This morning, you were greeted with streamers in your doorway and a visit from the Birthday Fairy downstairs. Just like we do every year, for each child's birthday. But this year is different. Instead of the tell-tale yellow construction toys that you loved back when you were 2-5, or the strange boxes that would arrive from mail order butterfly catalogs when you were 6, this year, it's all about gears and motors and creation.
Your room looks like a funhouse, filled with all kinds of brightly colored things that come to life with the touch of a button. Your ability to read through those complicated instructions and turn those into real working models impresses me beyond belief. You live and breathe Legos and Erector Sets and Knex.
And that's one of the things I love most about you. When you get into something, you jump in FULL FORCE, usually pulling in everyone else around you as well. It can be exhausting at times, but I love to watch your imagination on fire, your unbreakable concentration as you plug through a project, your elation when you finish and it actually works.
Today, you're working on something that has 2,004 pieces and will stand a little more than 4 ft tall. That's funny...you were born in 2004 and now stand a little more than 4 ft tall. You'll get to break another board in karate to honor this day and then it's off to the Lego store, followed by the dinner of your choice (sushi), and the birthday cake of your choice (key lime pie). You were totally understanding when we discovered your sister had already opened your birthday present. You're up at the crack of dawn every day and chances are if I checked your pockets right now, I'd find some change and a bunch of Werther's original wrappers (I swear you're a 60-year-old man trapped in a 7-year-old's body). You are a funny little man, T. My quirky, funny, sensitive, technical, creative little man. And we love you...
Your room looks like a funhouse, filled with all kinds of brightly colored things that come to life with the touch of a button. Your ability to read through those complicated instructions and turn those into real working models impresses me beyond belief. You live and breathe Legos and Erector Sets and Knex.And that's one of the things I love most about you. When you get into something, you jump in FULL FORCE, usually pulling in everyone else around you as well. It can be exhausting at times, but I love to watch your imagination on fire, your unbreakable concentration as you plug through a project, your elation when you finish and it actually works. Today, you're working on something that has 2,004 pieces and will stand a little more than 4 ft tall. That's funny...you were born in 2004 and now stand a little more than 4 ft tall. You'll get to break another board in karate to honor this day and then it's off to the Lego store, followed by the dinner of your choice (sushi), and the birthday cake of your choice (key lime pie). You were totally understanding when we discovered your sister had already opened your birthday present. You're up at the crack of dawn every day and chances are if I checked your pockets right now, I'd find some change and a bunch of Werther's original wrappers (I swear you're a 60-year-old man trapped in a 7-year-old's body). You are a funny little man, T. My quirky, funny, sensitive, technical, creative little man. And we love you...
I don't do weddings. And I don't do parties. But, when her mom started telling me about this incredible birthday party she had planned for her daughter, I decided to make an exception. I'm SO glad I did! I was completely blown away with mom's creativity and attention to detail. We're talking full on Alice in Wonderland...complete with costumes, a mad cake, and a rabbit hole that was simply amazing. I just took snappys at the party, but I had to share anyway because it was such a clever event!
Her mom gets full credit for that title. As the baby girl after 3 big brothers, I love that her mom has a special tradition to get a photo session...just for her...before each birthday. Speaking of which, I had the honor of attending her birthday and pics from that AWESOME event will follow soon.
By the way, voting ends Jan 31st for 2010 Pinkle's Pic of the Year. Have you voted?
By the way, voting ends Jan 31st for 2010 Pinkle's Pic of the Year. Have you voted?
I'm not exaggerating a single bit when I say this: that hug...they just did that...because they love each other...no bribery involved whatsoever. That hug was also within the first 5 minutes of meeting them. It was like getting the cherry on top before I had even scooped out my ice cream. In fact, I think we had finished their entire session in just under an hour. I could have sworn I'd forgotten something, but nope. It was just her little angels being...well...angels. (And can you believe that hair on little miss?)Therese happens to be talented photographer herself. I'm always so humbled (and so nervous) when I photograph a photographer. But working with her family put me instantly at ease...no pretense, just love...and fun!
