Austin is 4!

Guess who started soccer this week. I mean, how cute is this?

Our favorite little man turned four on Monday and he eagerly tells anyone who will listen about the stranger who gave him balloons when Mommy was in the shower. As it turns out, his Gran had them delivered. He insisted we all sing happy birthday from our own homes since showing up for cake that evening was out of the question. Lauren and Taylor, God love them, put each family on dual calls on multiple devices so his birthday song would feel complete. Lauren accused us all of being responsible for his expectation and roared when he turned his fan club into the tiny picture on all the devices so he could more fully admire himself. Goodness, we adore this kid. 

This is our dating life at the moment. Coffee and tea in the car while we wait on Kate to wrap up teaching preschoolers gymnastics. It's pretty glamorous. 

After several frustrating points of contact, I am finally seeing the surgeon Tuesday for a conversation about next steps. Whereas we know the abnormal tissue is not malignant, it is also a rare situation. As it turns out, this kind of abnormality is usually found in young men. I am neither of those things; young or male. I'm curious to see what the specialist recommends and am relieved the discussion is finally scheduled. 

Kate got to skip Spanish class to check out fighter helicopters that came to visit the ROTC students this week. She loved it and after messaging the family with threats of enlisting, our awesome son-in-law sent photos from his basic training induction and a strong warning. 

Kate babysat a lot, dress shopped for a dance and had a good laugh at her mother's expense. The dress is the only new item added to her week. Apparently I am cheap entertainment but when she complained about knee pain, I held up my hand and ordered her to stop, "I am all done now. I am not taking any further complaints. Go with God." She fell over laughing and started frantically texting. I asked who she was telling about my thoughtful parenting and she laughed, "everyone." Fantastic. 

Ava drew a portrait of me and Greg. She decided he should have spiky hair. As it turns out, he at one time did have spiky hair and I have evidence that delighted Ava.

Last Saturday looked vastly different than this Saturday. We had friends over for dinner and sat on the deck all day. Today, by contrast was a windy high of 25 brutal degrees. Wake me when it's over.

The boy has a school dance next week and he is not delighted by the prospect. However, as he is quickly learning, a girlfriend means he gets to attend dances anyway. 

Once again, proud of Erin.