Sweet Tree

In addition to being the best climbing tree ever to grace the front of a house, this tree smells amazing. We can fit four daughters in this cedar.

Summer Solstice

Purple Otter Pops, AKA "Sir Alexander Grape"

Mary helping Chris mow the lawn. She is his shadow.

Chris and Mary with California poppies in their hair. Sometimes he is her shadow too.

Step One: Get a shovel full of dirt.

Step Two: Take it to the sprinkler.

Step Three: Think about the amazingness of mud.

The longest day of the year is often one of the best.

Baby Shower!

Mary holding hands with her cousin Kailey.

Mike, Maria, Gino, and Susan checking out video of Maria's daring-do on Susan's phone.

Sara and Ben taking a well deserved rest after cooking. Ben is doing some sort of kung-fu hand thing - he does that a lot.

My favorite minors: Mary and Aunt Boo!

Cheering the girls on during present opening time. They were very good helpers.

Mary and Kailey: Baby Toy Inspectors. This one got full marks.

In addition to all the sweet things for Baby Sister, Mary got some amazing new toys. This accordion is going to get a lot of use.

Red Velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. Miss Melissa knows us well.

Little kids and flashlights were made to be together.

Post-party wind down, watching The Dark Crystal.

"Do these stripes make me look fat?"

Our friends and family are the best. The best, the best, the best. This party made my year.

Captive Subject

Mary recovering from Baby Eliza's First Birthday party. Those balloons were her favorite thing in the world - until she took them outside.

Mary's squirt gun aim is improving. She can hit any shower tile you point out.

Hey look! Mary sat still long enough for us to take a few pictures! This girl loves summer and she has been a busy bee. Below is a shot of Mary and her best friend Maria, the little girl three doors down. They are eating raisins, watching The Jungle Book, living the life.

Otter Pops

Green Otter Pops are the finest Otter Pops.

Little Eliza's First Birthday Party!

 

 

The Birthday Girl, Miss Eliza Rose!

 

 

 

 

 

Little Alice

Slip N Slide

Uncle Ben is in charge of turning up the water pressure when Mary yells, "Bippiti Boppiti Boo!" If he slacks on the job, it's the water pistol for him!

Al Fresco

Mary prefers to lunch in the sunshine. Because she is classy.

Big Sister in Training

Mary Frances says, "That's the LAST time I give a kiss to a little baby."

Graduation Day

Portrait

Dreamer

Mary just talked in her sleep. Only one word: "Music".