Happy 6th Birthday, James!

Funny, kind, silly, and cuddly James is 6 today.  What a joy he is in our lives.  He is an open book of a little guy -- fully involved in any activity, emotion or thought that presents itself.  His inventive stories make us laugh and often include lots of farts, butts and other bathroom humor joys of little boys.

We are so proud of the progress he's been making in the classroom, with reading skills coming quickly and easily.  His teacher, Ms. Singh, says that he is an excited learner, which is such a joy to watch.  He is really thriving in the Montessori environment.

I love that he still snuggles with Alma and me every morning while Joshua is in the shower and often spends the first few minutes of dinner sitting on my lap.  Joshua and I are lucky to be his "Mom and Pop" as he likes to call us.  Now if we would only call him JAC, as he often requests (based on his initials).  Ha!

Happy birthday, buddy.  We are so delighted to have you in our family.

Winter Concert

Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal

Bowling Birthday Party

Happy 8th Birthday, Alma!

Today, in celebrating Alma's birthday, her class had a compliment circle in which they went around saying happy birthday and telling Alma what makes her great.  It was so lovely to hear what a good friend Alma is to her classmates, about how they love her smile and humor, how they are impressed by how quickly she has started playing the violin, and how they have a fun time playing with her on the playground.   Joshua was able to tell the class about how proud he is of her for often knowing what she wants -- even from the time when she was a baby and would cry to be put down instead of held -- and how that will serve her well in life.

She is the best big sister on the planet, flowing with the ups and downs of being the older sibling and always including James in everything she does.  She is a thoughtful and tireless helper around the house.  Her sweet tooth is ever-present but understanding of the need for balance.  I love going to yoga class with her and marveling at her focus, strength, and delight at being on the mat next to mine.

We are so blessed to have Alma's insights, creativity, caring, inquisitiveness, and humor in our lives.  I love being her mother.

Celebrating in the new house