612

That is the number of items I have to download from my camera. I'm not even sure how to approach a post based on 612 photos. And that's only one camera. There's still the spare, and the video camera.


There has been an interesting assortment of momentous occasions recently, with more to come. Just this week Violet was in her first gymnastics show, she graduated from preschool and we had another (final - phew) IEP meeting to determine the future of her kindergarten career. Plus, we will shortly be going to her best friend's sixth birthday party, and we will leave on Friday for my brother's wedding, where Violet will be a flower girl, get her hair done with the ladies and have real nail polish on her fingers and toes.

So I think what you will get here is just a mish mosh of my favorite pictures with no running narrative to link them into something bigger than themselves. You will just have to use your imaginations to see how these all connect into the bigger picture that is our life. I have faith in you.

Stella makes princess crackers - cashew butter and sprinkles. And the princesses all feast on them. Or something. Please notice each princess has both 'slippers' on. Thanks, Mama.

Stella is every bit a princess. She adores throwing tea parties.

I know I'm biased. But she really is just beautiful.


Little House on the Prairie, eat your heart out.


Chef Stella makes a guest appearance at the Children's Museum of Maine.

In Violet's world, this place is called "New York Wild Kingdom". It used to be called "animal signs", so we're getting there.


Stella and Isabel's favorite part was undoubtedly the ducks. A fist full of food for a quarter.

Newly minted graduate. How cute is this.

Can you spot our favorite girl? On her right is her best girl friend, Cayden. On her left is another best girl friend, Alayna. Of course you all know that Evan is her best best friend. There will be a quiz later.

I am eternally grateful for the devoted, loving care that Jen Lang gave Violet at Bear Hugs. She is an amazing teacher, who treats all her kids like they have special needs - because in her eyes, each one is special and deserves to be treated according to their needs. Special needs kids. I don't know where we would be today without Jen.

Stella has been in gymnastics for a year. She loves it, and often during the week will ask for her 'eee-oh-tad' and go to 'imasics'. That's leotard-to-gymnastics for the uninitiated.

When Violet started gymnastics, she couldn't even follow the group for 10 minutes without wandering off. Now look. Look at the concentration.

She loves gymnastics. Look at that smile.