Out with the green, in with the purple

Laurel graduated from Green Belt to Purple Belt in karate this past week. She's committed to a black belt program and we have no doubts she'll do it. Way to go!

Growing up fast

This past week was a rough one for Laurel's face - first the braces went back on (we've been waiting for that for months), and then, on Saturday, another step into tweens: ear piercing! Ron, our hangar's owner, said this was the beginning of piercing mania - what's next, bellybutton? tongue? - but for now this is it. She looks great.



Madison's a couple of years away from piercing and she's not happy. Note the "mood ring" - it's always blue, whatever that means.

Autumn comes early

Fall came with a bang this year. Our leaves peaked this past weekend; unfortunately we had some tremendous winds all day Friday and Saturday which blew most of them off the trees, so we're almost to that winter-bare look.



We heard all kinds of rave reviews about fire pits last year but didn't quite understand until a couple of weeks ago, when we bought a nice, big brass one. It really puts out the heat and has been an endless source of fascination for the girls. S'mores are now a frequent treat, not reserved for those rare camping nights. So far the woods behind the house haven't caught on fire.

Many of the pictures here were taken by my budding little photographer, Madison (that's her at the top, aiming the badminton birdie at Mom). Thank Heavens for digital - she shot about 10 film rolls' worth....