Category: friends

You might remember Tobias as this little pumpkin who was in the blog in October. He’s still as scrumptious, but so much bigger than he was then.

Which is extra exciting in this particular instance, since for a bit it was uncertain that he’d make it here.

But here he is. Doing spectacularly, and getting more delicious each time I see him. Truly a celebration for the whole family. Happy birthday to all five of you!

Neko’s kindergarten teacher had a baby just before the end of school. And in a month she’ll be packing up and moving for her husband’s new job. Talk about highs and lows—Neko is ecstatic about the new baby but devastated that Heather will be leaving.

Heather made this year easy. Neko adored school, and cried on the days she was too sick to go. I nearly changed our flight back from New York when she sobbed at the thought of missing a day. From day one, she has been engaged and excited and overjoyed. Heather found that magic spot in between taming her wild streak and encouraging her exuberance. Neko is already asking when it’s time to go back to school.

I can’t think of a better way to begin a journey through education.

The kindergarten held a congratulations and bon voyage party for Heather, Tim, and baby Liam. Nancy H. helped the kids illustrate quilt squares and constructed an amazing quilt as a gift.

I broke the cardinal rule of not taking a group photo at the beginning of the party, so, sadly, I don’t have one. Our kids melted down in a nuclear fashion, so we had to make a quick exit. Which is probably good, because I don’t like goodbyes. Neko sobbed a bit on the way home, and wailed about how she would miss Heather.

I think we’re all going to miss Heather.

With Tom out of town for a few days, we headed north. Even though I was saddled with three children, I was determined to meet Beth and Dave’s new daughter, Reese, who had managed to get to nearly four months old without me meeting her. Which is, basically, criminal.

And, omigosh, if she isn’t the most delicious thing. They don’t call her “cookie” for nothing.

Unfortunately, with our late arrival and Beth’s impending departure to the theatre, we barely squeezed in a 20 minute visit before we had to go. And in that time Shep didn’t quite make it to the bathroom and Ellery was preparing for, and ultimately had, a massive blow-out.

Despite all the crying, manhandling of mermaid dolls, and far more poop than anyone should encounter in 20 minutes, it was fabulous to see them. I hope to have a more relaxed visit later this summer—no poop involved.

Well, at least none that I’m responsible for.

Nancy, Clark, and Mary Beth extended a last-minute invitation to come over to join them for dinner this evening. Turns out, that’s exactly what we needed—good friends, cooking out over an open flame (from hot dogs to s’mores) and one very popular rope swing.

Special big thanks to Kate and the crew who let me come hang with them for several hours yesterday. I still have to sort through the zillions of photos, but this little one of Tobias made me smile.

Man, I love that chalkboard.