We couldn’t resist the chance to be silly

and put her in a basket

with all those plastic eggs

and snap a few photos of our munchkin

until she was all done

and then played with the eggs in the bath.

with Ji’chan

at Ruby’s

where there was this amazingly talented balloon man

who gave Paul an octopus

Henry a dinosaur

and baby girl a mermaid

complete with a bikini and belly button.

Ji’chan spoils these little ones

especially baby girlwho was given an Easter dress

that fit just right.

Spring break is in full swing

and we are grateful that all five of us are off at the same time

it is our preview for summer.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

required to build our newest piece of Ikea furniture.

makes everyone smile.

includes exploring with tools.

means that Olivine gets to help her papa.

takes patience.

So I am endlessly thrilled to see Paul writing and spelling and reading.

Last night I saw the first signs of a little boy maximizing his freedom of speech in writing. He was a little tired without a nap and when asked to come to the dinner table he brought this note:Translation: I don’t like you. With a sad face drawn at the end because he didn’t like what was being asked of him. More than being hurtful (it did sting), I am fascinated with his boldness and ability to see himself as having power with words. My reaction is mixed, but Joe and I agree we will take these notes over a tantrum any day.

One of Olivine’s best qualities these days.

After a messy breakfast of oatmeal she has no complaints about a quick dip in the sink.

Under an open window, the steam combined with her goose bumps had me thinking it was the perfect baby jacuzzi.

After a long morning nap, she sat by my side while the boys played in the sand and I chatted with friends.

It is a carefree stage at this age before she can walk or talk.

It doesn’t last forever.

A life changing experience as a freshman in San Francisco. I met some life long friends in those hallways, two of whom are living in Los Angeles and came by for an afternoon visit today.

There is always lots to catch up on and we have stayed in touch with different folks. It is amazing how we look the same and I could seriously pick these ladies from a crowd, even after  fifteen years.

Margarita

enjoyed with a group of ladies I love from graduate school. We are all teachers and have a ton of stories to share when we get together. So glad I made the drive and went to hang out tonight.

The theme of a birthday party today, which is a family we love from the Co-op Paul went to.Her momma made this lovely dress with her super long yarn braid.

There were ring tosses and bean bag games.

Plenty of chalk to get messy

and explore up close.

A “tangled’ contest with crepe paper

racing to get wrapped up like a “mummy.”

A genuinely fun party to be at that felt age appropriate.

The boys loved their party gift

and the sunshine made someone fall asleep in the car.

Not before we indulged in cupcakes and sang around this homemade cake.

The perfect place to spend a Saturday afternoon.