Elizabeth found a group of older girls and subsequently stayed put the rest of the night. The tween girls just doted over her and she was treated like quite a princess. We were then able to enjoy actual adult conversations with our neighbors.
It has been easyish to tell people in person but for some reason very difficult to write down but since so many people have been asking, sending well wishes and prayers I know I must share with my friends that my mom died on June 2nd. As was so beautifully said by another... 'Henriette, we hope your first week in Heaven was more splendid than you ever imagined! And we imagine that Heaven is even a bit more splendid since you arrived.'
Despite the sadness I am well aware that we as a family are just so blessed!
It's always nice to have the girls together. Now that they are getting a little older they are playing together more without the need for parental involvement.
They sat down to play what was supposed to be a catch game, but instead....
practiced their soccer headers.
Elizabeth is thrilled to hold, hug and sit close to all her friends. It is especially exciting to hold her little friend Sylvan although we are a bit bitter that her parents are moving her to Madison.
Mother's Day from Laura McGregor on Vimeo.
We celebrated Passover with Mimi, Poppop, Judith and Anneka's family again. It is becoming a tradition or at least second annual. The girls managed to master the art of relaxing as you are supposed to do this holiday. This is the only moment they were actually sitting still, well except when Popsicles were served (in our version the Jews in Egypt got Popsicles once freed). 
As we ate dinner they ran and screamed and played. Masks were donned to represent the plagues. This portion of the Passover story was told gently so as not to disturb the young ones listening however this old one is just as disturbed by the story of pestilence, frogs and boils.
Untitled from kathleen mcgregor on Vimeo.
Alice is 10 months older and Elizabeth is really able to learn a few things from her. She just follows her around and does a good job of keeping up.
Spent Sunday morning with Shauna and Maeve. Maeve is 10 months younger than Elizabeth so we were able to show off our big girl ways a bit. The weekend was like have a built in Montessori lesson of learning from the older and teaching the younger.
Turned 40 this week and have really made it a week long celebration. Party 1 on Saturday in hotlanta, party 2 at home with my family and party 3 with girl friends on Thursday night. Saw photos of my 30th birthday and the same group of gals were out with me then. We have a good little life here. A good week for sure.
Untitled from kathleen mcgregor on Vimeo.
Aunt Sara and Uncle Nick came to visit this past weekend. Elizabeth was beyond thrilled and had a ball. There were visits to the park, kids museums, exploration of Seattle and fun crazy play around the house on rainy days. Of course we have few photos as Sara is a photographer by profession hence we leave the photo taking to her.
Finally on a trike ride today we busted out the camera to capture the visit. I'm sure there will be some professional photos to share in a few weeks. These will do for now.
We miss you already!!
Aunt Laura and the girls made a fabulous rainbow cake together. Kathryn was turning eight and I am not certain why Laura is threatening her for her birthday. Put down the knife.
There was much crawling over, stepping and jumping on Uncle Bill.
Everyone had a chance to love on the dogs but not until mom was done cuddling. Same with the kids.
After much explaining that no we are not getting on a 6 hour flight to Maui today but instead will put on our winter coats, woolly hats and umbrella (cause you never know if it will rain) and our sunglasses like at the vacation condo house. Won't that be fun? She was eventually convinced
We started playing at the beach and had a little surprise in store for her that brought the smile below to her face.
Our friends arrived and nothing is better than a play date. It brought Lila just as much joy to have Elizabeth there.
The girls had some brief quiet chatting on a log but that didn't last long.
There is sand at the beach and sand is meant to be laid in and
poured over your bodies. Seriously. We got home and found sand in ears, naval and bottom.
It might not be Maui but it will do in a pinch.
Little monkey man Oscar gets right in there. He doesn't get left behind and finds the girls a hoot to watch.
The reading was especially interesting to watch as they will share with each other little fun things in their books. I was telling my mom about our weekend. She commented that we are so blessed to have found our own family of friends out here in the Pacific Northwest. I can't wait for some fun Westie trips with them this summer. 
Alice reads to Elizabeth and offer potty demonstrations.
Lila is our dancing and dress up in pretty dresses friend. Lila loves her music.
Oh and both these girls are always game for a kiss. They are just sugar sweet cuddle love pies.
