This is a good one. We were at the beach early in the summer and found a ladybug (by the way, does anyone out there know why there are often ladybugs on the beach? It seems like such an odd place for them to hang out) in the sand. I put it on my hand and it was crawling around. I showed it to Timmy and he asked "I pop it?" So I asked "Pop it?" cause I wasn’t sure what he meant. Well, he meant exactly what he said– and popped the poor thing by stabbing it with his chubby little finger. All the while I’m yelling "noooooo, don’t pop it" but it was too late.

So while Timmy likes the IDEA of ladybugs, he dosen’t really like the actual ladybug. He asks to put it on his hand and as soon as I get it on there he screams and flings it across the room. It’s pretty funny, although the ladybug probably disagrees. This is one we found in the house the other day which met the flinging demise as well. At least he didn’t pop it.

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.