Guesses?

While I worked in a grey warehouse on Saturday, my dear husband and children got to see this guy (or gal) across the street on the phone wires. Any guesses who this is?



He also got to see a Northern Shrike pick up and fly away with a vole from around the swingset. I am so very jealous.

Autumn

Autumn is definitely here. The snow is coming down the mountains, the leaves are turning and falling. As a family we have been chasing belugas, following the tides on Turnagain Arm. Things may finally be slowing to a dull roar, or at least finding some equilibrium. We are finding our routines for school work and work-work. Ahhh....

Of course, these tenuous habits can be easily subverted. Say, when both the children get strep. There has been just a wee bit more sleeping and popsicle eating than usual.



Vivi reached a milestone on Tuesday evening. She lost her first tooth. She was shocked and amazed. Even today she will walk up to me, smile and ask if I see anything different. Oh how I love her heart!



She and I and Tom went for a drive on Sunday. We spotted Trumpeter Swans, Bald Eagles, Common Snipe, Beluga Whales and Red Salmon. Vivi even showed off her great upper body strength and control. Sheesh!

Six, Six, We are Six

September 5th was Vivi's big day. The birthday girl requested breakfast in bed and so Zoey and I accomodated her. She had granola with milk, strawberries, and orange juice.



Zoey and I baked a cake and in the evening we all headed over to Pepere's house. We like him involved in all the family celebrations.



Vivi enjoyed opening her loot, playing with her new Littlest Pet Shop sets. She really likes her super light weight, super small, and super pink binoculars! She is stoked about those.



Vivi's godmother, Sarah, stopped by for a quick birthday hug, kiss and a little cake. She recited the poem from below for Vivi. She is so thoughtful and sweet. I think we will keep Sarah!

When I was One,
I had just begun.

When I was Two,
I was nearly new.

When I was Three,
I was hardly Me.

When I was Four,
I was not much more.

When I was Five,
I was just alive.

But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever.
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.

By A. A. Milne



Grammie had me get a new gymnastics suit for Vivi. I found a perfect pink, sparkly one. She wears it quite a lot! She loves her new gymnastics identity.







Arriving in our mailbox on her birthday, as if planned, is a lovely set of gifts from Susan. I was so touched.



Susan made bracelets for Vivi, Zoey, and me. She also gifted me my very first pair of hoop earrings! I love, love, love them. Thank you.







Aren't they lovely? Vivi's bracelet even has the most fantastic butterfly fimo beads. What a great find in bead land. She is sleeping in it.

The Last Day of Five

Nope, I am not ready for tomorrow. I am not ready with a birthday cake, I have nothing wrapped, I even have to work. Mostly, though, I am not ready for this little spark, this amazing kid, this mysterious imagination to be six. Nope, not ready. Sigh....