Eva Self Portrait

This is one of many Eva self portraits in a similar style - always with the outsized long blonde hair. Eva is not thrilled with some of the aspects of caring for long hair (washing, brushing...), but it certainly has become part of her self image! 

Thanksgiving 2005

We enjoyed Thanksgiving with our friends Todd & Cheryl. Cheryl made such a fantastic meal that even Eva came back for seconds. Kids were running around so fast that is was hard top get any photos, but we did catch Eva and Kevin in a pre feast laugh. 

Unfortunately Kevin did not enjoy all of the meal, but he said afterwards that he did like the pies! 

And of course Todd made his points intently, as always. 

Rainbows - Last Day of the Season

Will and the rest of the Rainbows are celebrating a win at the last game of the season. In spite of sometimes less than complete enthusiasm on the field, Will claims to be looking forward to playing soccer again in the spring. 

Rip Van Winkle et cetera

We all went to see Rip Van Winkle at the Kennedy Center (review here) . Will and Eva really enjoyed it, I think especially the read aloud Rip Van Winkle story with accompanying music. This was the world premier of the Rip Van Winkle piece, so that was an extra treat.

Will, Eva and Dad went out to dinner Saturday so Mom could have her first baby shower. We went to The Essential Grill in Tysons Corner, which turned out to be especially child friendly (and cost effective). It is from the same restaurant group as Harry's Tap Room, but emphasizes natural, locally grown food. As is too often the case around here, the food was very good, but the service was distinctly amateur.

Cute Eva After Ballet

Is she being coy, or getting ready to spit water out of her mouth? 

Eva Learning to Skateboard

Wheeeeee! 

Check out this chair!

I had to include this picture to show just how big this chair is. What is not represented here is what a magnet it is for children to climb on and jump from. 

Can you believe what serves as a pre-opera activity? The boys went to see a production of the Mikado. Eva and I hung out and collected autumn leaves, watched ladybugs and a praying mantis, and took "fairy pictures." I think all children are going to be very tired tonight. 

Will and Eva have always wanted to do this.

Huntley Meadow Adventure

Jake, Ross, and Will all *really* tried to fit inside this tree but it just didn't work.

Jake and Ross are sure they see birds somewhere! Today was beautiful. We saw a deer up close and lots of geese. 

Friends forever! Eva, Will, Jake, Ross, Caldwell, and Maris.

Here she is, our Lady Liberty!  

Kate, Claire and Eva really want to hand out candy....at least the few pieces they aren't going to eat themselves!  

It's halloween but Eva, Kate, Claire and Will have found it easier to play without costumes until it is absolutely positively time to head out for trick-or-treat.  

Will had a halloween party at school and clearly has worked up an appetite 

Expelliarmus! Professor Lupin and Harry Potter solemnly swear they are up to no good.  

Will and Eva are getting ready to help me make Eva's halloween costume. This always takes several weeks of shopping, false starts, and playing with the materials before I can actually accomplish anything.  

KC knows that New Baby is coming and he is establishing his place in the family.  

As usual, one child is not cooperating. But it's still a pretty good photo, I think! Imagine how it will be when there are THREE of them!  

Will didn't have any fear to start with this time.  

We had a great time at the beach right before school started. Early on, Eva managed to conquer her fear of the waves.