When Ideal Parenting Becomes Less of a Priority

It certainly isn't a regular occurrence, but there are moments when I simply acquiesce to the persistence of Anders and Jorja's demands. Evenings at the dinner table tend to be particularly fragile ones...

No underwear? Go for it! Thick, cotton tights in all weather? Excellent choice! A video on our laptop? Why not? But hey, at least they're eating tofu cubes, avocado, and nectarines for dinner.

A Favorite Place

I can't specifically pinpoint what it is about the beach -- and bodies of water in general -- that I find addictive, but I find it ridiculously easy to spend hours there. Whether it's the saltwater, sea creatures, rocks, driftwood, or overall expansiveness of it all, the kiddos seem to be in agreement.

Dirt and Dance

The kiddos have kept us busy this last month with walks through the nearby ravine to scout for worms, dance performances, and general nearly-4-year-old demands, ahem, requests. We've also acquired two additional chickens -- both Buff Orpingtons -- which Anders and Jorja have named Flamingo and Fluffy.

Jorja stream-hopping in the ravine.



Meg and Jorja working on their shadow puppetry.



An early worm discovery.



Searching for bug life.



Dance performance warm-up.



Anders starting a foam antler trend.



Drumming with the foam rollers.



Toe exercises with Teacher Emily.



My dancing girl.



My dancing boy.



At one point, Jorja managed to tuck her dress into the back of her tights and dance around the studio with her hot pink tights in full effect.



Teacher Emily's attempt at staging a photo-opportunity for the audience.