{ this moment }

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

We've Been

.: splashing in rain, squishing in mud

.: spending warm summer mornings in the shady backyard: buckets of water, cup of coffee, nowhere to go

.: painting, cleaning up, setting up, daydreaming in our classroom

.: stacking, knocking down, cracking up, stacking up, knocking down, cracking up...

.: watching carefully as these little ones emerge, learn, defy, grow, delight

Three Years Old

On Thursday we celebrated Neva's third birthday!  In keeping with previous birthdays (ok, there have only been two!), it turned out to be a really hot day!  In the morning our sweet friends Kristen and Liem came over for some fun in the backyard.  After a long afternoon nap we headed to the grocery store to pick out a balloon.  Neva even got a lollipop from the man at the wine store!  When we got home Mum Mum and Popeye arrived for a birthday dinner and a few very sweet gifts from family. 

Throughout the day there were many calls from family and friends wishing Neva well on her birthday.  I was so touched to realize what a loved little girl she is and what a gift that is for a child--to be surrounded by love!

I found myself thinking so much during the day of Neva's birth, and what a joy it was to meet her!  I remember so clearly holding her in my arms for the first time and just being amazed at how I could love this person so intensely without knowing anything about her!  Now I have known Neva for three years and she is still such a delight to my heart!