one last bit of wonderfulness

We end a weekend of celebrations today. But it doesn't feel like an end really. For one thing, it has so many new beginnings that the terminology here is complicated and not altogether helpful. For instance, this weekend was the first grandchild's birthday that we could celebrate with the whole family since the pandemic. And here's a big first - it was my first time that I could see all five grandkids at the same moment, in the same space. We tried for a photo yesterday and then again today.  Instructions fly for the kids to do this, quit doing that, push the hair back, keep fingers out of mouth, etc. but even though they listen and try, inevitably, there will be a babe who feels put upon and so some soothing words and cuddles take place and then we again remind her to do this, and him to do that and then the other babe will have had enough! It's all very fun and funny. Here's today's best effort: 

But of course, all that came later in the day. In the earlier hours, I could still blend into a Sunday morning with my younger daughter and her family. My breakfast, for instance, was with Primrose.

Though Juniper wasn't too far away!

Primrose has an early morning ballet class (remember? I attended a few weeks ago, when I was last in Chicago) and we drive over to the studio together: mom, grandma and the dancer.

And from here, we head over to the Chicago grandparents' home where we are treated to a splendid brunch. Both young families, together! 

As the big kids play, and Sandpiper wanders around trying not to crash into some unfamiliar object or person, I have a chance to spend some time with Juniper. She and I happen to match today!

I suppose pictures are not the only markers of moods, but still, they do tell the story, or a story very well. As you know, for me they matter. Perhaps I wasn't born with a visual mind, but I surely went in that direction in life. I began taking pictures when I was in elementary school and by high school I was quite serious about it, even though film was expensive and black and white, and I could only do so much with my camera. When we crossed over to digital photography, the doors opened wide for me, not so much for the sake of the art form, but because I am a story teller (good or bad, it doesn't matter -- my days unfold along story lines) and illustrations are very much a part of my narrative.

So let me post just a few more from the brunch. I'm focusing on those whom I don't see on a daily basis. It's my last chance to catch a moment and build a wall of permanence around it as I move ahead with this great project of mine -- to record and to fashion stories out of a day's events -- pieces of which you see here on Ocean.

(We're all taking quizzes to see which character from the movie Encanto matches each of us.)

(too young to participate in that activity...)

(Perfect age for lap play)

I drive home in brilliant sunshine. Not much time to unpack or take stock. Ed is biking, I'm in the kitchen fixing a quick dinner. Yes, the Madison young family is coming over tonight! We'll be missing some Sunday dinners in the weeks to come, so today we get together one more time, in this smaller group. 

Yes, yes, I miss the younger family. I wish they lived around the corner. Nonetheless, we all do live on the same planet and look up at the same sky and come night time, sleep under the same moon.

To all of you patient and good souls -- good night. It's been so very special sharing this weekend with you.

With love...