Flashback to fall: Hugh Patrick turns one!

NB: Below is the post I wrote but never completed about Hugh's first birthday in September. But since I've procrastinated on baby books I need to publish it for posterity's sake, so I remember these days and can share them with him.

* * *

While I'd like to think that I've been far too busy with Really Important Things, like cleaning/organizing my house from top to bottom, potty training the 2.5 year-old, finishing all the half-done projects that are stashed in corners of the house, etc. ... yeah, no. There are dust bunnies in all corners, don't look at any flat surface in a certain light, she's still in diapers 24/7, and there's a corner of our room that should be my desk but in reality is: half-unpacked bag from our beach vacation 3 weeks ago, a friend's baby shower gift (and she's due any day!), three laundry baskets, one with misc. junk from a sojourn into cleaning out the hall closet, and the others with our summer clothes that haven't been packed away, and a big bag of kids' clothes that didn't sell at consignment that I'm debating just donating or trying again next fall. *sigh*

BUT, we've been surviving, some days even thriving, and getting done what we can along the way.

I LOVE fall, but this year was somewhat hesitant for it to arrive. I wanted to squeeze out the last memories of summer: the final rays of warm sunshine on our skin, a few more trips to the pool to watch Annie continue to grow bolder with her "swimming", pick more peaches, not have to worry about layering every time we go outside, bare feet in the grass and BBQ-ing and warm rain.

Melancholy autumn made it's début last week with many a sequential rainy day. Today was the quintessential sunny fall day, however, and it was glorious!

Decor was...toy themed? Improvisation, my friends. Use what you've got!

Not quite sure what all the hub bub and singing was about.

You may spot some of Rosie's cute kiddos in these pictures :)

Unimpressed by Dada showing off his new teeth

I love this shot of Annie with her Auntie. Pure delight.

What else are godfathers for?

I guess they can teach lots of things...

This crazy cupcake plays Happy Birthday to You, to the great delight of just about every OTHER kid there.

Hugs!

He was a bit overwhelmed by the loot.

Swiped!

It was a wonderful day.