AE | The Labor Day Weekend Lens

labor day weekend

The kids and I spent the weekend with my parents on the Oregon coast.

We never get tired of visiting - the area or my parents.

labor day weekend

I love that my parents are always using their camera too.

labor day weekend

labor day weekend

labor day weekend

This trip Simon and I took a little "me & him" adventure down to the beach below my parents place. When I looked back through the photos I loved this series of three together above: rocks, sand, and surf.

I like the perspective of him in those shots - his size vs. the landscape.

labor day weekend | self portrait

I also managed to get in one good self-portrait while we were down there. Shot using a self-timer on a rock.

labor day weekend

labor day weekend

These two can not get enough of Grandma Pati. When we visit they only want her for every little thing. I heard "No, not you! Grandma!" quite a few times.

labor day weekend

labor day weekend

This one, she definitely has opinions. About everything. Sometimes it's hard to remember that she's really still just two.

labor day weekend

labor day weekend

Lily continues to be the very best dog. Her miraculous recovery still blows me away. She sure seems healthier now than she's been in quite awhile. She loves the beach.

labor day weekend

labor day weekend | simon writing stories

labor day weekend | simon writing stories

Probably my favorite piece of the weekend was Simon deciding that he wanted to write out Old Bear Stories.

I've written a bit in the past about his affinity (and his complete memorization) of a couple of the stories but this time, instead of saying all of them out loud, he decided to write them out by hand.

It was so totally cool.

He's never written out any stories like this. The sheet of paper above is how he started and then he decided to re-write it all over again in a journal in pencil so he could erase any mistakes he made along the way. In his journal he wrote pages and pages. He'd ask us how to spell words here and there but other than that he just wrote and wrote.

Can't wait to see what he decides to write next.

GO SIMON GO

Today I'll be taking both kids to open houses at their schools. Anna's starting preschool and Simon's starting fourth grade. Lots of excitement around here this week.

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49 thoughts

  1. Stacia says…
    09/06/2011

    We spent this past week on the Oregon coast too (probably north of you? Nehalem Bay, Hug Point, Cannon Beach). Wasn't it gorgeous? I love the ocean shore all the time but in August especially. Love the self-portrait with the two of you. Dang, I have the hardest time remembering to set that self-timer!! :P

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  2. Suz says…
    09/06/2011

    Great captures! Love Simon's paperwork! So fabulous!! :)

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. susan garner says…
    09/06/2011

    I want to pick up my camera everytime i read your blog. Once again an A plus. Thanks for letting me see lily, she looks wonderful. Note to self.....must learn how to use self timer.

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. karen says…
    09/06/2011

    wow, such penmanship. I think the apple and tree thing applies here.

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  5. Chrissy Hunyady says…
    09/06/2011

    Ah, the Oregon Coast... :)

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  6. Chase Your Dreams says…
    09/06/2011

    Yeah, I time and again have to remind myself my 5 year olds are still really just little girls. But they sometimes sound 10 times older than they are.

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  7. Steph @ Steph's Stuff says…
    09/06/2011

    LOVE these photos! Especially the one of the kids on top of you while you read. :)

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  8. annette says…
    09/06/2011

    Simon has BEAUTIFUL penminship. My litle guy memorizes everything too.. But can't write very well. We use an alpha smart alot... What a great thing to save.... Thanks for sharing the stories....

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  9. tammy g says…
    09/06/2011

    So precious! Thank you!

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  10. Queen Mary says…
    09/06/2011

    Great pictures Ali! And great writing by Simon! Dave likes those story books without words because the kids make up their own stories -- but getting them right word for word isn't too bad either! :)

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  11. Pam says…
    09/06/2011

    Beautiful photos, beatiful stories, I so admire you, Ali. As if the beginning wasn't enough, I was blown away by Simon's writing. I'm sitting here near tears reading his story. That he is writing this down now is incredibly awesome! I'm also impressed about his journal in pencil & his willingness to correct mistakes. That's a huge issue with some of our kids. You rock, Simon!

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  12. Stephanie Howell says…
    09/06/2011

    Love these photos so. You are making me miss the pnw soooooo much. Hoping we head back that way (to live) soon! Xxo

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  13. Kimberly says…
    09/06/2011

    Love the pile of rocks :) I'm a huge fan of the Inukshuk stories (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuksuk). I have since starting collecting these beautiful rock figures hoping they will help me reflect and make purposeful choices in life. I also enjoy making them where ever I go, hoping to inspire and "guide" the next person.

    thank you for sharing your journey!

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  14. Melanie says…
    09/06/2011

    Simon has the most amazing handwriting. I love how he even noted conversations with quotes. Great job, Simon!!

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  15. Lisa W. says…
    09/06/2011

    Wow...those pics are just breathtaking. Never been to Oregon. That coast just looks beautiful. First day of school in these parts too. My baby is a senior!!! Enjoy enjoy enjoy...it really goes by fast!!! Loving Simons "story" and that penmanship is quite nice:)

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  16. Jennifer D. says…
    09/07/2011

    I had to smile at the journaling about Anna having opinions. I have an opionated two year old, too! He's actually a few months younger than Anna, but he gives us a running commentary all day long. He's also quite particular and informed the babysitter today that he didn't like the soap she had in her bathroom! Oh, yeah... When grandma's around, he wants her to do everything for him, too! :)

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  17. Denise KC says…
    09/07/2011

    Nice writing Simon :)

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  18. Project Life | Week Thirty-Five | Ali Edwards says…
    09/07/2011

    [...] The week before school starts. Labor Day weekend on the Oregon coast. Major office cleaning. Simon deciding he was ready to write out Old Bear Stories. [...]

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. patty says…
    09/08/2011

    so C*O*O*L simon...
    he probably writes as beautiful as his momma!
    xoxo...
    ~p

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