And so it begins

Summer has begun - and it is tasty and fun.

We found a new strawberry patch and spent the morning eating more than our fair share - and then we picked a few quarts to bring home.

We had out first annual block party this weekend.  The amazing part about the group picture - 11 of the kids on our street weren't in the picture.

It's so fun on the street - and so much fun watching all the kids grow up together.  We think it is crazy now, but when they all get to middle school (and then to high school) - things will truly be crazy.

Yesterday we went to a Sea Dogs game to celebrate father's day and my dad's birthday.  We had great seats right on the third base line.  Both kids were given a ball which was pretty neat.

Friends, family, new adventures

The last several weeks of been a whirlwind of adventures, happiness, distress, endings, and new beginnings.  Throughout these few weeks I have, once again, realized how incredibly lucky I am to have the family and friends that I have.  The love, support, and celebration has been amazing.

That Oliver and Henni can grow up surrounded by such wonderful people - such great role models - makes me so happy.  It also grounds me as I panic about Oliver moving from his safe Montessori bubble to first grade in the big new school - and as Henni begs for more autonomy and her outfits get crazier and crazier.

Michael J. Fox said: "Family is not an important thing.  It is everything."  I'd take this even further and say that dear friends are everything as well.