so glad to have a pool

Kids swam for 3 hours yesterday. They're so good in the water that Nate was able to do yardwork while watching them swim on their own. They were super excited when Tibo joined them.

bedtime

Kai's tattoo

Kai became obsessed with making our own soccer tattoo. So one day after school we melted a crayon, added petroleum jelly and lotion, and Nate went at it. 30 minutes later he was done with the Brazilian flag. And 2 minutes after that it was gone.

Nina posing on her first day of school

ouch

Cute little tennis basket, cute little girl nestled inside it. But she was smaller last spring. And last night she got stuck in it. Took four adults and 5 minutes to pry her out. She'll probably want to play "stuck in the tennis basket" all week.

last woodridge pics

Our last week in Woodridge. The kids have a breakfast tea party in the backroom with Nana in the midst of packing. Nina puts on a fashion show with second cousin Breann's hand-me-down dresses. The kids entertain themselves: Nina wraps up her "friends" and Kai starts his chapter book.

Nina's favorite bday present

"It's a food thing, mom!" Restaurant may have replaced Doctor for awhile.

Grayton Beach

What a wonderful week. Memories...Tibo's excitement when he woke up in the morning or after a nap to see Kai! Nina! and of course Spencer. Tibo's Animal-inspired "Mama! Ooooh!" The beautiful crystalline blues and greens of the panhandle's coastline. The meals! The most amazing salad nicoise ever...Tibo's bday gumbo...Fud's burgers...Laure-Anne's mac-n-cheese...Spencer's chicken pinwheels...and now I can't even remember what Sara made that first night we all arrived but it was scrumptious. Our staggered breakfasts, everybody rolling in for coffee and cravings in the morning. Joyful sounds of the kids playing in the pool...Echoes of chatter and laughter throughout the house. It was truly special and we can't wait for a repeat.

Kai's first day of kindergarten

If only every morning could be like this! Dressed and full tummy and teeth brushed well before we had to leave. Of course Nina had to strike a pose as well.