A new chapter

Well, Stoddert better brace itself. Amalia started Pre-K today. 

I would've taken more pictures but they kicked the parents out right after reading time. Like pulling a Band-Aid  off. 

2nd grader!

Tradition! First day picture with buddy Gabe. Sadly, they're not in the same class this year. 

Lily and Juliette with Sophie in the background

Amalia hanging out with the big kids.

Ms. Choi, Lily's teacher this year

Chatting with classmate and next door neighbor Zahra

Heading inside for Day One.

Bay Area

California trip, final leg: Bay Area.

In Woodside, hanging out with Piper. 

Piper is a month older than Amalia.

Pedal pushers

"Make a mean face"

Disaster narrowly averted

S'mores!

Bedtime buddies.

Baby Dane

Requisite trip to Stanford. Girls in front of The Claw. 

California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park

Amalia hanging out with a stranger lady. 

Andy and Esper

Nancy and me (photo by Lily)

Joaquim is probably going through Amalia withdrawal. They were kindred spirits. 

Chowing down on salmon sashimi at SFO.  

Chewing on edamame. Ready to go home. 

Foresthill

California trip, stop #2: Foresthill to visit Uncle Charlie, Hannah and Chase

Cannonball

 

Hot tubbin'

Fresh from the tree

 

Rasslin' with Chase

Pierce siblings 2012

Penn Valley

California vacation. First stop: Grandma and Grandpa's house in Lake Wildwood. 

 Like a fish in water. 

Amalia a little less sure. 

  

Prep for crew.

Farmer's market in Grass Valley

 A birthday surprise

Grandpa Colin's golf cart

The artist signing her artwork (from 2 years ago)

Ms. Sassy Pants turns four

When I picked Amalia up from daycare today, her teacher said she'd been "extra spicy today, like she knew she was 4."

Nothing to see here

Sometimes a mom knows to just keep on walking.