It’s about time. Day after spring day, we have ventured out into the faded, wet cold. Yesterday, we finally felt the warmth of those familiar beach rays. After a morning bike ride to the sea, we decided to spend the afternoon braving the jet noise in our own backyard with fruit (i.e. kale and spinach) pops, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles. 

In the previous posting, what you don’t see is Winnie fussing from the dock, determined to join our paddle. On Saturday afternoon, we set out to find a life jacket small enough to allow our little amphibian the means to safely get closer to the water. Or, shall I say, delightedly submerge herself in the 59 degree inlet around the corner. 

Celebrating year two with the one I hoped for.

We took Winnie to see a bit of French and American Impressionism. Who knew the smooth, open hardwoods of the Chrysler Museum would inspire our three-months-a-walker ballerina to kick up her tiny leather shoes.

A break in the clouds allowed for some brief but gleeful play in the sand with Grandma.

Ten months ago, our young bird dog hopped in her crate for the long drive back to Mom and Bobby’s house. She thrilled Winnie with a stay on our couch for a couple days this week.

In training.

Exploring the wonder of bogs and canopies this Mother’s Day. So thankful that we will be able to celebrate Hippie Grandma in person tomorrow night. 

After church, we take off our dresses, and wrestle. Sigh. I claim zero responsibility for this pre-nap ritual. The only time-outs are for navel gazing. Winnie has noticed that mine has popped, and is awaiting the day that her little innie will do the same. 

Just following grad school, Jamie, my gracious Catholic schoolmate, agreed to join me in a pew at my neighborhood St. Bartholomew’s as I sought a more liturgical, sovereign style of worship. Five years later, I stood beside my best friend while we exchanged marriage vows at St. Paul’s, the oldest Episcopal church in Tennessee. A few months ago, Winnie Girl was baptized at Galilee, our home church, with a seashell brimming with water, facing the sea. Yesterday, we knelt before a bishop, and were received as members of the Episcopal church.