Laney has really gotten into posing for pictures. It’s almost hard to catch her in a real smile, because as soon as she sees a camera (or more likely, a phone), she says CHEESE and makes her cheese face. Which is still cute, though.

We have always known there was a “beach” at Jordan Lake, but the few times we’ve been down there, we’ve always had Max with us and didn’t think he’d be allowed on the beach (which he’s not). But today Max stayed in the air conditioning at home and the family found the beach in the Ebenezer section of Jordan Lake. And it was great! Shady trees to sit under and a great lake for Kaya to practice her new swimming skills. We’re sure to go back soon.

We took the girls to visit my new office this weekend – they each drew me a picture to put up, and I impressed everyone with my spacious accommodations. Now to make the magic happen and be somewhat productive in it!

Today I turned in my UNC badge and my parking permit and FINISHED FELLOWSHIP. And therefore FINISHED MEDICAL TRAINING. It’s been 11 years since I started medical school and I’M DONE!!! And tomorrow I go straight back to UNC to get a new badge and a new parking permit (for the same garage, unfortunately) for my new grown-up job. WOO HOO!

And a big shoutout to my co-fellows who have all moved away by now and I will miss dearly. I couldn’t have done it without them. Here’s a picture of all of us with my new boss/the head of our division.

Kaya found the tiara from my wedding outfit – she instantly identified it as worthy of a true polite request and asked, “Mommy, could you please put your tiara on me please? So I can be like you at your wedding.” Who can say no to that? And in the process, she gave away that she IS in fact capable of being polite. Good to know.

Lookout Laney!

Kaya and Laney’s dog uncle Marty is staying with us for a while so he doesn’t pee all over Grandma Baba’s new carpet. He’s adjusting just fine to the Rose family, although he and Kaya are battling for third position on the totem pole. At night when Kaya is tired, she lets her guard down. This is a picture of him stealing her pillow and poor Kaya curled up in the middle of her bed pillowless. King Marty wins again.

Kaya and her school friend Charlie take swim lessons together on Saturday mornings, which means Laney and her friend Molly (aka Charlie’s little sister) get to play as well. Many times Laney and Molly pretend they don’t know each other when they are poolside, but the post-lesson antics in the locker room tell the real tale. I managed to catch their locker climbing in action.

Just two little girls drinking some milk together.

Such a great weekend at home – after traveling for 4 straight weekends, and then moving for 2 weekends before that, I am very happy to have spent a weekend in town.

We did lots of swimming thanks to the North Carolina heat – including in the Eno River on Saturday. The adults, babies, and dogs all had a blast. Even our long-term guest Marty! He’s never had so much fun before!