Moo Moving on up!

Dear Maya & Emi,

It feels like we've been on a rollercoaster for the last few weeks and suddenly, at 11:30 this morning, we suddenly jumped off when you came home from your last day of kindergarten, Maya! Here it is in order of all that's happened:

• Maya, mommy accompanied you on your class field trip to a dairy farm! You enjoyed feeding the cows and their cute little blind pet sheep, Booboo. Mommy enjoyed watching you interact with the animals and your friends. It was a fun time!

• As soon as we got home from your field trip we headed to help Grandma and Papa Stan unpack their belongings at their new house! It's only about 10 minutes away and it's so comfy and fun for you both to explore. You're already asking to go over as much as possible!
  
• The next day we had to put Clio to sleep. Emi, you went to hang out with your cousins while Maya and I took her. Maya, you were unbelievably strong and sweet as you said your goodbyes to our kitty. We buried her in the backyard at Grandma's house and honored her with peonies (a few bloomed just in time!), a ring of pine cones that you two collected, and a little incense from Japan. We miss her but it comforts us all to be able to visit her little grave.
  
• This past weekend was Father's Day! We were really busy but we did give 'baba' lots of love and attention. Maya, you kept on making and finding more gifts for him on top of the cool art kit and shorts you bought him and the card and picture frame from school. It was really sweet!

• Yesterday was your kindergarten moving up ceremony, Maya! Grandma, Emi and mommy attended. After a slideshow and a few songs from all the students in the auditorium, we went to your classroom for snacks and to hang out for a bit. Emi, your big sister took such great care of you, getting extra snacks and making sure you had everything you needed. Maya, you (and mommy) will miss your awesome teacher Ms. Eckhart, but I know you'll do well in 1st grade!

• And finally, today was your last day of school! 

Mommy has some fun things planned for our summer and I can't wait to surprise you. Love you both!

Birthdays and kitty celebrations

Dear Maya and Emi,

The problem with mommy only blogging every three weeks or so now is that I accumulate such a list of things to say and photos to show. This blog post is all about celebrations--of motherhood, of birthdays, and of a very special kitty. Here goes:

• Mother's Day weekend: mommy was a bit busy but we did have some quality time together as you can see by these silly photos. We also pitched in together to clean and organize the porch and deck to prepare for summertime fun. Thank you girls for the gifts and crafts you gave me!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Photo location scouting with you, Maya: look at this huge patch of forget-me-nots!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Memorial Day weekend = Nanny's birthday party!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• A birthday party for Kelsie (and Bobbie, long distance)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• And finally, we are celebrating our dear kitty Clio because we've just found out she won't be with us much longer. Her kidneys are failing her and we'll be putting her to sleep sometime soon. Maya, when we told you the news yesterday we were astounded by how well you took it. After a few quiet tears and a strong squeeze, you asked us if we could bury her and get her a gravestone. Emi, I don't think you quite understand yet, but you've been very gentle to Clio because you know she is sick.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  We're all going to miss Clio so, so much, but I'm glad we get to treasure these last days with her. And as always, I love you both!