Cozy classmates

Getting real

Evelyn enjoyed touring George Mason for the kindergarten open house. Ian and I were struck by how many kids from the Helping Hands will be there and how many Mason kids she already knows. There are some upsides to being the little sister! Speaking of siblings, we ran into Maxton's group working in the hall on our tour! Both kids were delighted by the chance to be together.

Ballerina necks

Evelyn enjoyed showing me how ballerinas hold their heads - and necks! - high and proud.

Swan

Evelyn, post production of the Ugly Duckling

Big hearts

The kids were very worried when we ran out of bags for the homeless in the cars. We made new bags yesterday packed with protein, and decorated them with hearts so the recipients will know we love them. I'm proud of the kids' big hearts and their willingness to do the work to help.

Making a mark

Whistle while you work

Great Falls

Lots of fun to be had hiking and scrambling at Great Falls National Park on a gorgeous spring morning. The kids were fearless Energizer bunnies.

Off to see the Wizards

We had fun at the Wizards game! We won by 21, and enjoyed the food, dancing in our seats, and people watching. Maxton really enjoys watching basketball games and Evelyn loves to cheer and dance!

Still Life

Growing up in front of us

School style

Evelyn found an old shirt of Max's and his old sandals under his bed. She was rocking the look this morning! Amusingly, he wore that shirt at 2 and it fits Evelyn well at 4.5!

Proactive

Max has been struggling with his table's chatty nature and lack of table points. He was upset last night so we had a family conversation. We were so proud of Evelyn's compassion and empathy - she assured him that we don't care if he gets table points, only that he keeps learning lots of new things. Maxton decided to ask for a meeting with his teacher to talk about the challenges he is having and get her advice.

So very impressed by the way both kids handled themselves. As Evelyn told me this morning, "You think I'm little and should go to bed, but I'm a very good helper and know how to help my brother."

Warm and cozy

Snow treat

Warm cocoa and peppermint oranges made for a nice post-lunch treat.

Snow day

Evelyn is thrilled by the snow. Maxton was very unenthusiastic but once he got out loved sledding, snow balls, and his fort-as-Valley-Forge.