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.