M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos

Back To School

The kids started school last week.  There was an open house the night before.  The kids each dropped off their school supplies in their desks, met their teachers and saw lots of friends.  Although they weren’t ready for summer break to end, they both missed the social aspect of school – but not so much the homework.

I barely caught Sebastian before he headed out the door to catch the bus.  I made him sit with his sister to get our “First Day of School” photo.  

Back to Class
Waiting For The Bus
Waiting On The Rock
Waiting On The Rock, II

The kids had a long wait.  Not only did they arrive over 15 minutes early to the bus stop, but the bus was late.  Typical for the first day of school while the driver is still figuring out the route and the kids are getting back into their routine. 

Where Is That Bus?
It's Almost Here
See Ya Later Mom and Dad

I hate to jinx it, but Sophia has ridden the bus now for the first five days of school.  We sent her on the bus for her first day of Kindergarten last year, but she quickly opted for a ride to school from Mom for the remainder of the school year.  I didn’t mind dropping her off.  We had a great routine.  We would get Sebastian to the bus stop, then drive down to school.  We had a few minutes to waste before the bell would ring and she could go into the school.  Our daily routine was to take a photo with my iPhone, send it to Dad and by then it was time for her to go into school and for me to head to work.  This year I can get both of them to the bus stop and I should be able to get to work 15 minutes early (once the bus is on time and the city is free of road construction).  I guess that means I will be able to leave 15 minutes early too!

The kids both like their teachers, despite the amount of homework.  We are looking forward to another great school year.

M. Sullivan Photography Family, Photos, Vacation, Weather

Cabin Weekend

We spent Labor Day weekend at Tom & Karen’s cabin.  The kids played on the sandy beach, went for boat, pontoon and jet ski rides, looked for frogs, made s’mores and watched our mini fireworks display.  Tom made his famous deep-fried turkey and Karen made her delicious Boursin potatoes for dinner on Saturday.  The weather was cool, but comfortable for being outdoors.  It was a much-needed weekend away.

Looking for Shells - Found A Snail
Working Together
Water for the Beach "River"
You Lookin' At Me?
Whale Ride
Catching Some Rays
Creepy Spider on Beach Chair
Bonfire Time
Making S'mores
Family Photo
One More Picture Before We Eat - S'mores
Enjoy!
Fireworks
Fireworks
Fireworks
Fireworks

It was a great way to finish up summer vacation.

M. Sullivan Photography Photos, Weather

Sebastian’s Container Garden

At the end of the school year Sebastian’s class spent one afternoon planting their very own container garden.  The parent of one of his classmates started a project called Sydneys Green Garden.  Without ample space in their yard for a vegetable garden, they started planting vegetables in containers.  After several years of perfecting the seed varieties, they are now selling container gardening kits.  They have also visited many classrooms teaching kids how to grow their own vegetables.  Sebastian was given cucumber seeds to plant in his container; other classmates planted carrots.  He brought the container home, placed it on our deck and watered the soil almost daily.  During the first month Sebastian had to chase off chipmunks that kept digging up his seeds and small plants.  He replanted a few seeds after chipmunks ravaged his container and only two plants remained.  We eventually put a wire mesh net over the container for protection.  Once the plants were a bit larger, we took our chances and removed the mesh cover.  The plants thrived with all of the warm weather and frequent rain/watering during June and July.  Last week Sebastian picked his first cucumber.  Since then he has picked three more.      

Harvest Time

 We all agreed that they were the best cucumbers we have ever eaten.  I guess Sebastian has the green thumb of the family.  My garden hasn’t been quite as successful as Sebastian’s.  Our large oak tree continues to grow and shade my vegetable garden.  We did pick peas, lettuce and lots of green beans.  Early on we ate strawberries (the ones left behind by the chipmunks).  The only real success I’ve had is growing these.  Too bad they are probably poisonous.  There are dozens of them growing in a circle  around the oak tree.    

Mushrooms
Fungi
Shrooms

Given the success of Sebastian’s container garden, we may have to rethink our vegetable garden for next year.  Our small deck was an ideal location for Sebastian’s container – lots of sun and protected from the wind.  Mike may have to find an alternate location for his new grill.  Sorry Mike, we all have to make sacrifices.