Four and a half, somehow.
6 Dec
Olivia’s ninth birthday (rocked)
Early this year, Olivia settled on a mineral and gem party for her ninth birthday. I was on board in a big way (80 percent of what I’ve acquired in the last year has been gold, and the rest I’ve spray painted to match).
We gathered with family in Nebraska over Thanksgiving and then celebrated with three of Olivia’s friends last week.
At nine, Olivia is sweet and smart. She’s remarkable empathic, always inquiring about my day, and truly listening to my response. She knows just when to deliver a hug or a little love note.
She’s also driven, and she’s set her sights high. She makes decisions for herself with the certain fact she’s a “pre-president.” (Also, a future mom, a “scientist-doctor,” and artist.)
Happy day, Liv. I hope nine is your best year yet!
16 Nov
Santa Monica
I had a half day free in LA yesterday, so I took a car up to Santa Monica and walked a few miles south along the shore. I can’t say LA is my favorite spot, but I’ll take the ocean any day.
Anytime you approach Kansas City from the southwest, you fly right over Lawrence–it’s my favorite sight from the air. I love to come home to this cute little Midwestern town.
16 Nov
Texas love
The girls and I spent a few days in San Antonio earlier this month. It was my first time in the city, and their first time in Texas. They were great travel companions (even if they did insist on visiting a wax museum…).
31 Oct
Happy Halloween!
Gramma’s fall 2016 collection includes Cruella DeVille, Owen the fire chief, and the Queen of Hearts–another triple in the books!
Ava’s black dress is absolutely gorgeous – this will definitely be a staple for this girl in the coming months. She was afraid her wig made her look a little bit crazy – but I reminded her that her muse was indeed insane.
When Olivia opened her costume, she proclaimed it the best yet. I might have to agree.
And sweet Owen. When I asked him to smile, he told me “firemens don’t smile.” (Later, when I told him that firemen don’t cry, he said “they do when they are children.”)
This kid LOVES his costume.
Thanks so much, Mom! Happy Halloween, everyone.
27 Oct
Homecoming in LFK
We celebrated KU’s homecoming last week with a parade on Mass Street. Katie and I may have shed a tear or two (as one does when a marching band plays during a parade), but all four kids had a blast.
13 Oct
Only four years until prom
Ava and her friends had their first middle school dance tonight. The girls – who went together – were dressed beautifully. (All of the boys that I could see from afar were in basketball shorts.)
As I snapped this photo, Sophia’s mom said, “So it begins.”
9 Oct
Owen fix
This one is having a great time at preschool–he knows his numbers, can write his own name and sings the sweetest songs. (Also, he cannot wait to be on the other side of this fence, playing games with the big kids.)
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