we talked & talked & talked (5/2017)

Janell, Susan, and I reunited in DC for a long weekend.  Among other things, (gawking at overpriced homes in Georgetown, driving out to see Fallingwater, gorging on tacos for cinco AND seis de mayo, a visit to Monticello, and a relaxing afternoon at what Mandy thought to be the a"bore"etum), we talked & talked & talked!  There was lots of talking! and giggling! ...and even some crying!  These two friends have: shared in many a prank and crazy college trip, whole-heartedly empathized with the grueling process of getting a graduate degree, showered me with attention when I got married, and love to psychoanalyze people just like me (maybe even more than me!). It was wonderful to be together again!  
  

let's paint, let's party (5/2017)

Dalia has packed a lot of personality into 6 years.  She is decisive, assertive and observant. And there isn't anything I can say she's afraid of.  She works tirelessly to keep up with her siblings: employing eye rolls and head cocks, having a love for the preteen shows her sister watches, and hanging with a pseudo-mature little group of gals.  (who BTW, were recently overheard voting, 'raise your hand if you think I'm cute.')  Dalia is very sweet - though she's always been a bit insecure about that side of herself - often asking for hugs and spending hours taking care of her ever-growing collection of babies and stuffed animals.  She loves to talk and she still has a few funny mispronunciations that will soon be corrected by some well-intentioned teacher.  (i.e. 'elso' instead of also and 'hell' instead of hill)  She has finally cleared a very long 4 year run with molluscum (poor girl may always have a good dermatologist on retainer.) She practices writing all the time and has no hesitation about being wrong.  (Our house is littered with all sorts of adorable, misspelled notes.) ... And, she loves to paint: