Auntie Lamya and Auntie Kate always spoil us

What a beautiful outfit.

Thank you so much, Aunties!  

We love you!!!

(and not just because you buy Lilah pretty clothes)

Last day at the art centre

Today, the teacher read "Pig-casso and Moo-tisse"

and then they made a picture that was in the likeness of Matisse

Lilah the cat was having a great time

what a result!

Gorgeous!

Play date with Toby at the Museum

not that far to go, Tobs!

Halloween 2012 (Chicago, Illinois)

Mena

Fozzie Bear

Sully

The Cowardly Lion

(trick or treating -- it's easy to get the hang of it)

an Elephant

and a Monkey

Lilah had some time at an art centre for kids

she was very focused on her art

there is something very Munch about this painting

Chicagoans know how to decorate for Halloween

love the witches brew

eek! zombie bones!

Hot Chocolate on a cold Chicago morning (not in the ghetto)

Dressing up for dinner out in Chi-town

Lilah as Jack-o-Lantern

Lilah and Suhail at the park in Bucktown

loving the swings

it is rather cold, though

but still glorious

Suhail and Lilah -- first photos

what a cutie pie

(love you, Suhail!)

For Halloween, we went to Chicago

to visit Auntie Heebs, Uncle Max, Toby, Mena, Rufi, and to finally meet Suhail!

(I had known of his existence before his mama was ready to admit to it, but hadn't yet seen him in the flesh.  And what smishy flesh it was to see, too!)

Lilah's first Halloween Party (in Sacramento)

Lilah and Auntie Linnie went all by themselves to this one.

Auntie Lindsay's 30th Birthday (October 22, 2012)

We decorated the pumpkin

Chenners and Penny are here to celebrate with the birthday girl

Lilah and the birthday girl!

Oh, the fruit basket cake of heavenly delight

Love you, Auntie!

Make a wish!

Yay!  Happy Birthday!  You are an incredible person, and we are SO lucky to have you in our lives!

Lilah's end-of-season Soccer Party

complete with trophy and picture highlight book

standout shot

in the foam pit

jumping on the big trampoline

in the middle of the parachute

holding the parachute

a running leap... waiting to begin

i could have a poster of this shot framed in my house and be happy

obstacle course

balloon slide

listening intently to the rules

(This was an amazing party, thrown by caring and invested parents.  Thank you so much, Carmichael Squids, for making all of us feel so welcome and at home when we first moved back to California from Scotland.  You made it easy for Lilah to acclimate, and for that, I am eternally grateful.)