One of the great things about starting this blog is that everyday I now  LOOK FOR all the good and great and fantastic things around me.  I also notice all the interesting and wonderful people around me too.  I guess this is why people who have been there and done that say to keep a journal.  There are things that I always want to remember and I feel more motivated to write about them now that I blog. 

For example, Ali, when we walk somewhere (like into the store or to the car) always slips her hand in mine.  She has done this for as long as she has been able to stand on two legs.  I'm so use to it that I just expect it.  I've noticed that now that she is getting older and on her own more (like at school) she doesn't do it as much.  I will honestly mourn the day she doesn't do it anymore. 

And speaking of Ali, check out these pictures that she and Kate took (one of the best things about digital?  The surprise pictures that my kids take).


Ali being attacked by a stuffed octopus



We brought the kids back these stuffed octopuses from our Oregon trip.  That's the kind of souvenirs that you get when your mom is a marine invertebrate fanatic.  Obviously, the kids have made the best of them.

One more thing about Ali.  Check out this video.  We worked with her for a few weeks before we let her go on her own (unlike Kate who just took off).