Not that you can tell by today’s weather (it’s about 80 degrees and very humid) but fall is definitely coming fast. Driving on the highway today, saw some trees turning already. And on the walk home from school over the last week, more leaves turning and falling. (This picture taken on the walk home from school). Still, so not ready for summer to end, but ending it is. Even bought Timmy’s Halloween costume today which he is extremely excited about wearing RIGHT NOW. It’s going to be a loooong month and a half until Halloween. We have to have the beach locker cleaned out by next weekend so I really have to get started on the rest of that (John went down with Jack and Patrick yesterday and got the heavy stuff out). Picked up my bridesmaid dress today for Robin’s wedding which is a beautiful deep wine color (very fall and very Robin). Looking forward to that day a lot.

If you are interested in getting beach pictures done with me for your family, please contact me as soon as possible. With the upcoming changes in weather and available light, we are getting limited on options for photoshoot scheduling.

Yup, already. Yesterday was their first practice after school and today was the first game. Maybe having Graeme around this summer rubbed off on them or something, but my boys played HARD today. Especially Patrick. He ran his little tush off and even had two shots on goal while playing center offense. The goalie for the other team (Chris) is a very good player so both his shots were blocked, but he hustled like crazy. Impressive stuff. Jack would still rather not run so much, and is more interested in playing defense or goalie.

Their team won 4-3 which was nice for them. Both teams played super hard and it was hot out there today. They are really looking forward to playing again next week. Oh, and everyone got new cleats and size 4 soccer balls for this year (jack in red cleats, patrick in black). You know how they love new equipment! And Graeme, they used the bags you and your mum got them so thank you again!

And Timmy was a great supporter of his brothers, watching at least a minute or two of the game before losing interest. But he would periodically yell "go jack" or "go patrick"! It was apparently either too sunny out or he was concerned people would recognize him and interrupt his game watching, so Mommy’s sunglasses were requested.

Got a call from Jack’s teacher tonight. All good, just to relay a really funny story, later re-confirmed by my friend Beth who is an aide in his school.

There was an assembly today with the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders where the principal was discussing the school’s Code of Conduct with the students. How to treat people, what things were not allowed in the school (cell phones, game boys, etc), what to do if something happens, consequences of not following the code, etc. All the 5th graders were raising their hands asking questions about the electronics but no one else was really participating.

Enter Jack. In front of about 250 people in the assembly, he raises his hand and asks the principal "Is this list in order of importance?" No trepidation, no nervousness- just spoke out in front of everyone. My sources said all the teachers were laughing to themselves and were all saying "omg, he’s a 3rd grader!" He definitely has that Beyrer speech making gene, no question. He’ll be a lawyer just like daddy, I’m sure.

Just love this kid. He’s such a rip these days. Awesome expressions (both physical and verbal). He wants to do everything the big boys do. Running out the door to "soccer practice" today cause he was going to play too. Everything is ‘me too’. Some of my favorites currently:

Hoorade! (that would be parade)

Hecho (Echo)

youuuuuuuur’e welcome.

Anything remotely resembling castle turrets is automatically "cinderella castle"

I go to Carbel (Carvel) for choc- o- lit ice cream (we did tonight since the big boys are at a Mets game and he wore the whole thing)

Whas that say? (asking about anything written- he so wants to read now)

I’m okay!(whenever he falls down and is not really hurt) or if you ask him if he’s okay you get "yes, I’m okay, mommy".

"BokChow"- supposed to be "ca-chow" what Lightning McQueen from Cars says. Timmy seems to think Lightning is chinese.

"tushy-burp" usually followed by a very boyish giggle

He has an infectious little laugh and ear piercing screams.

Scratches his back on trees.

"Hi there little fella"

"ohhhhh….sooooo cuuuuuute" (said in a high squeaky voice)

I’m sure there are other things he’s doing lately but I’m drawing a blank at the moment. Brain like a sieve these days.

He had his orientation at his school today, met his teacher Miss Diane and played in his new classroom. He starts separation (2.5hrs two days a week) this year so it’s a very big step for both of us. He loved it today, and his best pal Olivia is in his class so I am hoping it will ease the transition a little. We hit the park and pizza with Olivia and Sharon after orientation and had a great time. The two of them looked just so big sitting on the other side of the table eating their pizza. Such a difference since the beginning with highchairs, etc.

Timmy will have a very busy schedule this year with something every day. I know people think I’m nuts doing that but he just loves it. We are even doing swimming lessons one morning a week.

Potty training is proceeding. He totally has the pee thing down (really has only had 2 or 3 accidents since starting) but still no poop in the potty. We’ll get there. I am hoping to have it all done by December so he can go in the big pool (no diapers allowed) in Florida and terrorize Mel.

Ok, this guy. Totally crazy. Always has been. I KNOW HIM! There is some- I don’t know- festival of sorts out in Nevada called Burning Man. A Woodstock of sorts for this generation. Anyway, at the end of the "festival" they burn this big man of wood. Well, our friend Paul Addis pictured here in his MUG SHOT, decided this year that he would burn it early. So he did. Like 4 days before it was supposed to be burned.  He is now facing felony arson charges and the anger or praise of lots of Burning Man followers. Nuts. And all over the news in San Fransico where he lives. If you are interested in the real news story or to read some interviews with him, just google his name.

How do I know him, you ask? Well, I went to college with him at University of Miami and he happened to be married to one of my best friends for a while. I was maid of honor at their wedding! They have been divorced for quite a while, thank god. He has always had a few screws loose (probably not loose, just completely missing) but to hear that he went this far off the deep end- just crazy and a little sad. Smart guy. Nice guy. Guy with lots of problems. We did have our fun though, watching Heathers a zillion times and quoting every line. Going dancing at the Kitchen Club in Miami Beach (before South Beach was cool and trendy- when it was gross and scary)every weekend. Yelling at "butch" out the window of my apartment. Going to all you can eat sushi at Taisho in Coral Gables with Cat and Riley and the whole crew. Lots of fun. Bet his trial isn’t going to be so fun….I just hope he is okay. Wow.