A Visit from Seth and Nichole

As we were moving in, Ollie rediscovered his highchair and insisted on having a snack in it.

Indie Leif...doing what he does best. :)

Hello, handsome!

Playing in the backyard with Nichole. Ollie ADORED Nichole and followed her everywhere. She was so sweet with him, and he poured his heart out to her...chattering away, nonstop, all day long. Here, she gets a little break from the constant dialogue with a bit of outdoor play. Poor Ollie hasn't had much yard play since. One of our neighbors caught a water moccasin near their house, and I've been afraid to let him just run and play in the grass since then. Ollie insists the snakes are his friends...but I'm not convinced.

Seth, "Seff," and Ollie. Ollie wanted to do everything Seth did. First thing each morning, he was asking about Seth. At bedtime, he wanted Seth to read stories. Ollie was thrilled about having a new playmate...and Seth was game for entering into Ollie's world of pretend and joining right in! What an awesome uncle.

A living sculpture.

Me and my little brother.

Seth and Pudgebucket...AKA Indie.

Working in the kitchen.

Blending. As you can see, Ollie's still a little scared of the blender.

An evening trip to the beach.

Indie in his beach pose.

Nichole, Seth & Ollie.

Nichole and Indie Leif.

Ollie takes the wheel of Seth & Nichole's car.

Watercolor painting with Nichole.

Indie and Mama. Indie is now two months old!

Siblings. I miss my brother and having him here was so amazing. Thank you, Seth and Nichole, for making this visit a reality.

Saying goodbye.

I love this picture. Ollie loves apples. He's been eating one or two a day lately. Crazy.

Hee hee! Ollie started burying Indie with stuffed animals...and since Indie didn't seem to mind, I let him keep going. And, of course, I ran to get the camera.

Ollie (2 1/2 years)

Indie Leif (2 months)



A pretty cool Ollie-invented game. Apparently, the dustpan is a "net" in which to catch a basketball.

Seth and Ollie meditating. Seth spent quite a while tutoring Ollie...and Ollie was totally into it. I caught just the last moments of the session on camera.

Graduation, Goodbyes, & Arrivals

GRADUATION

Part of my cheering section. The guy in green slept through the entire event. :)

Christopher was amazing throughout the festivities...caring for both boys during long ceremonies, managing to take pictures, and surrounding me with lots of love and encouragement. Just a sampling of everything he did to support me throughout the last three years.

It was nice being able to share the day with good friends. Sean received his M.Div. while I received my M.A.R. in Ethics (Master of Arts in Religion). Both of us managed to graduate summa cum laude. Hooray! I'm guessing all of those playdates helped.

Getting a little exercise.

Snoozing.

I love this picture.

Dean Emilie Townes

Ollie wanted to be decked out for graduation, as well! He chose stickers over a cap and gown.

Ollie wanted to nurse Indie when we got home. Christopher and I had a hard time keeping straight faces...but he was so earnest.

Since Ollie was born during my first semester at Yale--and was the inspiration behind most of my work--it was only appropriate that he accompany me to receive "our" degree. Of course, Indie was born my last semester...but I wasn't quite confident enough in my ability to walk with both boys without falling! Ollie had fun seeing Dean Townes who always welcomed Ollie into her seminars.

The big moment! Dean Attridge is actually shaking my hand...the one that is holding Ollie, believe it or not.

Taking care of Indie.

Ollie kept asking me, "Are we graduating?"

So cheerful. Heehee. I'm sitting next to a friend, and next door neighbor actually, from when I was an undergrad. Small world.

The three of us all went to the same college. Go Pipers!

GOODBYE TO DEAR FRIENDS

Ollie misses his playmate Luna, and I miss here mama, Tina! If Indie were any older, he would be missing Luna's little sister, too, I'm sure. We are so thankful for our friends. It was not easy to say goodbye.

Cheese!

Ronja and Indie

We miss you, Sean! Sean came our last day in town to help us finish packing up. As always, he was a great help and found time to play with the boys, as well. I hope we can all see each other soon.

One of Ollie's favorite things to do was to "work" with Micah in the bookstore. Ollie had so many great role models and buddies. I hope Indie gets the chance to know Micah, too!

Ollie saying goodbye to Dean Peterson. Dale always took a few minutes to sit on the floor with Ollie by the candy bowl. Another one of Ollie's favorite stops at school.

Saying goodbye to Michael and Micah.

Goodbye to our home of two years!

Our back door and playground. Christopher and Ollie put together some of the equipment...so it's extra special to us!

Our New Home

Indie Leif is NOT a fan of getting his toes wet in the ocean.

Since we basically live on the beach, we are spending as much time as possible by the water...which Ollie LOVES. On this morning, we got to watch two dolphins. Ollie's favorite beach activities are watching surfers, jumping into waves, talking to his "friends" (little crabs that come out in the evening), and--of course--building sand castles with Daddy. Indie (surprise surprise) likes to sleep.