Getting into groove of our weeks

I occasionally am obsessed w Ben's outfit. 

After picking Jack up from school- Benny insisted on walking the entire way. Such a big boy. 

Hanging our new neighbor Miles! He is too cute. 

Hilly's project at school: 

Jack's jazz: 

Hilly's tap:

Macaroni: 

Jim and Hilly had soccer together. She was bored after 45 minutes but otherwise very determined and meticulous. 

This poor hamster. He is an angel. 

Cousin night at grandma's: 

I love these guys. Parker had a baseball game so couldn't make it. 

Dinner? 

Macaroni in a baby doll dog stroller: 

Ready for the day: 

Mac on her lap: 

Walking home to our house after school for a play date: 

Wagon ride. This walk home was pretty dramatic, actually. 

Morning time. Jim was in LA so it was really intense and emotional for everyone. They love heir dada time in the AM. 

Ballet, week 2: hilly is a most serious student. 

Where to Begin

Below this toy was given to us by our neighbors Em and Amy and Ben loves it. 

This is one random night. 

After swim on a Wed? I will make this quick. 

Last week I had Ben w me at the bank and he was totes over it- but a total angel. Did I write this entry before? 

Must have been a Monday bc here is yoga. Monday afternoons. 

We babysat Hannie on Monday and the kids had a blast. She fit right in. 

Jack purchased this gem from the book fair. A real literary selection. 

Hilly w some serious style. She dressed up for Gma coming and said "I need to show her who i am." Mission accomplished, I would say. 

Ben's batman costume. He loves it needless to say. His little belly kills me. So do his cheeks, lips, eyes, etc..

Jackie running to see Gma after school. Gma came to babysit for back to school night. 

Pizza for the special occasion. 

This was waiting on Jack's desk for us. 

Ben and his new kicks. 

Taken by my friend Betsy. Some during school stalking of Hilly. 

Jack on a gym day- taken by Hilly. 

Jack wAs playing school one afternoon. Helping her imaginary students use the bathroom..... 

Wed night swim. 

This Tuesday Gpa Shoemaker passed away. I didn't tell the kids bc I knew they would take it to heart and want to discuss, etc which I just wasn't feeling up to. My dad filled me in on the details of grandpa's last few days, hours, minutes and I in turn told Jim. Jim's immediate response was "There was just so much love [for him, surrounding him, etc...]" And there was- his wife of 63 years, 3 children, a son in law and daughter in law and 2 of his grandchildren were with him in his final moments. He was a loving and devoted husband and father and grandfather and I can't even imagine what else bc I entered his life when he was already 49.  The price we all pay for the gift of having him in our life is the hole in our hearts left by his departure.  I know we all will miss him manning the grill at our picnics, that infectious laugh, the cold beer he would press on our cheeks or the backs of our necks as he walked by, his stories, his dancing, his accent, his freshly mowed lawns, his constant presence.  What a blessing. 

We love you, Grandpa.

Activities

School started a few weeks ago but this week things got cray. All activities started (aside from Hill's school which starts tomorrow). Wednesday night happened to be swim lessons. 

Jack has a private lesson at 515 and Hill has a group class w her buddy Hannah at 545. 

Jack was like swimming laps. It was crazy. She has a new swim teacher though (brown haired lady below teaches both of them) and she misses Miss Sasha (blonde chick right behind the brunette). Probs!

Jack has been adjusting to the new schedule better this week and actually comes home not being rude- or at least giving us warning "I'm feeling grumpy right now." Fair enough. 

But mostly she has just been happy. Woohoo! 

Macaroni suffering as usual.

My girl. 

Play date w the preschool folk at Abby's.