a friday at the lake

 Two weeks ago it was still frozen, but not anymore

 Here's the lagoon at the resort next door, also thawed now:

 Julia noticed a snake hiding in the leaves:

And then we came home and got busy with this.

At first Jay tried to boil the eggs in an aluminum pan, but it specifically says no aluminum.  I googled to find out what would happen, but there wasn't a specific answer, just don't.

Okay, then.

Heather came too, and we left the dye in cups for James when he gets home from work and for Julia, who is off on an adventure with Suzanne, her prayer partner.

Suzanne took her to Macy's Flower Show, and for supper, and then at 8pm to the theater to see a play--Anne of Green Gables.

Julia was very excited.
And tomorrow is Easter.

love always, Val

pictures from the party

We had a birthday party on Thursday for Little Jay and Kari--a day late for his, a little early for Kari.

 Power heroes and a tiger and muscle man were there.  These are pictures Kirsten took.

I told my mom these are the Where's Waldo pictures, wide photo of a mob:

Cake time!

Happy Birthday Jay and Lydia.

We're all lucky having you.   love, Mom and Dad and Everybody

jay's 23

I swiped a bunch of pictures from Desi.

She and I are still getting to know each other, but we definitely share such affection for YOU.

 An Easter from another year, cute.

 Buddies up in the room:

Here you are as a young squirrel:

 A beautiful teenager:

 And this family classic:

 I heard weird noises and asked Dan what you were doing.  He said something like, "He's not doing anything."

As I remember I said, "I think he's doing something.  Ask him."

At that point you opened the toilet to show Dan exactly what you were up to.

But that was also like 20 years ago, so I may not have this exactly right.

This picture is you and me, back when I was thirty and you were a stunning chubby baby:

 This is one of my favorite pictures, you and little Kirby-

Here's the thing--you are such a fucking spectacular son.

(I used that word just for you.)

I could not love you more. Thanks for being mine.

Happy Birthday, Buddy.

love, Mom (and Dad and Everybody)