Spring brings change

Between the end of the school year and the ability to finally get outside and go, I'm acutely aware of all the growth and change happening with the kids.

They're trying and learning all kind of new things, they're more independent, more on the go. I think I'm still getting used to not having a baby/toddler in the house, but with the exception of a few fleeting moments, I don't miss it too much. I am loving the fun and interesting phase of having kids at all different ages saying and doing fun and interesting things.

Mary's chattier than ever, still highly spirited but the better she can communicate, the happier she seems to be.

Mary rode her scooter all the way to the park by herself!

Eddie graduated from preschool and can't wait for kindergarten. And he's finally five!

DJ got a new, bigger bike and is enjoying his neighborhood-wide independence. He survived and ended up thriving in 1st grade at his new school.

I guess it's not a change, but Annie has continued to be a fantastic help with Mary Cate and in general. She made a good friend this year and finished her year with sharing her Laura Ingalls Wilder project with hundreds of parents and students.

I showed this to Mary Cate and she said, "That's my big sister, Eenie." So sweet! They made me this for Mother's Day.

And Nellie! She graduated from elementary school--again. She performed with the ukelele club, ran cross country this spring, is mowing the lawn and babysitting for us with regularity, and played flute for a second year and performed a spring concert at the high school auditorium. Nellie is more than ready for a long summer break.