All the Particulars

Sometimes when Eva is talking incessantly and my attention is focused otherwise, I find myself using phrases like hmmm, mmm hmmm, or ohh to sustain the conversation. Yesterday Eva put a stop to that. 'No mommy, don't say 'mmm', 'M' says 'mmm' And later 'No mommy, don't say 'oh' Only 'O' says 'ohh.'

So there you have it - engage in conversation, avoid sustained letter sounds,
and you just might survive the dialogue.

Eva often asks me questions to which I answer, 'What do you think?' If she doesn't know the answer, her reply is always a pause, and a very well enunciated, 'I can't think about it.' And if Daddy doesn't know the answer either, she says, 'Daddy can't think about it. either'.

Emily, the 'tired-after-a-long-day' mother says, 'Logan, I think you should read Eva a story, then empty the dishwasher, then take out the trash.'
Eva, the source of the 'tired-after-a-long-day' part says, 'Yeah Daddy, that’s a good idea.' And then to Baby Jane, 'Daddy's going to tell a story, you're going to yuv it.'

We must spend an adequate amount of time praising Eva for her intellectual endeavors because every time we say, 'Good Job', or 'Yea Eva' about anything (picking up toys, a successful monkey bar hang, handing me a burp cloth, eating her carrots) she responds with, 'Yes, Yes, I'm yearning my yetters!'

Bike ride 'B's in our 'Backyard'

The Bunny Bushes at Gamble Gardens.

Bowling. Well... Lawn Bowling.

The Birthplace of Silicon Valley...the hp garage.

Baby Jane Esther can almost sit up in the bike trailer, when sandwiched in by body and blankets.

Slippery Skates

Ice Skating at Winter Lodge.
Eva took a couple of good laps on her blades (never venturing more than 6 inches from the wall of course) and then decided for a less strenuous alternative.

Ice strolling seemed to suit her, Baby Jane, and me for that matter (imagine pushing a walker...like bumpers for bowling.)

The whole crew, putting out the vibe

No ACLs, no Broken bones, no twisted ankles, just some cozy conversation by the fire.

Happy Happy Birthday

A night out to celebrate the birth of the Beek Man.

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

Three times the morning snuggles.

Papa's motorcycle goes 'reery fasther.' (not that she had a ride beyond her imagination mind you.)

Ballet class with Miss Marnie (Aunt Marnie.) Eva (2.5) watched the older girls (4 and 5) arabesk, and she arabesk'd. Releve and she releve'd. Plie and she plie'd. Tondu and she karate kicked (with all the round grace of the Kung Fu Panda).
Watching my baby girl discover the magic of the mirrored wall, the expansive slippery open floor and the elegant ballet bar all in the same ballet studio where I spent hours, days, weeks, months, years first with Miss Elsa, then Mr. Carlton, and then Vacile busting our bods and bruising our pointed toes was one of those quintessential mothering milestones. Pinch me.

Decked Halls

Our cherubic little elf. Always poised for a party.

Small plates and big tastes. Celebrating the season with the Robisons.

Fondue, Flat Iron Steak Salad, Sticky Sweet Wings, Breads and Dips.

Coconut Pound Cake and Molten Chocolate. There is much to celebrate!

Happy Bear

Auntie Liz came to meet Miss Jane Esther.
She came bearing a gift. She came bearing a bear. The bear bore a card. And the card read...

Jane Esther, Oh how happy I am to finally meet you, beautiful baby Jane. I am so proud to be your aunt and am so excited for the many adventures we will share. This is a Happy Bear! Your Great Grandmother Martha used to give these to her grandchildren. I hope this Happy Bear will bring you much comfort and happiness like mine has to me. I love you so so much, Auntie Liz

Jane Esther now bears the bear. Jane Esther is happy.
Clearly...the bear works.

Tea Time

Don your hats and come for tea,
Its our turn to celebrate the Bride to Be.

Miss Camille has found her Prince Charming.
The pleasure of your company is requested for
tea, brunch and a recounting of the Fairy Tale
at a shower in her honor.

Hats and gloves suggested.

Oh its so fun to throw a party with your mom. At your mom's house. With your mom's things. In honor of a gracious, blushing bride who happens to be the one person you know that appreciates elegant costumes even more (gasp) than you do.
What a blessed event, a beautiful bride, and a ball to be part of.

Hmmm...Its been 25 years since kindergarten girls and it appears that not much has changed. The three of us together, silly grins, over the top theme parties with mandatory participation, and funny hats.

Tahoe Retreat

Gathered with four fine families, we settled in for elaborate meals, hand projects, board games, hot tub soaks, deep dialogues, beautiful views, remote control chopper flights, naps, bubble baths and walks by the lake. Communal living at its finest.

Miss Jane, TD, Will, Eva and KK...a fearsome fivesome

The First Noel Natvitiy Pageant

Follow the Star
to the
First Noel Nativity Pageant
starring…you

Sunday, the seventh of December 2008 from 4:00 to 5:00pm
(Curtain Call at 4:00. Pageant begins promptly at 4:15)

Miss Eva has been cast as an Angel.
Jane Esther has been cast as a sheep.
All parents have been cast in the chorus (costumes not needed).

Join us for an evening of song, sweets and celebration as our families recreate a humble version of
The First Noel.

Please bring a plate of goodies to share, a blanket to sit on and come dressed for your part.
(No fuss costumes, bathrobes welcome.)

The Nativity story as found in the New Testament
will be narrated by Logan Deans.
RSVP to Emily by December 4th so we can assure that all roles are filled.

30 families. 50 children under 5 adorned in towels, with wings, dressed as sheep and as kings.
luminaries, coa coa and carols.
The First Noel Nativity Pageant, our most treasured tradition of Christmas.

Em, the director.
Log, the narrator.
Jane Esther in my arms, a sleepy sheep.

Miss Eva, a coy angel