Higher!

With the age range of all the kids, it's rare to find them having a really good time at the same time doing the same thing... but who can resist the lure of a swingset?

Snuggle Bug

Jack's not really feeling up to snuff today, with a runny nose and all... Sometimes the best remedy for what ails you is a good cuddle with Mama.

Color Blocks

We spent a loooong day at the Maker Faire today and there were a zillion fascinating exhibits, but this simplistic light game was my favorite. The kids really loved it, too...

Down and Dirty

There was a whole lotta soil to be distributed for the "Three Sisters" (corn, squash, and beans) planting at St. Stephen's this afternoon. I couldn't believe the gusto with which Jack grabbed a shovel taller than he is and started scooping horse poop. Claire carefully counted out beans. After a few hours in the garden and a good scrub in the tub, they both crashed hard on the couch. Playing in the dirt is good for you!

Le PROM!

Coco and her friends Amandine and Allegra were adorable to watch as they excitedly primped for the prom tonight. Emilien and Jean-Pierre arrived looking quite dashing -- such a charming group! My heart pinched only a tiny bit as I watched them drive off into the sunset...

Mother's Delight

I was treated to a lovely breakfast in bed for Mother's Day, more than I could possibly polish off all by myself! I was warned not to go downstairs: some things just shouldn't be seen...!

Cherry Ripe

"Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,
Ripe I cry,
Full and fair ones
Come and buy.
Cherry ripe, cherry ripe,
Ripe I cry,
Full and fair ones
Come and buy..."

One Cup of Coffee

Sneaking off to the Legion of Honor for a couple of hours to see the "Cartier in America" exhibit seems like such an indulgence. But as much as I love to come here to see the special exhibits, this one makes me shake my head in wonder at the lengths people will go to in spending copious amounts of money on outrageous baubles. It leaves a metallic taste in my mouth and gives me an uneasy feeling.

One plain cup of coffee in the sparsely appointed museum cafe relieves that unease and fills me with a sense of satisfaction: sometimes (mostly) it really is the simple things that are best.

Simple Treasures

I picked up some quail eggs at the farmer's market this morning, and the ever-inventive Claire just had to make a nest to display them in...