space ships (Jacob knows what one it is; I don't!). He did really well at building it so last week (on a rainy weekend day) I bought him two more for us to do. He did so well! He only needed minimal help and went through the instruction booklet step by step. I was sitting by him but he really didn't want or need too much help. Incredible. After we did the two kits he said "mommy. I liked doing this with you. Just sitting and figuring things out." 

Last Friday I got him two more to bring to Grammy and grampie's house Saturday. Well he wanted to do one Friday night and I cooked dinner while Jacob started in on the Lego kit. He did even better virtually not needing any help! I was so proud!

Ice cream for dinner

The last few weeks Jacob and I have had ice cream after his swimming lessons. Then we come home and have dinner. :) fun little tradition. Daddy joined us tonight, however, I failed to get a picture. 

Jacob Built the Titanic

When Jacob and I were at the Mystic Aquarium, there was an exhibit on the Titanic. I walked through it (twice!) with Jacob and he just LOVED it. That was back in mid-March. Today, I received this e-mail and pictures from Jacob's teacher, Roberta.

"Berta! Berta! That's the Titanic! It's a really big ship" -Jacob. How could I not take pictures.

Napping at Work

Tee Ball 2014

Easter: on the big rocks

We went to walk the "Big Rocks" on Easter. It was a bit windy and cold, but we all had fun! (mom, Jacob, Grandma and Grandpa)

 
 

Easter

So - by Easter we were all emotionally exhausted. Mom, Dad, Jacob, and I didn't do much. We did the normal egg hunt/Easter baskets. We went for a walk on the jetty at Kalmus Beach, and then went to lunch and to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Here are some pictures from Easter Morning.

 

 

Editorials (For Uncle David)

Two days after Uncle David's death, two editorials ran in local news papers - one in the Cape Cod Times and the other in the Barnstable Patriot. The were beautiful. Made me so proud. I had to spak at the funeral on behalf of nieces and nephews (from both sides). After the Calling Hours on Friday night (at which about 1,500 people attended and waiting a little less than 2 hours to visit with family) Jessie, Jennie (and DJ), Chelsea and I gathered at Mom and Dad's house to prepare a speech. We just gathered phrases and then when they left, I put together a little statement. It was wonderful to gather as cousins and work on this.

Supportive.  Generous. Hysterical. Compassionate. Reliable. Humble. Welcoming. Honest. 

These are all words that Uncle David’s nieces and nephews routinely use when talking about their Uncle Dave. We were his “children” and he was (and still is) ours Uncle David.

Every single niece and nephew has a story about how Uncle David made them feel like you were his one and only. Whether it was chats in his den, Thanksgiving Day football games or spontaneous visits to his office, he made you feel special. He made you feel like you mattered. He made you feel like you were believed in.

He was the one you were excited to introduce to your friends, but, at the same time, he was also the first one to point out that new zit or comment how there is now just “a little more of you” than when you left for College. These comments were immediately followed by that look to see how horrified he made you feel. We knew, through his trademark grin, that there was love behind these comments. We didn’t need to be perfect for him; in his eyes, we were perfect even amongst all our imperfections.

Uncle David was the guy you called when you couldn’t call mom or dad. His popularity spanned generations. – from senior citizens to preschoolers. At an age when adults were embarrassing, all one had to do was mention that “oh, your hockey coach---he’s my Uncle” and you were instantly a part of the “cool crowd.” He relished in catching up on all the latest gossip most likely while stealing your food.

Uncle David was our constant mentor and friend. After talking with Uncle David, you felt understood, supported, believed in.  And best of all….these conversations always…ALWAYS…ended with an all encompassing hug, an “I love you,” and the ever famous kiss – right on the lips. A forehead or cheek just wouldn’t cut it.

When any of us arrived back on Cape from school or a trip, you weren’t quite home until you checked in at Aunt Sheila’s and Uncle David’s. When you were at their house you always feel as though you were already “home.”

Uncle David was not just our Uncle….he was everyone’s “uncle.” So many of us have so many childhood memories that involve Uncle David. Everyone has their Uncle David stories. We will all miss Uncle David SO much, but what we will miss the most is the fact there won’t be any new Uncle David stories. What we have has been written. What we have will be cherished. Forever. For always. And we will make sure, that for generations to come, our future children will know about this supportive, generous, hysterical, compassionate, reliable, humble, welcoming, honest guy – our Uncle David. 

I am honored to have been able to read this important piece at his funeral. Jennie and Jessie both read pieces from friends -  they were heartbreaking. So many people adored Uncle David. I wish I spent more time with him and knew all the things I learned about him after his death. 

