Kindergarten Farewell

A wonderful Maury event capped off the school year. The entire kindergarten sang a few numbers, collected their certificates, and of course, goofed off. On The official last day Donald joined a handful of parents who sang 'na na na na hey hey hey goodbye' over the PA to mark the official end of the year.

Write Now

Last week I asked Madeline to draw a card for Sophie's birthday and expected her usual ghosts. But she asked me 'Sophie starts with S, right?' And proceeded to write her entire name. She was so proud of herself. 

A Visit from Aunt Melissa and Uncle Greg

Aunt Melissa and Uncle Greg braved Memorial Day traffic to spend a busy weekend in D.C. Highlights included a pizza party, brewery tour, vegan marshmallow roast, Patrick's first fishing experience, a crab boil, and a dramatic rescue at sea. Luckily we were doing the rescuing and not in need of it.

Patrick steers the 60-foot True Companion

First Mate in the rescue effort, Uncle Derek

Heaviest red wagon load in history

An exclusive concert

Smores roast with a superhero

Field Trip

Donald chaperoned Patrick's field trip to Huntley Meadows on Friday, where they saw all kinds of wildlife, including turtles and 'giant' tadpoles. Patrick was so excited to wear his special new tie-dyed shirt, pack a lunch in a bag, and spend the day with his Dad.

The Soccer Bats

Patrick wrapped up a fun spring season on the Bats with a party at coach Curry's house. Patrick got a team spirit award and a coveted trophy. 

When conversation turned to next year I was surprised and a little bit saddened to hear that from here on out soccer won't be co-ed anymore. Another heartbreaking milestone passed on the way to his growing up.

A final cheer

Parfit Mothers Day

I loved my Mother's Day gifts, especially Patrick's sweet sentiments.

Lowcountry Road Trip

Somehow I've fallen six weeks behind on the blog! This post if from our wonderful April trip to Kiawah:

It had the potential to be a recipe for disaster: 10-plus hours in the car to Charleston/Kiawah for cousin Megan's wedding. But we picked up Gran T (and her trusty minivan) in Roanoke and after a looong trip down ended up having a really wonderful weekend. We took the kids to several of Charleston's finest dining establishments, visited an amazing aquarium, discovered the world's greatest kids pool, and enjoyed a spectacular ocean view from our condo on Kiawah Island. And the main event of course: we attended cousin Megan's stunning wedding. Megan and John were radiant.

Father of the Bride

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Megan's gorgeous dress

Subjecting Husk, Bon Appetit's Best New Restaurant in the U.S., to Patrick and Madeline

Fun Fact: Donald and Bald Eagles have the same wingspan

The amazing aquarium

Ahoy Mateys!

Patrick reads Grammy a story about firemen

The Krause/Leo Ladies

Looking out over the River Course

Jen and I take a break from dancing to the amazing band!

Spying deer from our deck

Silliness!

Naughtiness at the Ocean Course

Lining up for Jestine's Kitchen

Ralph, our trusty guide through Charleston

 Daddy Hugs.