So I have finally admitted to myself that this little pumpkin is different than her brothers.

She fills a different part of my heart that I didn’t know needed filling until she arrived.

She makes me want to raise up this confident, generous, outspoken, girl who resembles some of my most needed qualities.

I love her 

along with the hairbows, longer eye lashes, chubby cheeks, and big eyes.

The best part of summer is that we get to spend time together.

All five of us.

As we hunt down free fun

around town.

It doesn’t take much to please us these days.

It’s like we have the place (summer) all to ourselves..what a treat!

So the big surprise today was renting a Duffy Boat

and having a sailor papa,

which is right down the street (yay- for local business).

Everyone relaxed as we went

riding around the bay,

going under bridges,

avoiding sailboats,

waving at dragon boats and kayaks,

getting a fish eye’s view.

We even met three little kids (two older brothers and a little sister) that were out kayaking alone.

Fun and Brave!

The boys each took a mini turn at the wheel

before the tour ended.

We may have found a new tradition for this family.

requires regular dentist check ups.

This is one set of check ups we have not fallen behind on.

But then as soon as that is done it is time to celebrate

with Father’s Day right around the corner

plus Cameron’s birthday where she is serenaded with a loud drum.

We all eat too much.

Some of us end the day with a little “skinny dipping,”

which is more like taking an outdoor bath.

 

does not feel like double the work

but it does mean that even crossing the street feels slightly insane

it also means sharing is necessary

taking turns is part of the deal

there is lots of inspiration to go around

keeping everyone busy and happy means peace

teamwork pays off for this little boy who needed help becoming a merman

if one falls asleep there is still plenty to do

and there is a crowd to entertain and cheer you on when you randomly find a super hero belt and flag in the grass

This is the sophisticated analogy Paul made about his new haircut

which must have something to do with the air he can feel on his new short hair.

It was definitely more heartbreak for me to see those curls fall off.

Maybe I need to cut my hair?? He does look pretty cute.

Joe promised he can grow it out again if he so desires.

At least I have this last photo before the dramatic make-over.

Our hope is to make it to the Bay as many Wednesdays as possible this summer.

Since summer hasn’t started for all our friends it was quiet

and we were content.

I love watching these two boys together.

They are crazy brothers

who have umbrellas and flip flops to match.

Less than a block from my apartment a farmer’s market opened TODAY.

Giving away balloons.

It so well aligns with my desire to serve my children fresh food

and with the arrival of summer,

I can’t aqeduately explain how thrilled I am.

Thank you Madeline who is a friend, former neighbor, and teacher who told us about it.

Also thank you Jich for the handy tool you recently gave us.

This made cherries with dinner a breeze tonight.

Every Tuesday we plan to squeeze this into our schedule, a new evening affair to look forward to.

A little overdue for a check up.

She officially weighs 15 pounds (definitely my smallest baby).

Paul loves to play doctor at the doctor’s office.

Fortunate for him, his sister happily complies.

She is right on target for growth. Healthy!

to be recognized by students

and a principal

as Teacher of the Year.