Here's some stuff...

I started writing a post called "Catching Up" a while ago... The longer it takes me to post it, the harder it is to accomplish that goal. I've lowered my expectations; I should rename this post "Closing the Gap"...

July 1 was my sweet Mommy's 60th birthday. My dad threw her a huge surprise party / tribute. The guests included former students (even some from her first teaching job - before I was born), former co-workers, family, and friends. Several people actually flew out for the event. Things my mom had written, drawn, designed, and sewed were on display, and many people spoke or performed. It was really beautiful hearing all the people talk about how my mom had touched their lives. I always knew my mom was special, but it was a pretty overwhelming and wonderful reminder.

A little while later, our dear friends came to visit us and meet Hannah (while between homes). It was amazing seeing Maria (who wasn't yet walking when we saw her a year previously) jumping around and doing acrobats. (BTW, Happy very very very belated birthday, Maria!) And Kurt's fascination with Hannah told melted my heart.

With 4 kids in the house, it's hard to do much other than occasionally getting them to a playground, and otherwise try to just keep them fed and whole. Sylvia was SOO pumped to have them here -- so much so that she scared poor Maria.

They mostly all got along well, though. And damn they're cute!

Auntie Annie came for a visit a little while later - to meet Hannah and hang out with the girls!

July 27 was Sylvia's third birthday. She got to have an extended birthday week. On Wednesday, we brought mini-muffins for her to share with her classmates. Her teacher made her a birthday crown, which all of her classmates helped decorate, and they sang Happy Birthday to her, so she was already feeling pretty special!

Then, on Wednesday, her MyGym friends sang Happy Birthday to her, and she got a birthday balloon.

Friday was her actual birthday. She got presents in the morning -- including an Ergo doll carrier from Max's cousin Rachel's family, and a dollhouse from Jeff & Jayne.

Our good friends Albert & Heidi came in the afternoon, so Sylvia got to have extra playmates.

And they took us all out for a birthday dinner!

Then Sunday was her birthday party

She had a crazy good time and was asking to go to her birthday for weeks.

...And, of course, a lot has happened in the time that it took me to get that much written. We have had other wonderful visits, and lots of special people have had birthdays. We had our first overnight trip as a 4-person family to celebrate my cousin's wedding reception, and then our second overnight trip for Annie's bridal shower. Sylvia graduated from the toddler room to the preschool room in school. 

And so on!