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.

Memorial Weekend always feels like a preview for summer. The weather is warmer and friends and family gather to eat food and hang out.

Olivine wanted to just be free in the sun.There was an awesome car to ride around in.Everyone had plenty of turns and there were no crazy accidents.
These little ones played so well together
I can’t wait for the baby to arrive in the fall, to add to this mix.

Other folks have shown kindness in the smallest ways, leaving lasting impressions on me.

Starting with my own husband who went out and bought colorful roses to brighten my day. This final part of the school year feels hard. Like the final stretches of a long hike where I hardly think I can go on. I just want it to be over, but so much goodness awaits so I need some encouragement to count down. I don’t want fresh flowers all the time. The once in a while, random treat though makes me smile as I fall asleep or wake up. Then our friends came over and brought some tea. They also gave us a “free babysitting coupon” and movie tickets. Although Joe is insisting we go, even if it is to see Adam Sandler or X-men (nothing I like) it’s more about the thought. This idea of friends giving us time, their time, and in turn freeing up some of our time. Super sweet (I am holding out for some sort of independent, foreign, or other great film to turn up).Then this plantfrom a cousin who I visited. She gave me a piece of her garden at her brand new house and it makes me happy on so many levels. I love basil, I love summer, I love edible plants, I love her, and her house, and so this plant makes me happy just to see it on my windowsill.

These two are often the first to wake up. Usually she climbs on top of her dresser and he catches her. Other mornings he crawls into her crib with a stack of books. I love the sound of them giggling and reading and whispering together.They take turns and on days when I leave for work, this is one of the best ways to leave. They are happy and preoccupied with one another.Now that Joe is done, they are not in childcare and they spend a ton of time together. I love that they share a room. They will fall asleep talking to one another at nap. They are buddies.

This past Friday Joe finished his B.A. and teaching credential. It’s been a long journey. This means one more year (special ed. credential) and the ability to begin substitute teaching (he really wants to) locally. I am trying to warm him to the idea of a giant party next year to celebrate. But even now, we are celebrating massive finishing and wrapping up. He has come so far!This is how our papa of three looked on Saturday at a birthday party. He can finally rest! Although he is looking forward to more time of just hanging out and being a papa who does’t have homework or lesson planning or grading or typing to do:

While our oldest is showing an increasing interest in sports. He loves all things active these days.
Someone else is drawing and writing more.To keep with the theme of change. We spent time today hanging out next to the nearly loaded truck of our friends who are headed to the desert with their three kids. We are wishing them the best.
A pinata definitely seemed appropriate
a crowd of family and friendsalong with watermelon and other potluck fixin’s.
So to come home tonight and wrap up the final chapters of Little House on the Prairie-it made sense. Their story came full circle as well, with a mixture of sadness and excitement.
Different versions of the same theme echoing in the stories around me: of growing and letting go and learning and gaining all at the same time.

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.

The temperature has been over a hundred. So one little girl decided underwear (over diapers) was plenty to wear with her shirt. We agreed.All three are taking longer naps, eating more food, and drinking more water in this heat. So I can’t complain. That’s ideal!Random shot: Henry using the word search to “letter” search. He’s so creative!
I get extra cranky and am less patient in this heat, so hopefully it will cool down soon.

In a nearby park the boys had an adventure.They poked,
gathered,
climbed.and then chilled out.

Henry can’t get enough of Miss Fiona when we visit. She was letting him hang on her and cuddle on the couch.We had an egg hunt out back.Pam helped Olivine, nudging her in the right direction.She also gave out bubbles and chalk, which my kids love.
Even if it drips everywhere and makes them soapy, they will keep at it. They’re determined. It’s taken a lot of coordination just to hold the bottle up right and get the wand to go in and out.They also had beaded necklaces to wear and sand to shovel. Fiona is as expressive Olivine
just look at her faceThey boys are becoming more daring as they swing high and kick at the tree.
It is always a fun time.I even jumped on a swing for a little while.

Joe has a camera that I can’t always access the photos on. I found a couple from Makayla’s party. Here they are hugging the pinata. I loved its size.I also loved the pose for picture, photo booth back drop- kid style. Oh and this was my personal highlight from the party. It isn’t often that I have the opportunity to eat homemade footballs. Thank you Vi, they were amazing. A round platter stacked high evokes a handful of fond memories of my own childhood parties and so to see this tray made me smile.