Cheesecake to celebrate Baby Girl! Thanks for organizing this Teresa! Nantucket was delicious and the company was wonderful.

This was a gorgeous day at the lake. The sky was as blue as I've ever seen it and the lake is huge and beautiful. The beach is well kept and they even have life preservers for borrowing. Jillian was giving Peter some swimming lessons, which partly consisted of pushing on the back of his head as he doggie-paddled and loudly encouraging him. (His feet or knees were still touching the ground.) He loved the attention from his big sister and I loved watching them enjoy each other's company.

Jillian's first day of preschool

"I'm so excited I can't stop talking to smile, Mom!"

Jill and Miss Jane

The class bird, Sky. This name made me laugh because it reminded me of a comedy skit. "Thanks for this nice cage! Did I mention I've been blessed with the gift of FLIGHT?!" Anyway...

Peter and I got to stay for that first day. It was only an hour and the kids got to meet all the other kids with their parents and siblings still there. I really appreciated how they eased the kids in to the transition. The only disappointing thing was for Peter when he realized on the real first day that he wouldn't be staying there too. He kicked and screamed as I drug him down the hall. Then I got him into his carseat and we both had a good cry. I can't believe she's this old! Even though it was hard and even a tiny bit heartbreaking, I'm grateful these two love each other so much. I'm also grateful Jillian has the opportunity to attend this preschool and is surrounded by such sweet teachers and children.

Jillian's friend from church, Isaac, is in her class.

Peter's face in this picture kills me. "You mean, she goes to school with all the other kids, and I don't get to go?" "It's okay, Big Guy. I miss her too, but we've got to let go a little bit."

And, in keeping with tradition, an after-the-first-day-of-school ice cream treat! Thanks for establishing this tradition Grandma Powers- we'll make sure and do it every year!

Fun with more cousins!

Sunday Evening Walks are the Best!

Still pregnant! 3 weeks and 4 days before Lucy was born

Just for fun...

and 'cause she's cute.