Warm Sun, Messy Paints and Viv

The Way There

The Way Home

There is a noticeable difference between the walk to and from Ella's school.  The walk home is always much more subdued.  Above, the girls break out into frenzied laughter over "yellow snow".  I'm counting the days until the next big thaw.

A Morning at GPC

There were no doctor or dentists appointments, work had been completed and the kitchen counters were free of crumbs.  Viv and I jumped in the car and pretended we boarded a plane to some exotic locale.  Garfield Park is always good for that.  I've decided to slowly let go of the automatic setting on the camera and try to shoot in manual mode.  Viv gave me about thirty seconds to get a little photography practice in exchange for some chocolate chip cookies.

An all too familiar look we have going on around here.

Madelyn's Birthday!

Madelyn,
This morning after walking Ella to school I got a text message from your Dad.  It was 6 a.m. in California and I knew that meant only one thing...you were on your way!  It has been a cloudless, bright, sunny day in Chicago and I can do nothing but grin at the winter sunshine and count the moments until you get here.  The girls are excited too.  Viv wanted to know if we could come bring you some popcorn today.  You and your parents are about to enter into the newborn bubble, where everything outside of the three of you will be so insignificant.  They will marvel at your toes, your eyes, your sweet sleeping self.  Josh and Jen, enjoy.  I promise no matter how sleep deprived you may feel now, you will look back on these early days with a heart full of love.

A scoop of birthday ice cream in honor of Madelyn

 

Congratulations Uncle Josh, Auntie Jen and Cousin Madelyn

School Updates

Ella:
Your father and I met with your teachers for the last time this school year to discuss your progress.    Kindergarten is more than half over and it will be on to the big leagues my friend.  You've been a pretty proficient reader for a while.  And for now, we aren't too worried about your academic abilities.  Getting along with others has also never registered as a concern.  You are confident in your own agenda and don't look to others for approval or buy-in.  You appear happy making decisions independent of outside opinion.  You mention that your favorite classmates are Henry, Francesco and Javier.  Your teachers have also noted the special friendship between you and Henry.  They say you have found your "intellectual equal" in class.  All I know is that when you pointed him out to us on the playground his hat was pulled over his eyes and he trying to lick the nose of a classmate like an ice cream cone.  You had the biggest smile on your face as you watched on.  And with that, I have to admit, our post-conference parent egos deflated just a little.  But I'm glad you have found a friend that makes you laugh.
Viv:
We got a note in your cubby from your teacher this last Friday.  The first one of it's kind for you.  You had bitten a classmate.  Our friend's daughter.  I told you in a very stern tone that this will be the last note that we ever get and you seemed to understand.  I know being the smallest one can be hard.  I know you try to use your words and the bigger kids may call you "baby" or push you to the side or strong arm their way to a toy.  You don't take these episodes lying down.  You growl and screech and now bite to have your message heard.  I can't say I blame you.  I can't say that I'm not just a little bit proud of your assertions.  We do however have to work on your delivery.  You like being a big kid.  You easily fell into the mix at Ella's party just like the other five and six year olds.  In fact, the dance instructor said you had great kinesthetics.  All you want right now is to be given the chance to do "it", whatever "it" may be.  And Lord help anyone who may underestimate you.    I admire your determination Viv.  Your parent-teacher conferences are coming up in March.  I'm not sure if we've moved beyond that "stubborn streak" that your teachers pointed out earlier in the year, but we're okay with that.




"I love you the most because you're the biggest"
"I love you a lot, lot, lotta days"
 

Jerry and I have been working on a slow and steady home clean-up since the new year.  This Father's Day card has been sitting on top of our armoire since 2011.  It has finally left it's post and is waiting on the curb to be recycled.  Jerry only reached this decision after I agreed to photograph and post this little love note from the girls.   

Vivian, Lola and the Equestria Girls!

Happy 2nd Birthday Dylan!

These Boys Don't Waste Any Time