First half of 2026

 

Dear Maya & Emi, 

Another 6 months have passed without a blog post--whoops! Our days and weeks and months are so busy that the years seem to be speeding by. Here's what we've been up to...

• Art--Maya, you had a piece of your artwork in an exhibit at the local community college, and had several pieces in a show at school. You also had a history project to do that you made into a really cool origami collage: 

• Music--Emi, you had 2 band/chorus concerts, 2 all-county concerts, a NYSSMA competition, and 2 ukulele performances. Maya, you also had a band concert that was excellent. Whew!

• Family--we celebrated our family as often as possible! Grandma's birthday, Baba's birthday, Grace and Papa Stan's birthdays, Aunt Bobbie & Kelsie's birthday, and Father's Day:

• Easter: We celebrated with an egg hunt at our house early, and then at Grandma and Papa Stan's house on Easter day: 

• Museums--We went to the The Clark art museum and also Art Omi sculpture park:

• Saffron--We lost Saffron in April after having her for just under a year. We miss her dearly but we're so happy we were able to be her loving retirement home!

• Style updates--Emi, you've added bangs, pierced ears, and so, so many pony bead accessories to your style this last 6 months!

• School stuff--Emi, you participated in your last Learning Fair with a project on worm holes (!!!) and you also won just about every award they had at the year-end ceremony. You had so many medals around your neck that they clanged together every time you got called back to the stage:

• Dressing up--Maya, you and your friends dressed up for Spirit Week and ended up in the yearbook. Mommy dressed up to march in the Pride Parade with my choir and you both watched with your friends from the sidelines. You both also went to a Renaissance Faire in handmade costumes. So much fun:

• Last day of school--Emi, you graduated elementary school (eek!!) and Maya, you finished your freshman year of high school (double eek!!): 

• Party--Maya, as always we celebrated your half birthday with your friends. You again went with a Hollow Knight theme and your friends brought you such thoughtful gifts. It's amazing how much sushi seven kids can eat:

And now we're gearing up for your birthday later this week, Emi. It's going to be a roaring good time!

Love you both!