Happy Halloween!

Here's a picture of Mommy and the new baby at the end of August, at 23 weeks. Mommy might not share any more of these pictures, as she seems to be getting too large to fit into the picture. Third time's a charm, I guess.

Our last few months haven't been terribly well documented in photographs, mostly because we haven't done much besides attend school and various lessons and watch Mommy try not to get sick while lying on the couch. However, we *have* managed to practice violin almost every single day since returning from the NM Suzuki Institute. I believe that I am in a race with my friend Analise so I am learning new songs feverishly, hoping to catch up to her. I am perfecting my Book 1 songs for my upcoming recital (TBA) and am plowing through Book 2, where I am learning "Musette." Look at me go! Don't mind the steam cleaner in the background, Mommy has developed a superstitious belief that putting it away will result in someone soiling the rug within 24 hours. Because it is true.



Madeline is still mastering her Twinkles, but she's made lots of progress lately. Sometimes violin music makes Cleo kind of nervous.

Overheard: Isabel, do you know what a noun is? Cuz I do.

Isabel plays "Minuet I" for her Honors Solo Recital and the NM Suzuki Institute. She is accompanied, humorously enough, by SU's Kiyoshi Tamagawa.

First day of school!

Both girls are in school-- now Mommy has time to sit around and eat bon bons.... er, or finish her thesis. Mommy's not terribly interested in eating lately.

Fancy tea party birthday

Mommy bucked up to prepare scones, cucumber sandwiches, miniquiches, and berries for Madeline's birthday tea party, though she was then too grossed out by the food to eat for the rest of the weekend.

Madeline with her friend Fi.

Madeline with Kathryn.

The big surprise-- after the party, one of Daddy's bike friends showed up in Madeline's very favorite thing-- a RED JEEP-- and took us for a ride!

Madeline turns 5

First birthday cake not made by Mommy. I was excited to see Puppup on it.

Callie, Aurora, and Luke were here to celebrate with me.

A brief downpour

By the time Madeline was all ready in her raingear, it was nearly over.

Happy Easter!