I had a meltdown almost exactly a year ago about how far behind grade level P was in reading and V promised to read with him nightly. It doesn’t always happen, but his commitment has been pretty good. P’s reading has improved a lot. Not completely where it should be, but so much better.
They make a mess no matter where they eat, but at least this way I can sweep the crumbs off the porch and into the grass for the birds to pick off.
It’s a tradition to take this photo of the four boy cousins every end of summer and it never disappoints. L always towers above everyone else, P is actually wearing the same exact shoes from last summer’s photo (HOW?), A1’s mop looks fluffier than ever, and A2…didn’t smile?!? Pretty sure he was still feeling annoyed about being left out from a playdate today.
What’s a wild and free summer without a few bumps and bruises?
N is always happy to pose for photos, but you only have about 25 seconds before she’s distracted. In this case, big brother and favorite cousin playing soccer took precedence over more photos. I pulled out my 85mm lens and the focus is way better, so I’m starting to suspect maybe it’s my 35mm lens that has the issue.
Because royal cloaks make everything more fun.
Every year I photograph her while she tells me about her hair darkening into brown. I smile behind my camera, focus on those gorgeous red locks, and wonder when she’ll realize how amazing her hair looks.
Only one child holding back tears. Not bad.
My sunflowers aren’t doing so great this year, but the zinnias are fine.
Each summer we get her for one week. In that week, she basks in being the oldest, herding kids to the car while hauling bags, organizing quick living room clean ups, twirling the littles enthusiastically, prodding the olders into helping more, taking over bedtime, demonstrating how board games are played, teaching new chores, and showing how prayers are said. Then when everyone is in bed, we read. Chapter after chapter of a book that’s all our own, dissecting characters and plot lines after we’re done. We love our big cousin week.
A Pattern of Words 