Barber Shop

Arthur had his first barber shop experience. Dad had to take him to 3 shops before they found someone who would cut with scissors. Arthur was apparently very persistent and said he would "walk forever" to find a place that accepts his hair. He has been brushing his hair out of his eyes for a while, and now he looks like such a big boy. Why do haircuts add 2 years to a little boy? I guess I'm just sad that my little ones are in school and officially big kids.
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A couple Adaline anecdotes for the week--

Praying at the dinner table: "Thank you for Dad. Thank you for Mom. Thank you for my brother. Thank you for our house. Thank you for school. Thank you for food. Thank you for the world. [Pause] [Deep breath] I am NOT thankful that I don't have a kitty. I am NOT thankful that Daddy is sick of kitties (translation: allergic to cats, which is our excuse why we won't get her one). Amen."

Adaline loves to pretend to read our books. This week she picked up a Bible book and began to read (in her British accent, mind you): "A soft answer turns away wrath. Hmm. We'll see... I don't think so. I think a hard answer turns away wrath." The written text doesn't begin to give you the sense of how it sounded with her accent and intonation. But you get the idea :)

Kindergarten

The kids started school this week. Today is their first full-day after two half-days. They were understandably a little overwhelmed when we arrived to a school yard full of noisy "big" kids and much chaos. But they were fine and quickly adjusted to the classroom. Their teacher has 25 years of elementary teaching experience in Brooklyn and has requested kindergarten for the last few years. I'm guessing he's the most qualified kindergarten teacher in NYC :) I am very excited about him--very energetic and fun, but also in control of his class...something that my daughter could especially benefit from. (I think she did the controlling last year.) They also have a special education teacher in the class with the same years of experience. The other fun thing is that I can say "they" and "their." The principal let me put them in the same classroom which is very exciting for them and me (and a little scary for the teachers). Lastly, all of the public schools in our area require uniforms. They look pretty cute, I must say.

Photo shoot the day before:
Walking to school:
Feeling shy...a first for them:
In line waiting to go to class room:
This shows part of their class--so far only 19 kids, which is great for NYC:

Vacation highlights

We went on a 3 week vacation this summer--one week on the west coast of Washington State, one week east of the mountains in Washington, and one week in the mountains of North Carolina--all to see various family groups. I deliberately picked (mostly) pictures with no family members, because it would be impossible to illustrate the fun we had reconnecting with everyone. It was such a privilege to be able to travel in some of the most beautiful parts of the country and to enjoy it all with those who we love.

Week 1:
The kids were re-acquainted with various forms of wildlife. Low tide always brought new discoveries.

Adaline constructed a beach-front home for herself.Arthur's rope swing wasn't far away...
Week 2:
Swimming in the lake surrounded by mountains was absolutely spectacular. Pictured is the kids going further out than they probably should have.
The kids were exposed to many new vehicles...



We enjoyed cherries (and all sorts of fruits and veggies) grown by family.
And especially enjoyed the grass-fed beef raised in the backyard.

Week 3:

The kids were fearless in their cave climbing in NC...they made all of the adults nervous on many occasions.

There were many natural slides made out of rocks. Arthur never tired of riding them over and over again.

This overview only skims the surface of our experience. I wanted to at least get a little taste of our adventures on here. We're staying busy in our new place and neighborhood, and I've had many failed attempts at uploading these pictures. So this is the best I can do for now...

5th Birthday Party

In our new back yard!

Friends pitched in to do music:

and dancing:
and face painting:Aunt Glenda did the cakes for the 4th time:
Lots of silliness:

And also a picture of Pre-K graduation!

These are pictures at Pratt Institute, an art school in our new neighborhood. Yes, we're moving this week to Clinton Hill! We're busy stoop selling, planning, packing, etc. Maybe we'll find time to post pictures somewhere in there...

Weekend away

Last weekend Jamison preached at a church in Rye, NY, and we took the opportunity to have a family weekend out of the city. We were able to stay in the home of church members who are out of the country. It was wonderful! The house is on a small island with beach access. Here are some pictures...





We already have plans for another night or two away. Jamison is preaching at a church in the Hamptons in a few weeks. I am especially thankful for these opportunities because the kids and I haven't been out of the city since November. It's been a long winter here and Jamison was away a few weeks in February/March. These are much needed nights away as a family. I'm very happy about these trips and about our first days of spring weather. New life is here!