Now that is my daughter. Yes, great day for playing outside. As long as she doesn't have to stop reading to do it.

Yes, it's May now, but Santa hats (and Christmas pj's) still sometimes make an appearance at our breakfast table. Liam is not amused.

Almost every Tuesday morning since September, you have gone to class at the Nature Center. Your sisters spent the year that they were four the same way. You've learned about bugs, and hibernation, and lizards. You told me last week about pollination, and this week what a bearded dragon is. You tell me about Gwendolyn, and Maisie, and one month Calla did it with you. I miss you by the time 2 hours is up, but it's good practice for kindergarten next year.

A few minutes before this was taken, Fiona was wearing her winter coat over that swimsuit. That's totally normal, right? In Michigan, it is.

Rowan returning triumphant from her first sleepover, at G's house. Her sisters missed her a lot. Liam was confused when he looked for her under her covers this morning, and she wasn't there. It was noticeably quieter at home, which you wouldn't really think would be the case when you're down to three kids from four.

Really, I hate Playdoh. The mess, mostly. But you kids love it. And you are now old enough to play with it without eating it, so you get to join in on the fun.

You stacked as high as you can go so far. So annoying when I take a picture of it instead of stacking the next one!

Often, when we sit in the pickup line at school in the afternoons, Sarah visits us. It's one of the nice things about this year, with K and W starting school at the same place we go. On this day, she brought K, who was out sick. When K started showing us her very wiggly front tooth, you got squeamish.

"Every little thing she does is magic" To you it is. All the things that make Saoirse unique are right up your alley. She's loud, and silly, and will do just about anything for a laugh. She's patient with you, and willing to repeat things over and over if they entertain you. She's enthusiastic about small things in a way that few people keep past the age of 5 or so. You love her so much.

This is what it's like, taking you two grocery shopping. She runs and dances and skips around. You watch her, beg for snacks when we buy something you have to have NOW, like pita bread. It's not nearly as quick or efficient as doing it alone. Some days it's more entertaining though.

And here we are, back to the craziness.

This didn't have to be my picture of the day. There were other candidates. Liam adorably sleeping in my bed this morning, lying along the headboard. Fiona posing with her very first soccer trophy, and Saoirse pouting in the stands at the game where she won it. But this one wins the day for me. My love and me, on our way out to see the Avett Brothers, while all the kids stay behind with Grandma and Grandpa. We don't get many nights out, just the two of us. But when we do, it's good to remember how, and why, we got here.

The weather is finally warm enough for the first bonfire of the year. Of course, last year we did the same thing, and the next day it started snowing again. Let's hope that doesn't happen this year. Tonight, though, it's warm and beautiful. Burgers are on the grill, kids are chasing each other around. There are beers, S'Mores, glow sticks and a disco light for the kids to dance in. I hope there are lots more of these nights.

For a long time, Liam, you would only let me or Daddy read to you. Just in this last few weeks, you have realized that your sisters can also do it, and this means more chances to be read to. So you've started asking them, too. Fiona can't actually read, but it's the same to you, because she has all the board books memorized. This is one of your favorites right now, Roar Baby Roar. Opening the flaps is so fun that often you don't wait for the words to be read before you do it.

That's my baby boy, going in for the kiss on his own reflection. How could he resist kissing that adorable face?

"Did you get the picture you wanted, Mama?"
"Nope. But I got one I loved, which is even better."

After a weekend of having him home, everyone is sad to see your Daddy go back to work. It eases the blow a bit when he can go in late on a Monday morning. This morning it meant he had some time for the playground before he left.

10th in his age group, 128th overall! Amazing results for his first race. And he got to touch the banner after running through the tunnel at the Big House. A pretty good Sunday morning.

Tomorrow your dad will be running his first ever 5k race. Fiona says, "I hope you win, Daddy!" Picking up the race packet today was a fun trip for everyone. Crisler Arena smells like a pool, according to you girls.

This is what it's like waiting for food in a restaurant. Sitting still quietly is not really your strong suit, to be honest, Saoirse. Wild silliness is.

You can make the most mundane game into an opera, baby girl. I wish you'd never lose that.

Second week in, still sick.

Cranky baby waking up from a nap with sweaty bedhead.

Easter morning, Grandpa's visiting.

Rewatching the Spring Game after being there in person.

"I think it's a baby worm."

Seriously. Ever?

Will we ever be well again?