Every spring for the past several years The Banana has posed for a portrait (or thirty portraits) in front of the blooming Rhododendron bush on the corner of the house. We almost missed the purple extravaganza this year because of a super hectic week and then very uncooperative weather, but…

The Devious Snail and The Banana were headed to Aumnee’s art gallery reception, and Dr. Peds was off visiting Auntie Amy Texas in Colorado, so Peanut Maximus and I headed to the beach alone. It was warm at the top of the hill, but very chilly at the beach with…

The Banana and I have been taking advantage of the light that lasts well into the evening, and after Peanut Maximus has gone to bed, we’ve been sneaking off for a sunset walk around the neighborhood, or even better, on the trails through one forest or another. I love this…

Here are some of my favorite recent pronunciations: I’ve also been loving these statements:

It has been a whirlwind of concerts and confirmation and tests and projects for the school goers. Grandmas have been visiting, YaYa spent a week here, and now the Devious Snail has moved back into my office for the summer. In all the commotion I somehow have neglected using my…

The Forsythia bush next to the driveway just gets better and better every year. I love it so much, those bright yellow branches and grass that is just starting to turn green. Since it was Mother’s Day, The Banana humored me by standing right in the bush.

Let’s just say “Cooperative” is perhaps not his middle name. I said, “Stand next to that bush” and he slid down to the grass. I love that last image because it’s a look I see frequently these days.

It’s the Mother’s Day Portrait Edition! It was the most ridiculously warm Mother’s Day ever, a truly hot day, and after Peanut Maximus and I dropped off Mr. TOF at choir rehearsal, we decided to head to the beach for a quick bit of relief. YaYa was home visiting for…

The Banana was trying on a lip mask. It was spicy, industrial, and basically a terrible experience, but they were hysterical with laughter.