06.13

Our night to celebrate our ten years together.

06.11

Sorting through all the photographs is a job, but it has its rewards. Like this. From Owen's camera, last year on our Duck Boat adventure. I'm so proud.

06.10

A night at the ballpark followed by days without mommy duties. A nice beginning to a week. Thanks, mom and dad, for both.

06.09

I could have sat there and just imagined. What it was like when this place was where it came from.

06.08

In my opinion, the perfect summer birthday party.

06.05

Honestly, I didn't really want to do it either. But it's for the best, in the long run.

06.04

The last time I went canoeing, I cried in the boat. I successfully avoided that this time.

06.01

I was glad for an excuse to put on long pants and a jacket. Sit under a giant pine tree in a camp chair and laugh with friends.

05.31

He consoled himself by planning the Lego figures he would build and give to her for next year.

05.30

Farewell, first grade. How we loved you.

05.29

The rain moved field day inside and caused me to take a headfirst dive onto the sidewalk.

05.28

They were done. But they had been good for a long time. And they don't think walking around reading is fun. They are good kids.

05.28

By the time they decided they wanted them, it was too late. They kept their eyes peeled and were surprisingly satisfied with just the hunt.

05.27

A summer evening at a baseball game with friends. Perfect.

05.25

He put together his own game of angry birds. My hand was the slingshot as I tried to snooze on the couch.

05.24

Sometimes, no matter how hard I try, I can't make them happy. Sometimes it is all too easy. Thankfully, this was easy and it made them very happy.

05.23

It was one of those gatherings that caused tears, simply because of how pleased everyone was to have everyone else there.

05.21

Of the four of us, he was the only one who felt the breeze.

05.18

There were all kinds of reasons to be glad we went. It's nice to feel like we belong in a place.

05.15

Five and seven and they've never taken a drink from a can?! Is it really possible? If there was any reason for such a celebratory act, tonight was it.

05.10

The comfort of established friendships. I love it.

05.09

I can always find someone who thinks I'm doing it wrong. I need to stop looking.

05.08

My idea was take a picture. Her's was so much better. That's why she has the job and I just help out.

05.07

A surprise portrait he painted of the mother he loves.

05.06

I'm tired of feeling bad about myself. I wonder if I will ever be able to escape that feeling that I need to change.

05.05

Maybe this isn't the right path for me. I wonder how they felt, standing behind their work, watching it be judged by the passersby.

05.04

I gathered all their work in my arms, held it close, took it home. I wonder when I will be able to wade through it and what I will see. If I will learn.

05.04

I guess it's a lot like having a five-year-old. It's slow progress until suddenly it's finished.

05.03

We are dealing with a kid who knows what he wants.

05.02

Sometimes their voices and their imaginations just stun me into stillness. 

04.30

Most of the time, I just try to pretend the change isn't coming.

04.29

I think he's going to be my scorekeeper.

04.28

Aside from the mistake of raw peanuts, everything was perfect.

04.25

It seems a bit strange to be so attached to a group of toys.

04.21

Two guests, sleepover, all weekend.

04.20

It felt like vacation. My own little retreat. They cooperated.

04.19

I don't think it's a new feeling, but now that these days are numbered, it's more real. I'm going to miss them.

04.18

We had everything we needed: a breeze, green grass, shade, sticks, imaginations.

04.17

I love all the kiddos, but I could not do that job.

04.16

Being there is comfortable for us both.

04.14

Waves: clouds, emotions, days.

04.11

I couldn't believe how much they walked. Without complaint. Their idea.

04.10

The most bubbles ever.

04.09

Is his desire to document his days a product of me? I wonder if that's true. If it's good or bad.

04.08

Credit for this successful Easter morning belongs only to the dad.

04.06

Visits are never long enough.

04.05

A long, full day of celebration.

04.03

The green folder is now the "Ideas Folder" and he's filling it with sketches of good guys, bad guys, and weapons.

04.02

I thought I missed it, but I guess somedays, I'm luckier than others.

04.01

It's easy to convince myself of its superfluity. But moments like this I have to record. Just for myself. I forget so much and so quickly.