First Grader

Our cute little squinty eyed white haired boy is now a big first grader.

Brain Candy

I recently read a new book called The Warmth of Other Suns. As a mother of 3 small children I spend a lot of time dealing with little people. Needless to say it is quite refreshing to me to read something so intellectually stimulating. Like candy for my brain. Or I guess it would really be more like a good hearty meal for my brain but you get the idea.

If you read The Help and want to know more about life for African Americans in the Jim Crow South and why so many of them left in search of.......well as the title suggests the warmth of other suns, read this book. I really had no idea just HOW horrible conditions were. Definitely eye opening, educational, thought provoking and very inspirational.

Seriously this book hits my top ten list of favorite books.

Family Reunion 2011

We got back last week from a week long reunion with Mike's family. 2 of his brothers live in Spokane, WA so we flew up there and enjoyed a week of lake living in a rental on a lake in northern Idaho. Fun times were had by all. Julia was easily bribed into riding the "tube". I promised her a pink treat. She love the ride.

Thanks to Mike's brother Joe for a fun time on his boat.

No capsizing.

We toured an old silver mine which was very fascinating.

Julia actually consented to getting her hair done by aunt Candis.

But notice her hair (and different outfit) a few hours later. This has got to be one of the all time classic pictures of Julia. Oh Julia how I love you. I can't wait to see what you're like in 10 years.

Cole is probaby saying something like "hey guys" in his usual LOUD voice.

Cousin dog pile.

Jumping into Hayden lake.

Thanks to Mike's parents and brother Joe and wife Candis for making this possible. We had a blast.

Good Bye

"Parting is such sweet sorrow" Romeo and Juliet

It has taken me a few weeks to post about this because I get sad even thinking about it. My oldest sister Carol and her family moved to Peru 2 weeks ago. For the past 25 years they have lived in San Diego and I have always enjoyed spending time down there with them. It was wonderful to live somewhat near them when I returned to LA to attend grad school 12 years ago. I am thankful for their support, example and love then and now. How lucky I feel to have such a wonderful sister.

We had a family dinner and gathering at my brother's place before they left to honor them. It felt like heaven being with all those whom I love and who love me. Although my kids were the youngest cousins there by far they were showered with love and attention by their cool older cousins.

I know they will do wonderful things in Peru and I take comfort that my loss is somebody else's gain......but I will miss them.

Flamingo Girl

I can't think of anything Julia loves more than her little pink flamingo puppet Jeffrey. So you can only imagine her excitement when a package arrived for her last week from her aunt Emily that contained a flamingo dress AND pink flamingo sunglasses. She is in permanent flamingo heaven. Thanks Emily!!!

I love this picture

Blake has been doing "Saturday chores" since he started Kindergarten. It usually involves taking out trash, vacuuming and or cleaning windows. But he has kicked it up a notch. Last Saturday Blake learned the very fine art of cleaning the toilet and sink under my professional tutelage. hee hee It was actually kind of fun to teach him because he was so excited to learn. I just had to take a picture because i know that in a few years from now, swishing that brush around the toilet bowl will not be viewed as fun. Then again, in a few years he will certainly be making more than a dollar a week:)

Cousins Galore

This past weekend my brother and his family stayed with us for a few nights. It was baby and toddler mania. 3 two year olds, one 7 month old and 3 big kids all had fun. We had a great time down at the Skirball Center touring the Noah's Ark exhibit with lots of family.

And a special shout out to all of you with twins..... I don't know how you do it.