Category: Grandpa’s Sweeties

Today’s Birthday Girl

Sweetie Sofia is 8-years-old today. Her birthday party Saturday will feature a Georgia O’Keefe theme.

Happy Birthday, Sofie!

(Click on any of the photos for larger versions or the gallery.)

Her grandfathers bought Sofie her first pumpkins, but she chooses her own now.
A colorful school girl.

And a couple of more over the years.

There's always a lot going on behind that lovely face.
Self portrait from last December.
Sofie's first 'puppy love' was Snuggle Puppy, but Coco has gotten some nice hugs too. This is from Spring 2010.
Look at all this nature to learn about.
On her birthday, five years ago.
Pretty in pink

Today’s Birthday Girl

Sweetie Kiley turns 9 today and begins my favorite week of the year — the week The Sweeties are 5,6,7,8,9 and 10. (Sweetie Sam is 7⅖ months old today.)

Happy Birthday, Kiley!

(Click on any of the photos for larger versions or the gallery.)

This photo was taken while Kiley competed in her first Triathlon in July. I love it because, as hard as she is pedaling, she still has the Kiley smile.
At her brother Alex's birthday party in May.

And a couple of more over the years.

Making the play last spring.
As Pippi Longstocking climbing a tree last Halloween.
I'm thinking, looking at her eyes, that she's gonna whack that ball.
Four American Girls, with cousin Sofie, summer 2010.
As pretty as a picture, Spring 2010.
Mesa Verde National Park, 2006, not quite 4-years-old.

Today’s Birthday Boy

Aidan’s birth announcement graced the pages of this site 8 years ago today. Happy Birthday, Aidan.

Aidan, always ready to pose, at a Washington Nationals game in August.
Catching the wave at Virginia Beach over Labor Day weekend. Note that Aidan has just about worn out that boogie board.

Here’s a couple more over the years:

Anticipating a visit from the Tooth Fairy, 2010.
Keeping his eye on the ball, 2009.
Aidan, on the bus, on his first day of school, 2009.
More ice cream than boy, 2007.
Pony rides are for kids, 2007.
Sometimes you don't want your picture taken on your birthday, 2005.

Upsetting

… to hear 5-year-old Reid crying in the background when I checked in with Jill about the earthquake. The epicenter was no more than 55-60 miles from both daughters’ homes. Things shook and fell, but no damage.

A 5.3 quake hit near Trinidad, Colorado, near the Colorado-New Mexico late last night. It was the biggest quake in Colorado in 129 years.

Update: Largest quake in Virginia since 1897.

Redux line of the day

First posted here, two years ago today.

Sage advice from not quite six-year-old Sofie on how not to be stressed:

“[T]ake deep breaths, ride your scooter, eat some cake, run fast, take a bath, spend time with your kid and play a game, and then, if you are hungry, eat some cake.”

Today’s Photo

Yesterday 8-year-old Kiley became the second of The Sweeties to compete in a triathlon. She swam 50 meters, rode a bike just under two miles and then ran approximately a mile. Competing against girls up to 10-years-old, Kiley finished 13th of 32.

The photo shows Kiley in her transition area before the competition.

Today’s Photo

Five-year-old Reid seems to be smiling as he competes in the 25-meter backstroke this past Saturday. He swam a new personal best, beating one minute for the first time. This is one of many wonderful pics his mother — now a professional photographer — took of Reid, his brothers Aidan and Mack, and their cousin Kiley, as they competed.

Click the image for a larger version.

Today’s Photo

First posted here three years ago (and every year since because I love it).

Buy kids all the video games and Disney princess paraphernalia in the world — or let them drop stones down a storm drain grate at the soccer field. Which to you think they’ll choose?

Five of The Sweeties demonstrate. Click image for larger version.

Today’s Photo

Today’s photo was actually taken Saturday as Mack, oldest of The Sweeties, neared the finish of a mile run. He took first for boys 8-13, running a difficult course in 6:58.

And while I am happy to recognize Mack’s achievement, the reason I have posted this is the sign on his left. Word of the Month: Perseverance. (Click image for larger version.)

I should say. Way to persevere, Mack.

Aidan and Kiley both persevered in the run as well; Aidan took third among runners seven and younger. Kiley was second among girls 8-10.