our dear Nanny

Our hearts are broken. We will miss her so. 

 

thanksgiving

We're thankful for Grammie and Papa being here with this past week. We're doing fall things like sauntering, picking apples, and eating turkey. And while the kids are at school, I've been spoiled by the company of my mom and dad and a lot of lunches out. It's nice to just sit and be with them and to try to convince them that lakeside retirement suits them. 

this or that

The boys have extended baseball seasons and have had weekend tournaments all through September. So while they play, the rest of us are hanging out on some pretty fall days. 

 

13 years of this guy

Happy Birthday, Henry! You are great and you make our lives fun and we're happy to celebrate you today (even though it is another school day birthday). A new basketball, a slurpee, pizza, a movie, some cake, and family prayers all add up to a good kind of day and this one is all for you. Happy 13!

somewhere in be-teen

This is Henry, wearing his favourite outfit, about to go do his favourite thing. He loves baseball with his whole heart, always watching, learning, spewing out stats and facts, and providing colour commentary during the games. He plays with passion, throwing his whole self into every game and cheering as hard as he pitches. Off the diamond, he's a good friend, reliable, fun, and funny, and has such a good band of buddies around him.

But as much as he is that fun, sporty, (almost) teenaged boy, he is a wise, philosophical old man. He's a good listener. Thoughtful. Analytical. Careful. He thinks things through. He writes notes of encouragement that reveal sincere depth and love. He knows his faults and will apologize and correct himself. He keeps scraps of paper in his lunch bag and on his night stand, reminding himself to pray. 

When Henry borrows our phones, one thing is for certain: he will take picture of the inside of his mouth. But when Henry sends a text, you will receive one of two things: either endless lines of random emojis OR sweet words so insightful and helpful you can't believe an (almost) teenaged boy even considered them. So somewhere in between a fun kid and a wise man, here he is. Henry Francis. He is so awesome. 

We love you, Henry. Happy Birthday Eve. 

 

library day

This was Leo's first ever school library book selection...

A cookbook. 

I guess the lunches I pack could use a little help. 

kindergarten vocab

Leo has learned how to use the word "apparently" in proper context. So he's been saying things like:

"Apparently, the fire alarm is very loud."

"Apparently, it smells in here."

And, on the day we walked past the cement mixer on our way to school... "Apparently, this is the best day of my life!"