A Year (so far) in Blackberry

Maybe it’s because it’s Father’s Day, or, maybe it’s that summer is just a day or two away (on the calendar, if not in the weather!); but, whatever the reason, I’m feeling a warm fuzzy family glow. I chanced to extract my phone videos and pics tonight, after Edmund wowed us with his Bieber karaoke in the car (more below). More than just hilarious, future blackmail, I found a veritable trove of on-the-ground, in-the-thick-of-it, photos of our life these last months. Say what you will about the quality of my Blackberry’s camera (I know it will never equal the cool of ‘hipstamatic prints’ on your iGod–read: deep envy on my part), but it manages to capture the raw and real quality of things and moments, as lived.
For big moments, we carry a big camera. Or, at least, a powerful one. For things like concerts and big vacays and birthdays, we sense the import of the occasion, and document accordingly. But, in the randomness of bus riding, or spontaneous snacking, or new-haircut-posing, the phone camera crystallizes the best of small–tiny shards of meaning and happiness so often passed over, or forgotten.
too esoteric for you? then just scroll down. i’ve made a gallery, as is obvious, of all these little unsought blessings. i’d love to see your photos, too, if you care to share.

Agatha excited for the ballet (and to see her cousin onstage)

Jaegen rejects a banjo in favour of a PS3

Sportball: Multisport

practising still life

last regular season game

brunch at Provence

surprise waffles at Cafe Medina–where they won’t sramble eggs, apparently. errghh.

impromptu curbside picnic outside our produce store

all the stylist’s idea. really.

post-haircut lollies. again, all the stylist’s idea.

out on a date. white spot drive in. followed by swimming. we don’t wear our wetsuits to just any meal.

agatha makes fruit feel something.

last minute reservation (!) at les faux bourgeois. prawns in butter and garlic. nuff said.

then, as i mentioned before, edmund decided to put on a show tonight on the way to dinner at mamaandpapa’s:

Bouncy Castles, Birthdays, and Baseball Stars

Edmund celebrates his 5th birthday this weekend, and, with help from Emma and Jaegen, I have managed to put together a gallery of photos to chronicle the mayhem and magic. I don’t think I have any witty commentary to go with the photos; though, I will offer a word of explanation. As per usual, Edmund (like his sister) has been refining his cake request for a few months. About a week ago, he announced that he would like a specific inscription on the cake, as you will see below.
(For the cake technical among you: I made the cake in 2 forms, one preschooler-friendly rice krispie square version, and then a more traditional white cake for the extended family.)
The house will hopefully return to its usual slightly less chaotic incarnation over the coming days, as we recover from the fun and excess of two parties and a cousin sleepover in a single weekend.
The Preamble

Agatha makes a helpful sign

The Party

soccer buddies

Thank you Hardys and Kocherinos! This was a BIG hit!

The Food

what green rice krispie squares do to a saucepan. also, i just like food prep photos. i know, i'm odd.

There's nothing quite like a food-laden table.

Um...Edmund, you've never played baseball...

"But I want it to have a baseball and bat."

"...and say, 'Happy Birthday, Edmund, Baseball Star.' That's what I want."

Party #2

Thanks, everyone, who helped (Nicole!) and enjoyed the day with us. Much affection to all of you.

Random bits too big for Twitter, or a status update

Today, after much pressure, I gave in and let my children set up a lemonade stand on the pavement in front of our house. Firmly convinced that they would learn important life lessons–about hard work, about the boredom of sitting still while business is slow–I reluctantly mixed up a pitcher of lemony beverage. I’m not quite sure how, but, 30 minutes later, I had an empty pitcher, and they were dividing up $8.25 (!), having flagged down 2 moving (!) cars, chatted up a couple of ladies, a couple, and a family, all of whom were very generous.

So much for my “life lessons”. Agatha learned that it’s better to have a low asking price, and let people’s generosity do the work. And, Edmund reminded all of us that he is a) socially fearless, and b) loudly effective. He even spent time practising pitches for reluctant customers, like, “Maybe next time?”

What’s next? The kids version of “The Apprentice”?