Francesca's fourth birthday

She woke up early to help Lola make the infamous chocolate cake.

Started the day out early with best buds Anna, Gracie and Julia.


Things got crazy fast.






David takes it all in stoically.




It seems like she's been four for a long time, such a mature little girl.
Happy birthday sweet Frankie!

What we've been up to

Frolicking with cousins

Helping David learn to love the pink swing

Deep conversations between sisters

Making cookies as ballerinas (and Snow White)

Picking roses.

We've also begun tapping Five in a Row, ironically since everyone else's school year is about to end. But Frankie seems game, so we've begun charting the geography of the stories we read. We've mapped the U.S., Japan, Italy and the Philippines so far. And we've sat on cushions for tea and cookies like Mako's family in A Pair of Red Clogs. Thanks for the loaner, Hil!

You knew it was coming...

...random pictures of flowers in the garden, that is. Like father like daughter, right Mom?

I have to share my satisfaction over these gorgeous blooms, sorry.

Easter has come to mean hydrangeas from Lola! This one's blue hue is other-worldly.

(sisterly snuggle thrown in there)

Have I ever mentioned how grateful we are for our screened-in back porch? Words are not enough. Teresa was eaten alive yesterday (this early!) when the pool was on the lawn so we got creative with its placement today. Thank you Pop pop and Grandmommy for a huge gift that keeps on giving.