She got off the carpeted treadmill mountain and climbed back up the wall. It’s like they designed this joint just for Meryl. She didn’t want to leave!

All geared up and ready to go! Holmes looked the part, played the part…and enjoyed giggling away when he decided what ‘his’ part was, knowing that it wasn’t what the coach directed:) Organized sports for two-year-olds, more like structured chaos.

Nope? We don’t either! We’ve entered the summer of ‘hiking’ in the backyard and striking up conversations with neighbors…thank you for chatting, Margy and Alison! (Meryl’s social life appreciates it.)

Swimming is going swimmingly! Meryl has gone from telling Sally her greatest fears to discussing how far she’s able to swim by herself:) Flippers add so much confidence!

Holmes is a champion belly floater:)

…And the leaf peeper:)

Why pick berries off the branch when you can bring the branch to your mouth?

We were all on TV last week! Holmes put on shoes, Meryl flopped on a bean bag, and we talked about how lucky we are for our kids to be in preschool. Hilltop shape shifted all throughout this past year to meet changing rules and policies, teachers adapted beyond comprehension, and kids learned to see themselves a part of communities and how to work together to keep everyone safe. With Frank on the Board and me on the Finance Committee, we too have learned so much…and are incredibly thankful.

Kyra and Lainie flew up from San Francisco to have dinner with us! It’s an understatement to say that it was wonderful to see them:)

We’ve been having backyard dinners with our neighbors (thank you, vaccines!), and last night we literally sprinted after the ice cream truck. First time catching the truck:) Hello, summer!

Of course he picked the biggest most colorful treat!

Why? Because testing sweetness thresholds is exactly what kids do best.

What a treat! He showed off his soccer cleats (squeezed into Meryl’s old cleats) that he wore for the entire evening and he told her all about his favorite vehicles:) Soccer for Holmes starts this weekend!

Still a fascination:)

Neighborhood chickens are the best! These ladies live across the street. And had we not left to eat our own dinner, this troop might have added to their coop:)

Voila! Melody Strawberries and crepes a la Dad. Whipped cream in a can, well, it’s becoming more and more a pantry staple. (Thanks, Lisa! We’ve re-ordered the GF mix as it’s great!)