School Days

School days and routine are well established by now. 

And I've been able to enjoy some time in the classroom as the mystery reader (Rhys guessed at the end of the five clues it was me!), Centers helper (Claudia was skeptical I would do a good job, but she said I actually did...phew! My Kindergartner is a hard grader all ready. 

And even Dulcie made it to the classroom for Show and Tell - not sure how it all went but it looks like an enthusiastic beginning. 

Just like that -- Autumn is here! 

Remembering Nanny

Look at the Carlson cousins...Marvin and Maria would be proud to see all these great-grandchildren lined up in a row.

Rhys is the oldest down to Thomas born just before my mom died (middle name August for my mom's oldest brother)... and maybe one day there will be more to add (pressure is off me!).

I had a great visit to Minneapolis. It's been almost five months since my mom died....and it was long overdue to get together with some of the people who loved my mom the best.

We have to do this more often...and not just around funerals -  and there are no more marriages to celebrate...at least for the next 20 years.

Children do better (it's been proven!) when they know their family's history...and extended family and cousins are very important in that regard - as are aunts and uncles and great aunts, etc...

I'm glad my children are getting to know some of my relatives - even though they now live around the country -and to form friendships with each other.

Let's make it happen next year - and this time without the grieving part. My mom would have loved it.