May reminisce in June (ahem- July)


Yeah. Few people read this frequently enough to remember that I promised this post in June, and now... it's JULY! So... here are a few favs from MAY.

Feeding Gracie, on one of those early May days, that was more damp than sunny.



Signed Yosi up for her first official soccer lessons. David took her on Monday evenings. I spent most of them @ the chiropractor, but I was eager to attend after hearing the amusing stories David regaled me with. 3-5 year olds tend to be classically difficult to coordinate, but @ 5:30 in the evening, they become especially distractable. In this picture Yosi and her partner are supposed to be passing the ball back and forth. They were too far away to hear their conversation, but it went on and on while they took turns sitting on the ball, and judging by the gestures there was discussion of age and mostly likely anticipation of preschool and "what is your favorite color?" Ah, yes, $26 well spent- 6 nights of comedic relief for Daddy.

here comes the sun...

silver lining



Yosi recently told me: "I Like dinosaurs, but I like Princesses better!" I grinned, and said, "That's okay." But I took comfort in the fact that we spend 90% of our time reading dinosaur books over princess stories. I'm charmed by her preference for dresses. We did have a great conversation last night about how a true princess is beautiful on the inside, even if she's not wearing a fancy dress and shoes and jewelry. The pic above was created with her daddy, after they read a chapter book version (with ample pictures) of "Land Before Time".



Her First Concert. Enjoying the guitar skills of two friends (one now the father of the bun-in-the-oven sitting next to Yosi). It was a late night, and she got a little antsy and chided me for not bringing coloring materials, but she did great overall.

A rainy day visit to the zoo. What kid wouldn't smile with Smarties in hand?

Taken per her request. 

Bamboo was planted all over the zoo. She admired it immensely. I explained that it was like enormous grass and was a favorite food of panda bears, which, ironically, were not exhibited at this zoo. On our way to see the gorillas, we slowed down to admire a faux fallen tree, while our company caught up to us. Apparently she was REALLY hungry and decided to try to get a snack. Of course, my laughter only promoted the situation. Samplings of bamboo were attempted periodically throughout our walk through the gorilla exhibits. The gorillas were not half as interesting to her as the bamboo. We headed from there directly to lunch.

This picture illustrates a couple of things: Yosi's new enamorment with riding her tricycle. Thankfully, the patch of pavement in front of the church next door is alot less decrepit than that in front of our house, and we can watch her as easily from our front porch. This also illustrates the "flower bed" (there obviously aren't any flowers, but I dunno what else to call it) where I got poison ivy- a month long ordeal.



Reading is delightful from any perspective.




first "swim" of the season




what does this face say to you?




Yosi is allowed to pedal to the corner (behind her) and back, as long as we are outside, within view. Watching her inspires a classic mixture of pride, sadness and anxiety.



Two precious sets of hands- my father's and my daughter's, equally eager to help and gentle.

Helping her prepare her own row.

Patting the seeds into the earth.

Garden planting was extra fun this year. Yosi planted her own row, with seeds we got from story time at the library. Alas, none have sprouted. Thankfully, she hasn't noticed so far, in her happiness over the other sprouts.

Weekend long playdate.

Making good use of that oh-so-essential purchase.