Kaya took this picture of Laney, a few seconds after devouring a Rise chocolate donut. The smile tells it all. And Kaya is getting pretty good with the camera.

I can’t believe it, but Kaya is officially a Kindergartner! She had her first day yesterday and was super excited to tell us all about her day. There was not a hint of anxiety, although she definitely fell asleep quickly at bedtime. I am so proud of her. She is now officially a Carrboro Cub – here is a pic of her with another cub!

Happy Five Months Maggie! She is rolling over both ways, “talking” a ton, and sleeping worse than a newborn. What a ride.

We spent last weekend in Northern New Jersey at a “celebration of life” to remember Tommy’s grandmother Blanche and his Aunt Kate who recently passed away. I actually missed much of the actual services because the kids weren’t in a mood to stay quiet and listen to speeches, but the weekend was a nice way to remember “GG” (stands for great grandma) and Kate. A number of friends had suggested leaving the kids at home (you know, instead of making them spend 24 hours driving in the car like we did – that is not an exaggeration), but I was really glad to have them there. They represent joy and youthfulness and the future, and they are always so wonderful to travel with – inquisitive, energetic, and full of wonder, even at a funeral life celebration. We will miss you Blanche and Kate. And since no one really takes pictures at a funeral celebration of life, here’s one of Maggie sleeping on the floor of our hotel pre-services.

Maggie LOVES taking baths – it’s probably her favorite activity. I’m really looking forward to her being able to sit up in the bath, so she can join her sisters in a formal bath, instead of requiring a whole extra apparatus. But for now, we use good ole whale tub and she splish splashes around for as long as I let her.

Tommy had to work one night this week, and Angelica had class, so the girls and I had a dance party to the Trolls soundtrack and then read the Wizard of Oz. Maggie even got in on the action. Twas a pretty fun girls night AND I had them in bed by 7:30.

A very happy 5th birthday to Kaya – I can’t believe my baby girl is already five. Watch out world, this kindergartner is coming at you.

I needed to pick Kaya up from camp at 2:30 one day since no one else was available to give her a ride. Her camp is right near the hospital, so taking her all the way home and going back to work would take almost an extra hour. So instead, I brought her back to work, bought her some ice cream, and set her up with some headphones and Trolls, which she watched while I finished my work for the day. I’m pretty sure she thinks I just sit in my office and watch Trolls all day now, though.

Maggie is finally feeling a little bit better and has been all smiles lately. She is playing with lots of toys and occasionally rolling over by mistake – I think she’s close to rolling over deliberately but not quite there. Here’s a nice morning smile to ring in August!