Pumpkins

We decided to harvest before they got eaten by our neighborhood critters. Any suggestions for decorating ideas with these little guys? I don't think cooking them is an option, unless you know something I don't?

"Mommy, it's a hexagon!"

Frankie's new face

It turns out Francesca has my eyes- far-sighted with astigmatism. Hence the complaint over the past several weeks, "My eyes hurt!" Poor girl needed glasses! So without further ado....

Taa daa!

She went with lavender, a very nice complement to her reddish mane.

Surprise visitor

We had an unexpected visit today. Where did he come from? We don't know. But this turtle was on a mission. No hiding in the shell for this guy; he barreled through our yard,  stopping only for a second when the noisy humans surrounded him to snap a few photos.

"Mom, I thought turtles were slow!" 

And then he disappeared into a mass of weeds and forsythia.  Sigh. Good-bye, highlight of our day!

Rite of Passage

A tooth fell out and left a space 

So big my tongue can touch my face. 

And every time I smile, I show 

A space where something used to grow. 

I miss my tooth as you may guess, 

But then, I have to brush one less. 

(Author Unknown)

Frankie was at Aunt Hilary's house for a sleepover when the tooth came (was gently forced?) out. I think it was extra special for her sharing this experience with all her cousins. Our little pumpkin!

A beautiful summer night

We headed out to Gravelly Point again last night, this time laden with cookies and candy courtesy of Tasha. The lighting was ethereal. Everything was cast with an orange-pink glow that almost hurt your eyes. The breeze was slightly chilly, but so refreshing after last week's heat wave.  Tasha snapped these pics with her i-Phone.

Back from the dead

It's been quite a break I've taken from blogging. It's not necessarily that I've been more busy. I think it's because I've slowly begun to sleep normal hours again, and the renewed energy has me wanting to do things other than write at the computer. It does feel like I'm back from the dead. I've resumed trips to the park, going to daily Mass, arranging (and following through!) with playdates. It's been awesome! I'm always amazed how renewed life springs from suffering, the earth and each person's life mimicking the liturgical year.  Days of penance, Lent and Good Fridays give way to celebration and Easter Sundays, with extended Ordinary Times in between.

July 4th Feast

In our news, my roommate from college, Dr. Latasha Steele, Ob-Gyn, has moved from residency in Houston to her new job in northern Virginia! We are so excited and happy to have her close.

"Tasha, will you play dolls with us?" 

Rose's new BFF

Frankie caught her first fish! On the Shenandoah River in Woodstock, VA

We've resurrected our video camera to capture David and little Rose in live action. I'll try to post some videos soon, which capture Lola's visit from this past weekend as well. Stay cool, and Happy World Youth Day!

Getting out (and in)

A lovely, impromptu trip to Gravelly Point after dinner one night. We all enjoyed the planes taking off, the boats chugging by and our melted orange creamsicles, but I think it's safe to say our plane/train/automobile enthusiast enjoyed it the most (aka David Jr.).

Our brazen bunny is back, this time in the oregano and dangerously close to the broccoli, kale and potatoes. Better watch it, Mister.

One way to learn how is to get in it. Get comfortable. It's your friend.