happy (birthday) dog

249/365: rocco in motion

Wednesday was Rocco’s 1st birthday! so we squeezed in a quick trip to the off-leash dog park to celebrate. We are blessed with a cadillac of a park nearby – huge and forested with hiking, swimming, and plenty of running for our pony of a pup.

While he has been a challenge at home, he is universally good-natured at the dog park: he loves everybody. Rocco’s favorite thing is finding another dog to chase him. My favorite part is the way the terrain brings out the mountain dog in him. He’s genetically predisposed to navigate the steep, rocky hills with ease.

It is a happy place for him. And it’s contagious.

weird science

Action-packed family field trip yesterday via the new green line train to St. Paul. We visited the Science Museum of Minnesota, had lunch, and explored our twin city, all in honor of Sawyer’s 11th birthday. From pre-history to the farthest reaches of space and back to Minneapolis, all in one day. What a ride! What a kid!

86/365: science museum

green gifts

No disrespect to the other gifts, but the best one that Zola got – hands down – is the ‘watch it grow’ bulb garden. It’s sitting in the middle of our dining room table and delighting us all as each fresh, delicate bloom emerges. Definitely the gift that keeps giving! Thanks, Layla 🙂

70/365: grape hyacinth

celebration

Our baby girl is seven. As time flies ever faster, I’m reminded to soak up every moment of sweetness.

Happy birthday, dear Zola. May all your wishes come true.

67/365: birthday girl

03.31.13 happy / birthday

I’ve been in love with this boy since the moment our eyes first met. Deep thinker, inventor, total goofball, nature lover. This kid came wired with kindness and compassion as well as a love of drama. And sweatpants. Something about Sawyer just tugs at your heart and makes you feel happy.  Especially when he’s happy too.

90/365: sawyer’s 9th birthday