Obit: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140418/NEWS/404180330

Editorial (CC Times): http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140418/NEWS/404180330

Editorial (Barnstable Patriot): http://www.barnstablepatriot.com/home2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=36065&Itemid=112

The Days before Easter

Easter was tough. Right before the holiday, Uncle David lost his battle with Pancreatic Cancer (wed before Easter. April 16th). Jacob and I headed down on Thursday 4/17; Calling hours were Friday night and the funeral was Saturday. When we got to the Cape Mom and Dad had Anthony as Sarah, Joe, and Kaiyla were training with their Service Dog. We played for a while - Anthony and Jacob drew with chalk, rode bikes and watched some shows. Busy! Busy. We also went to Aunt Sheila's house to visit for a bit. What a sad time it was. Here are some pictures of the boys - a little joy in a time of sorrow.

 

 

Phillip & David Scudder of Hy-Line Cruises

Hy-Line on Plum tv

Uncle David

Today Uncle David died. He put up a great fight and Jacob and I were able to visit him over the weekend. I think he knew we were there - we had a good final hug and a final I love you. he looked at Jacob as well and said "bye." Services will be late this week/through the weekend/and probably on Monday. Jacob and I will head down tomorrow; Josh will come Sunday night/Monday if the burial is Monday (he has a golf tournament at Williams over the weekend). So very sad. He was a great man.

This goofy guy sure does make things better/easier.

Thank you God for the beauty in each day....even the hard ones.

Interview with Jacob at 4 1/2 years

My predicted answers are in the parentheses. We will see how close I am. :)

1. What is your favorite color? (blue and pink) Blue and Pink
2. What is your favorite toy? (star wars figures) Robot Dinosaurs *I don't know what those are*
3. What is your favorite fruit? (strawberries) Strawberries
4. What is your favorite veggie? (cucumbers) Broccoli 
5. If you could make your own lunch, what would it be? (yogurt, goldfish, strawberries, cucumbers) 1,000 gummie packages, actually just one package, Fruit Loops, Ice Cream Sandwich, M&M's, milk, water, PB, wait is this a school lunch? can be OK, so a Jelly and sunbutter sandwich, ice pack, squeeze yogurt, and more water. 
6. What is your favorite thing to wear? (pjs) yellow Dino shirt (what he was wearing)
7. What is your favorite snack? (frozen fruit) Lime Yogurt and Graham Crackers and Cheese and Crackers. 
8. What is your favorite game? (clock game from library) Go Fish Game (where the fish open and close their mouths and you try to catch them - it was right in front of him. we rarely play the game.)
9. What is your favorite TV show? Movie? (wild kratts; star wars) Wild Kratts and Star Wars
10. What is your favorite animal? (cow) cow
11. What is your favorite song? (old mcdonald) "Go to Bed Baby Jacob" (I made up a song like this once) Good Bye Everybody Yes Indeed" (from school)
12: What is your favorite book? (star wars book from book store) Three Javelinas 
13: Who is your best Friend? (Walter) Walter
14: What is your favorite cereal? (rice crispies) Fruit Loops (funny he keeps on saying fruit loops because he rarely has them)
15: What is your favorite thing to do outside? (play baseball) At School play Star Wars; At home work in the garden
16: What is your favorite drink? (water) Chocolate Milk
17: What is your favorite holiday? Why? (birthday...presents) Christmas because of the presents 
18: What do you like to take to bed with you at night? (bunny) Bunny
19: What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? (waffles) Waffles - ewok food
20: What is your favorite thing to eat for dinner? (pizza) Steak and broccoli
21: What do you want to be when you grow up? (golf coach with daddy or paleontologist with walter) Golf Coach like Daddy
22: What is your favorite thing to do with daddy? Mommy? (play outside; color) Play baseball with daddy; work in the garden with mommy (we have been doing a lot of yard work)
23: What are some of your favorite things to do at school? (play star wars with friends): Quiet table with Legos; play-dough; connex (building things)

Jacob,
Mommy and Daddy love you so much! You are so funny and smart. Many times when you are talking daddy and I will look at each other as if to say "I cant believe this little guy is ours!" We celebrated your half bday with a family breakfast at the Coffee Shop. You had a chocolate chip muffin, yogurt and water. Mommy had coffee and a seed bar. Daddy had the other part of my seed bar and some water. We love spending just ordinary moments with you. You make them so special.

Happy 4 1/2!!!
XOXOXO
Mommy

Some of my favorite pictures

Bowling spring 2013

Apple picking 2013

winter 2012
Apple picking fall 2013. 

Holyoke Children's Museum

On Saturday, Jacob and I headed to his friend, Walter's, house so that we could take a mommy/son field trip to the Holyoke Children's Museum - about a 1.5 hour drive. It was a lot of fun. They have a Crazy Climber (different levels to climb on and netting all around so it is safe). Walter and Jacob spent the majority of time on that, but also made gigantic bubbles, played on the fire truck, and a slide. The museum also has a few pretend play stations like a grocery store, a restaurant, a post office, doctor's office, etc. Add in a picnic lunch (brought from home) and it was a fun day.