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.

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.

Last night I presented to my families from 4 to 6 pm but that is nothing compared to going to Paul’s Open House tonight. It is amazing to watch my child grow and thrive in a structured environment. I jump at the chance to drive him to school, let alone step inside the room where “magic” and singing happen five mornings a week.

He loves his teacher so much.

I am so grateful for this year and his chance to experience a developmentally appropriate class. I am a convert to the transitional kindergarten program that I previously rejected.

I loved that tonight the snack table had a learning piece

as they learn about surveys and tally mark, families could record their favorite topping on the bread: jelly, butter, or honey.

He read from the class made books filled with interactive writing

and shared his farmer photo from their recent field trip to the farm.

We walked across campus to see his class science fair project.

I even had a chance to pick his teacher’s brain about inventive spelling compared to word walls and accuracy. We seemed to agree that a little bit of both was great for Paul.

We love the door – The Lorax- This story has resonated with our family. When we pass tree stumps on the street Paul or I will jump on top of one and quote “I am the Lorax and I speak for the trees.” He also cracks up every time we read the part where the Lorax lifts himself up by the bottom and flies away. That is a super silly part!We didn’t get a photo of her but the other person Paul loves at school is “Reading Grandma” who is a volunteer who comes every Friday to read stories. She was a cute grandma in a sweater who surprisingly looked just as I had imagined.

P.s. We are really looking forward to Friday after our week of long days and late nights.

Paul and baby woke up just as I was sneaking out the door for work
which means they were up earlier than usual.
This is the picture Paul made with his free time this morning.

Tuesdays Joe has class so as I pull up, he rolls out on his bike.
But not before a smooch fest with baby girl.

Meanwhile I love to hear her say her newest word: Ball.

This means we are rolling and tossing tons of balls around here lately.
Practicing being gentle, taking turns, and listening to the newest voice around here.

When I start dinner the boys are in the background chatting about the imaginary stories to accompany their felt boards. More imagination practice for these two.

The house feels busy and full.

She has the stinky face, which she makes all the time.

Then there is the showing off her teeth, which reminds me of a bunny.

Combined with the squeals and babbling, I feel as if I could keep continually snap photos of her face.

I am almost afraid to look away, because she is growing so fast.

There is this sweetness in my heart for this little girl with the dark eyes and long lashes.

She cracks me up and is very easy going. I know she is here to teach me how to relax more.

Her constant observation of those around her reminds me of how Paul was as a baby.

She is content to sit and smile. Henry is still our most active baby.

Even with two splinters on her foot, she wasn’t bothered the least bit.

She complied with wearing one sock, a band-aid full of baking soda, and by bath time they were gone.

Like Joe says “one tough cookie” is what this little girl is turning out to be.

P.s. Note to Julie: one more seriously handy use for baking soda in our long list. Maybe baking soda should be renamed “wonderous, miracle soda.”