first day of school...and a photo shoot for the ages...

It was Henry's first day of 3 year old preschool and so I was trying to take the traditional first day of school shot. I don't know why this series of pictures struck me as hilarious (and maybe it is just me and my sense of humor) but it is just so Henry.

Not too sure about this...

Warming up...

Work it, own it....

Love me...I am so handsome...

I....am....Henry!

And I'm spent! No more pictures, please.

happy birthday, henry!...

For his birthday, Henry requested a trip to the zoo, one of his favorite places.

Watching them feed the elephants...

Three cool dudes on the zoo train...

I am a kangaroo!

Riding the carousel...

and playing on the playground...(We really did see all the animals too, not just play!)

Then home for a Thomas party!

Henry requested a "stand-up Thomas chocolate chip cake." This is my first attempt at making a "stand-up cake." It is not easy and very imperfect, but Henry and Luke both pronounced it the

"most beautiful cake in the world." Makes a mommy feel good about how long it took!!

From the front...

Cake and party hats....

And of course, presents!! What could it be?

Oh boy, a Thomas book!

Happy Birthday, my Henry!!

when daddy does potty-training...

Faced with the hard-stop of school, we knew it was time to push the potty with Henry. It was a difficult 5 days, but after being barricaded onto the hardwood floor with no other choices, the light went on. The break-through really began with a weekend alone with Daddy (Luke was at camp Gigi and Mommy was at work.) H has got it now and he is super-cute in his little Cars briefs!!

I came home to this line of cars one evening--think we have enough?

Sitting on the dock of the bay, wastin' time...