Uniquely Blessed

Early Wednesday morning, my Uncle Tom passed away following a year of battling esophageal cancer.  When he was first diagnosed I was worried - but never thought it would lead to this. Or maybe, I just didn't let myself think that. "UT" as he was so affectionately called, was the leader of the pack. The most engaged, positive and supportive person. Many people have said many wonderful things about him this past weekend - and the common theme was that he meant the world to all of us. A Fenwick alumni called him uniquely blessed, and we could not agree more. We all feel the heaviness of this loss. Uncle Tom was so much more than an uncle to us. 
*Thanks Dan for the video. 

A Glimpse

A post-dinner dance party, with Leo's usual antics.  This is a glimpse into every day. He is constant motion. 

Squeezing All We Can Out of Summer

 Last minute trip to Westchester Fest? Why not? 

 Leo is panicked - which ride to go on first??

 This will do. 

 Lots of precious cargo in there. 

 Next up - motorcycles! The boys were so excited. 

 Hunched shoulders and squeals of delight. 

 Nurse June is checking out Esme's "bloody lip due to dryness" 

 Oh Evie! 

What a fun Sunday we all had - rides, games, and a post dinner dip. 

Two for One Birthdays

 The New York Times "Best Chocolate Chip Cookie" recipe for our little cookie monster. 

 Chocolate chip cookies for Leo's favors, and soft pretzels for Olivia's favors. 

 Vanilla buttermilk cake with mocha frosting. 

The only cake Leo has sat still enough to eat. 

 Cordelia and Bea. Cordelia looks a bit...leery of Bea's excitement. 

 She is now resolved to the fact that Bea is about to get "cozy" with her. 

 Maybe a little too cozy. Sisters!

What a wonderful party - Olivia are so lucky to have such loving grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Acclimating

We went on a last minute jaunt to Lake Katherine after dinner yesterday. We thought maybe acclimating Leo to a lake with fish may be a good thing. He is crazed for all things aquatic. I have a feeling he will be spending our upcoming vacation in a life vest the entire time. 

Day 1 of Being 6

 Little bro Leo and his best effort to cheer up an exhausted Liv. - it worked. 

 Off to summer camp. And then a playdate involving 2 different pools. 

The best part? Going to see the Katy Perry movie. Olivia did not eat much dinner because she wanted to "save room" for her "movie meal." 

Happiest of Birthdays

How in the world do I have a 6 yr old daughter? Where did my little Liv go? Because this girl that stands before me seems a lot older than 6. Wiser than her years. What a blessing she is - a wonderful daughter, her own unique person. A gal who enjoys dolls and barbies as much as she enjoys animal hunting and remote control rats. 

A Different Route

On July 3rd six years ago, we sat on our deck and watched the fireworks before heading to Prentice, with Lady O making her appearance nearly two days later. This year, we were supposed to be back at Prentice. Life doesn't always go as planned, and lately it seems to veer off in the opposite direction. Family and friends are the perfect antidote to put us back on track. 

Festivities

 Leo is such a good sport about water safety. 

 "I'm just done, man."

 What a crew!