Stop! Granny time. . .

We had so many days and nights of fun with Granny that I didn't even blog about any of it while she was here-- too much going on, even if what was going on was just relaxing in the backyard with the family, some iced tea, and a hula hoop or two. Here is a photo essay of her visit, though. Come back soon, Gran. We love you so much!

Reading bug

The kids are happy about summer coming, but sometimes it's hard to get them out of their books and out the door.

Piano man

Mr. Hollis guided our lovely old Hamilton out of the house today. Now we have a long-term loan of a baby grand for Ian's piano studio, Keys to Happiness. And as much as I love the new piano, I'll miss the old one too. We got it for free from a homeschooling discussion list, and it has been very good to us. Now it's being loved by a friend and neighbor who's taking lessons here weekly though, which is as good as having it here at the house. Soon there should be some pictures of the new one. Woo hoo for the Simply Music method!

She's back in the salad again

This is what Nora looks like when she comes to the kitchen table at 4:00 to 'help me make dinner.'

Reading Rainbow festivities

Big girl Fiona sat in the front row at the art museum with fellow winners while her family and a small auditorium of well-wishers cheered the efforts of kids from our corner of the state and also part of the neighboring one. She loved seeing her story on the wall, and we truly enjoyed reading the work of others as well. It was impressive to be in a place where so many agencies work together to inspire kids to write stories.

Following the celebration, we headed over to the Birth to Baby Fair happening at the library to cheer the hard work of doulas, midwives, CSA providers, breastfeeding advocates, the arts community, the new local diaper service, and a host of other people and services which help our city enjoy healthy babies and healthy families. We saw lots of good friends, including Sara, David, and B above. To top it off, we stepped inside one of our favorite storefronts to thank them for such stunning window displays.