Birthday, Back-to-school Roundup

 Isaac turned three on the thirtieth of August.  I thought that I had better post this before I get back to vacation photos lest the birthday get lost in the fray.  Here he is with his one and only present.  After four other children I finally realise that birthdays really don't matter much until a child hits four or five.  Before that age, birthdays are more of a source of confusion and mild fear as flaming candles atop cakes come in procession followed by overbearing siblings bringing gifts that they really want to open. It's all slightly traumatic.  Thus, we have pared things down.  The result:  if there's a gift from a grandparent or godparent, then there's a gift.  I did had a wonderful brainwave hit me that said, "Bring Isaac to the dollar store and buy him three helium balloons."  And, so, I tried.  We presented ourselves at the counter and was told that the helium container was empty and would not be filled for another five days.  I bought him a key chain with killer whales on it.

 At least I blew up some balloons.  I also put up streamers by attaching them between the wall cupboard and the hanging light fixture.  I then kept walking into the streamers threatening all sorts of chaos.

 I think that Hannah could have done a better job.  Isaac agrees.

On his birthday video all that can be heard above the Happy Birthday song is, "Fire!  Mommy!  Fire!"

 Blow it out before your siblings get there first, young man.

 And then Dave turned 37 on the first of September and I forgot to take the customary birthday shot; so I faked this one on the first day of school. If Dave looks a little, umm, peaked, it is because he was heading back to school after leaving school only five hours before.  Late night, anyone?  Photocopying at midnight...

 All those not going to school get to stay in their pyjamas.  Superman included.

Joseph's hat is neon orange.  He chose it so that people would differentiate more easily between him and Ben.  "I've had enough!" he said, taking matters into his own hands.

 It does look chilly, doesn't it?  I would love to say, Don't worry, it's only the mornings.  But I would be lying.  This was a very short summer dictated entirely by the close and opening of school.  Not even Superman can change the weather.