Last Day of Preschool

Some pictures from S.'s last day at preschool. What struck me was how unremarkable she found the whole thing: apparently, until we teach them otherwise, children understand that endings are just part of life, and take them completely in stride. I think there's a lesson for me in this! I did try not to make too big a deal of it (believe it or not).

Drop off in the morning.
Teacher hugs ...


She had a great time here and made some good friends.

Memorial Day Weekend

A little smattering of moments from our Memorial Day Weekend, which was nicely populated with Good Friends, Good Food and Good Times. Here's I. showing off his recent discovery that you can swing on your tummy.

We have some new face paint sticks, which make it a lot easier to get all dolled up


S. takes a moment away from careering madly up and down the sidewalk on a push-trike. I like the excitement that shows in here face in this pic.


R. and T. joined us for the day. We had a great time, including picking shoots off the grape vines (even S. said "This is Fun!!"), trying out the new local Mexican place (very good food, smallish portions --- somewhat upscale) ... and this game of "detergent bucket." Actually, I think S. was using the buckets to set up tables for everyone, as a restaurant.

4-year-old's birthday party

What could be more fun than helping a four-year-old celebrate a birthday? As you can see, everyone had a good time. We kicked off the day with "in house family" presents, a good idea by Sydney --- it lets the celebration last all day, give you something to play with during the day, and reduces the pile of presents you get in a big lump sum.

Here's Isaac trying out his new scooter. Naturally, it soon found its way outdoors!
Cut to evening dinner, with all the local family gathered. I keep trying these dinner table pictures, and usually out of courtesy to someone I have to suppress it. This time it came out pretty good.


Here, Sydney "helps" Isaac go through the box mailed in by Aunt Gail. Her packages are highly anticipated!


And what birthday post would be complete without the candle picture? I should dig up my 2nd birthday picture and post it for comparison!


That's it for now! We've been busy this spring, getting vegetable seeds planted, getting the wading pool ready, having friends over. I'm not promising anything, but I might soon have some pictures to post with Pirates in them!