June Celebrations in Review

I love that life provides all kinds of opportunities to celebrate. Some are big, huge, and life-changing! Yet some things are small and lovely, the reasons that make each day joyful. In our house, June is a happy and full month with much to celebrate.

First up, Jameson turned five on June 3. FIVE! He was just nursing and making all kinds of gurgly baby sounds like a second ago. Jameson is not a small joy around here. He is a life-sized, beautifully huge joy. His eyes turn into small half moons when he smiles, and the hair on the back of his head bounces and flops in a most lovely childish kind of way. His voice is like a song, and he hugs like there will not be a tomorrow. I love him.

For the kids’ birthdays, we use large plastic table coverings and pin them to our dining room wall. Then, we decorate accordingly, adding butcher or crepe paper, paint, or lights. Jason and I have fun (until 10:00 p.m.), then get tired and think why, why, WHY are we doing this, and then feel all sorts of warm and fuzzies when our children walk down the stairs for their big decor “reveal” the next morning.

This year, he wanted a polar bear themed birthday (the Arctic … in June). We wore winter coats and ear muffs, and we ate meatballs for dinner to stay warm. He was a happy Eskimo.

Next up, Harper turned seven on June 11. SEVEN! Holy smokes. Does that even count as a “small” child anymore? I always say I have two small children. Have I graduated from this expression? Repeat above sentiment: She was just nursing and whimpering and looking all cute in her onesies two seconds ago.

Harper is a girl who amazes me each day. She has the most darling button nose which is smattered like a Pollock painting with freckles. She lights up the room when she smiles and doesn’t hand out hugs for free. When you receive a Harper hug, you feel truly special. She speaks like a young adult (As we watch Chopped Junior: “Hmm, I don’t know why she chose to do a tart. Of course it won’t set up. But the ice cream looks smooth. That was a smart choice. Oh, and I would have pureed the starfruit for its juice, not chopped it like she did.”) She loves to be outside, thinks math is where it’s at, and has a memory like an elephant. I love her.

This year, Harper wanted a nocturnal animals birthday. Specifically, she was interested in foxes, owls, and raccoons. We wore pajamas for her party (best idea ever) and ate breakfast for dinner.

After birthdays, we made sure to celebrate the wonderful dads in our life for Fathers Day. We kept things simple this year: breakfast in bed, a bike ride, and good family time.

And a little throwback from the “I have two small children” phase of life Fathers Day … a fun photograph project …

Finally, June was fun because of the Women’s World Cup! We love watching soccer in this family, so we used it as an excuse to celebrate. When the U.S. played Sweden, we made Swedish pancakes. When Spain was the adversary, it was Spanish magdalenas on the menu (their version of a lemon cupcake). Last week, we had a French picnic for the U.S. v France game. Up next, English scones and bangers and mash. Good luck women!

Au revoir, June, and bonjour Juillet. May your July be filled with small joys, celebrations, and happiness. Thanks for joining me here.