Hayden Turns Six!

Hayden's birthday party was yesterday and I'm pleased to report that it was a success! I did my usual pre-party stress out, but once everything was set up, it was really enjoyable. I made bike licenses for the kids to wear (they had their names and pictures on them), and there were crafts (make your own license plates and handlebar streamers). Mostly, there was just an open space for the kids to ride their bikes and run around. We were fairly close to the playground so some of the kids went back and forth to play (including Parker--attended to by my mom). I had a lot of fun putting it all together, and I was able to relax and enjoy the party (as evidenced by my lack of detail photos--darn!). I made these adorable signs for each "station": "maintain reservoir levels" for coffee/drink station, "tire rotation zone" for bagel stop, "engine zone" for cake, and my favorite "bio diesel" for fruit bowl. The "balloons" were just signs with balloons on them. Funny AND environmentally-conscious.
Here is a link for the photos:

Hayden's Bicycle Parade

Kindergarten Update

It's been a couple weeks since Hayden started Kindergarten, and he's turned into a different kid! He loves his school. After his first day he said, "Mom, I really like my school." Whew! His favorite part? Walking through the halls with his class (to go to the cafeteria, gym, music, or art). He has a *girlfriend, Ryanne, whom he's shared music class and little gym with in previous years. I think knowing someone (even if he didn't quite remember her) helped ease the transition. He is scoring well on his weekly behavior chart, and though he's had a couple of time-outs, I've been assured by his teacher that he's doing very well in class and that it's typical for the kids to have a time-out occasionally. If only she knew! At home, we've noticed Hayden becoming a lot more independent and using his manners more often. After his first week, Hayden decided to start riding the school bus in the mornings to school. He's doing great, what a big kid!
*Oh, and Ryanne is his second girlfriend. Emery is his first girlfriend. He said he will marry Emery first, then Ryanne will be the stepmom. Hmmm...Where does he come up with this stuff?

Dear GG

Our family has lost its matriarch today. Elizabeth Viscardo Bieber, "Betty", "Betty Boop", or "GG" was the great-grandma to Hayden and Parker on daddy's side. She was a woman who lived to serve, and serve she did. She grew up with several brothers and sisters, and alongside her mother, helped raise them all. Then she married Scott's grandfather and took care of him, up to his dying day. I remember her effortlessly creating wonderful meals, lasagna, eggplant parmesan, zucchini fritatta, apple pie, and my personal favorite: macaroni salad. As she got older the meals got simpler, and it became apparent we were the only ones eating. I'm glad that her last weeks were spent with her family, and when she passed, she was surrounded by those that loved her. It's only fitting that she died today, on Labor Day, a day to commemmorate those who have worked so hard, as she did her whole life. It's time to rest, Betty, we love you!

Betty-isms: "menagerie" "get your coats on" and "it's in the genes"