Chuck's New Best Friends

A few of Mia's kindergarten buddies planned an excursion to that palace of overstimulation, Chuck E. Cheese. Mia, after adjusting to the decibel level, had fun accumulating tickets with her friends and Teagan reveled in playing among the big kids.

The Playgroup Goes On...

With full-time school and an increase of working moms (Lara included) on the horizon, Playgroup and its continued existence into the fall appeared threatened. Never fear! Tuesday afternoons and dinners are now spent with Mia's oldest buddies, with plenty of younger siblings to keep Teagan happy, too. The plan is simple: play and potluck. So far, so good. Here are the hardest working playmates ever:

Fairyland Fun

We are savoring Mia's last days of summer and packing in as much laid back fun as we can. Today was a trip to Fairyland with fellow kindergartener, Avery. The girls enjoyed great weather, a silly puppet show, and lots of rides. Surprisingly few fairy sightings.

Bebe Bliss

Teagan has a new favorite past time- playing with her new baby doll and stroller. She likes pushing her around everywhere, dancing with her, hugging her while patting her back, giving her a sippy cup, and apparently potty training.

Serious About Art

Five Times Four

Mia had her five year old appointment Thursday at the pediatrician and while all is well (43 inches, 38 pounds- 75 and 25 percentiles), the four (!) shots administered definitely put a damper on things. After some tears, an ice cream sundae did much to mitigate the bad feelings. We have been told no more until she is ten-- we are grateful for that!

Smiling Swinger; Skeptical Swingee

Clean and Healthy Choppers

Mia received a cavity-free bill of health at the dentist today. Exhibit A: her pearly whites.

Culinary Passport

Teagan will eat anything and she even wowed the owners of our local Thai restaurant with the amount of food she consumed. A photographic tour of the latest country to stamp her foodie passport ...

Cheeseball

Teagan found Mia's camera and is now our resident photographer, roaming around ordering us to say "Cheese!" If only she could figure out how to take pictures. (Note the little bit of hair starting to grow long enough to touch her ears!)

Wishful Brushing

Punk Rock Girl

Mia attended Rock Band Camp this week, where a supergroup -- Flaming Big Buildings -- was formed and an original song -- the Dark Merbear -- was written, recorded and performed. Mia was in heaven and received kudos for her comfort with being in the spotlight. You don't say...

Getting Artsy

Working on their latest exhibition.

Suddenly So Big

Of course she didn't wake up 5, spontaneously appearing mature and grown up. But sometimes it sure feels that way.

Papi's Pics

I can't figure out how to post specific photos from Papi's photo albums, but here are links to photos he took during Mia's birthday weekend.  Here and here!

Park And Push-ups

Misty Morning

On a very hot day, we turned to a sprinkler park for some cool refuge. Chilled fun ensued.