for Jessie

I talked to my good friend Jessie last night. She really loves hearing about the kids, and that makes me feel good because I really love telling about them. I told her how I have felt I need to "catch up" on my blog. I never wanted this to be a picture history of everything that goes on, but because I know she at least will enjoy it, here are some recent happenings.

The kids both chose what they wanted to be. Simon's costume (except the shirt) is 30 years old. And Josie's is as new as they come- $25 at Walmart was a blessed relief from 3 hours making something up with my sewing machine this time.

I caught this candid when Patrick's parents came over on Josie's birthday. Still in love after all these years.

It turns out that to Josie birthday hats = birthdays. Please notice the wool skirt with partly visible heart applique that I made for the sweet three year old.

Josie also had a joint party with her cousin Violet at Chuck E. Cheese Pizza. You can see Josie and Lily playing with their Calico Critters, a complement to my Sylvanian Families that Josie has at home. I might add that, while this childhood rite of passage was quite a blast, it was also a once in a lifetime experience, that is, I don't plan to go to this children's casino/pizzeria more than once in my life. If you know what I mean.