tradition lives on

Who's afraid of the big bad wolf? Tra la la la la.

why I do it

Every year there's one or two shots of their faces that make it all worth the effort. This year there were so many. Look, I'm not saying that card-boarding and homemade cakes are the one and only way to celebrate a birthday. It's not everyones thing and that's ok.

Whatever and however we mother and grandmother, we bring our own unique way of loving.

These pics make me smile. Cate alternately, elated in her discovery and intense in her thinking.



Maddie trying so hard to be like the big kids.

look who's 5

Science is fun. So says Cate.

We made gumdrop molecules. And busted some molecules. We hypothesized, observed, drew conclusions. We were scientists.



We had cake and ice cream. And got to wear googles. We did many experiments, only Cate calls them 'experiences'.

When your 5 the world and everything in it is a curious thing.

It's never too early to begin to live with awareness.

Happy Birthday, sweet Cate, who loves life and the color purple.

Maddie turns 3

Here's a fun thing. A Strawberry Shortcake party! GAH!

We whooped it up, people. Truly we did.

Look away now if you have any aversion to pink. Or to strawberries.



Strawberry Maddie lives here.



And here.





Toadja. Lot's of pink.



Wheelbarrow Races. Whee!



Strawberry Moonball.



Some Strawberry picking, too. Strawberry painted walnuts.



And there were party hats for everyone. So stylish.



You're only 3 once.

back blogging

Valentine's Day with all our Grandies. Yes, I know it's March.

Ld and I gave the girls umbrellas and the symbolism hasn't been lost on me. I've been lecturing myself to 'let a smile be your umbrella, on a rainy, rainy day' this whole winter.



Emer-dude. He can't navigate the complexities of umbrella opening yet.



He doesn't understand the rules to Don't Eat Pete either.



All in good time, Emer-dude. Next year you'll be a regular Gene Kelly, twirling your umbrella and stomp-splashing in the rain.

Nearly two whole weeks with our Megs and the kids. Emer started walking while here and Faye sang and sang to us. So glad to see these things in person. Facetime is great, but not nearly long enough.

sad doings

This winter has been a dreary one. So much sickness, grey days, and cold temps. We can't expect every winter to shower rainbows and lollipops, I know that. I guess we're due.

ld's Dad passed away last week. The funeral was Wednesday. His passing kind of puts an exclamation point to a tough January and February.

Loyal ld. I love this man.







Really grateful to be surrounded by our little family. Thanks so much Kody & Megs for making the herculean effort. It meant so much.

Thanks to my family, too. You are always there for us.

"For small creatures such as we
the vastness is bearable
only through love."
~Carl Sagan



I believe love ties are eternal. I really do.

This world is not conclusion,

A sequel stands beyond,

Invisible, as music,

But positive, as sound.

--Emily Dickinson