The night before first grade

It's been a good last week of summer, despite the tension and anticipation of the start of another year. In this week, Penelope has suffered a cold and pink eye, started to ride a bike without wheels, learned to roller skate, spent time with a growing gaggle of cousins and - as usual - logged in as much play time as possible. Speaking of those cousins. Where did all these children come from? In the last year, the child count in my family has doubled! We are in close danger of the kids outnumbering the adults. And, there's quite a range. From bottles and naps, to first steps, floaties and full on swimmers. The focus of our family gatherings have certainly changed. Here's a sampling:

 Xander. 10 months. He's been walking since about 7 months!

Aunties Michelle and Laura with Abria, Pippi and Xander.





The oldest (and the wisest, of course). P and her cousin Alette.






The youngest. The boys. And the ones who get the most attention these days, naturally. Xander and Hoyt with Aunties Janet and Keri.

My nephew is pretty cute, huh?  Just 2.5 months of pure baby cheeks and thighs.  Doesn't get better than that.

And, how about that birthday cake? Made by yours truly. For my brother.

And here's more. 

I'm managing school re-entry solo. Z's on a business trip. Feeling excited and nervous for P. School made us wait until yesterday (!) to know classroom placement. Unfair, if you ask me. When we found out that she was going to be in a different classroom from Maya, we (the adults) were a bit heartbroken. We gingerly broke the news to the girls who took it stride saying it didn't really matter. They would see each other at recess and lunch. As they parted ways today, they were still thick as thieves. We intend to keep it that way. We love Maya.

In a pre-bed phone call, Daddy reminded Penelope to make a good first impression on her teacher. "Do you know what that is?" he asked. "Yeah. An impression is when you pretend to be someone else." There are many people I would hope she doesn't pretend to be...let's hope she really does get the concept.

As I was saying goodnight to Penelope tonight she said. "Mama, can you walk me to my classroom tomorrow? It's not that I want you with me or that I'm shy, it's just that I may not remember where the room is..."

I suspect that will be the last time I hear that again.

More from the other side of first grade soon.