Chicago: Maya Loves Her Cuzzies

Maya had a wonderful time with Grammy and Papa, but she also loved spending time with her cousins and their wonderful parents, Aunt Shelly and Uncle Mike. Our visit wasn't long enough, but it was very fun.

Sweet treats for everyone at Grammy and Papa's house.

Maya and Aunt Shelly.

Nancy and Maya head for the swings at her Aunt and Uncle's house.

Maya and Andrew playing with a very cool airplane.

Maya with Matthew.

Ryan, Nancy, Maya, and Andrew watching Shelly make dessert.

One more hug for Matthew. We'll miss you!

Chicago: Maya Loves Grammy and Papa

Maya loves Grammy and Papa (big surprise). Maya especially loves making baked treats with them. Here are a few cute shots of the little lady with her grandparents!

"Let's make cookies!"

Grammy and her eager student.

Papa demonstrates proper stirring technique to Maya.

Maya shows us her stirring skill. Excellent.

I'll say it again...Maya loves Grammy and Papa.

Chicago: Downtown Reunion

Lucky for us, we were able to make a quick trip to Chicago for Memorial Day weekend. On Saturday, we took the train into the city with Grammy and got to spend a little time in the heart of Chicago. We also got to meet up with the lovely Mele and her boyfriend, Marty.

The town where we met...nearly 18 years ago.

City girl.

Mommy, Mele, and Marty. Awesome!

Pixar Friends

We made a quick trip to Pixar to visit Jake and Sophie again. An older Maya was enchanted, as always, with all of the characters on display.

Maya hugs her alien friends.

The Incredible family's newest member...Maya.

Maya's First Graduation

Maya just finished her first year of preschool and has now graduated from her 'Frog' year into the 'Eagle' year (the last year before kindergarten). We had a fun party and little ceremony at her school. Maya was very excited.

Party in the play area before the ceremony.

The ceremony starts and every kid is called up by name to get a crown and a diploma.

Maya's turn. Her teacher Kari gives her a crown.

And then she received her diploma.

Happy girl.

"I get to be an Eagle now!"

Hooray!

Office Art

Maya met Daddy at work where she made some serious strategic notes on his white board while he finished up his work.

Daddy started the drawing with the two eyes, nose and mouth in the upper right, and Maya did all the rest. She said, "This is our family. Daddy, Mommy and Maya."

While Mommy's Away...

Our good friend Rina is getting married this summer, so Mommy got to spend the night in Bolinas with the ladies for bachelorette fun. Daddy and Maya had their own fun while Momma was away.

Relaxing with the bride to be, Rina (in the green jacket) in Bolinas.

There was some serious cooking, wine drinking, poker playing, and pinata destroying that occurred at the party. On the morning after, Rina holds what's left of some sort of patriotic goat pinata.

Meanwhile, Maya and Daddy hang out with their headless friends.

(photo by Maya)

They even went to the Golden Gate bridge...

...and wore swimsuits and goggles for dinner.

Half Way!!

We have hit the big halfway mark for the inside time for baby brother. Here a some pics of the current state of affairs...

After a breakfast of eggs, sausage, and bagel with cream cheese and capers...

...here's the latest belly shot.

Rubbing the belly for good luck.