Party at our house

Tomorrow is our big party to celebrate Chris's promotion to associate professor with tenure. We spent the day shopping, cleaning, organizing and decorating. At the end of the day the kids made a big banner in honor of Chris.

Joe & Emma make a banner for Chris

Bloodwork

This morning we took Joe to the clinic to have his annual leukemia test, his 3-month hypothyroid test, and a test for celiac disease. In the past the nurses at this particular clinic have been able to find Joe's veins and draw his blood. Not today. Chris held Joe on his lap, I held Joe's legs and 2 nurses poked at both arms but could not reach the vein. After about 15 minutes of Joe screaming "no, no, no" we told the nurses to stop trying, Joe refused the stickers (that's my boy), and we left. This kid has gone through so much in 4 years and it breaks my heart to hold him down for yet another medical intervention--especially one that doesn't accomplish anything. Now we have to try again at another clinic, but frankly, we are running out of places to go. Plus he and Emma have their annual physical with Dr. Takagishi this afternoon. That means shots and the finger poke. What a day.

Adaptive Physical Education

This is the second summer that Joe is matched with a Michigan State adaptive physical education student. This year Danielle is spending 12 hours during the first summer session working on sports skills, especially jumping and riding a tricycle. Joe was in a pretty negative mood for his first meeting with Danielle this afternoon. Here is how the introduction went, "Joe, don't say hello to Danielle." "Okay, hello Danielle." Oh, well, good thing Danielle is so adaptive.

"Joe, don't take a picture with Danielle."

Sprinkler

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Carleigh's Graduation

We just returned from our trip to Berea, KY to see Carleigh graduate from Berea College. Berea was founded by some of the same people who founded my alma mater Oberlin College, with the same principle of "learning and labor." Like Oberlin, it was also co-educational and interracial from its inception. At some point Oberlin started charging tuition, but Berea has remained a tuition-free institution for all who are accepted. There are so many things wrong with higher education, here is a place that is doing something right. It was a beautiful weekend in a lovely town. Hurray for Carleigh!

Dottie (proud Grandma), John, Carleigh, & Joy

John & Carleigh

Joe (had to change clothes), Carleigh & Emma

Dottie, John, Joy, Joe & Emma on the main street of Berea, KY

Carleigh & Emma at dinner the night before graduation

Photos from Boston

Here are some photos that David took during our visit in Boston.

Emma in her beloved NPR tee-shirt (from Anna Celenza who sometimes writes for the music show).

Emma, Grandma, & Joseph

Emma on the Angier School playground

Joe on the Angier School playground.
"No one's a stranger at Angier!"

Philip, Kate, Ning & CeCe

This week I am in Bloomington, IN doing research at the Kinsey Institute (that's right, THE Kinsey Institute). I began my research trip with a visit to Philip & Kate's new, fabulous home in Indianapolis. We spent a lovely day together -- the highlight was seeing Ning & Philip play at Ning's piano recital (what is a recital, without a wandering dog? See photo below)! I finally met the indomitable Cece, a gal with a lot of spunk. This morning Philip drove me to Bloomington and I began my research. Jan Shipps, who worked at the Institute in the late 1960s, met me for coffee this afternoon and entertained me with stories of the old days at Kinsey (wow). I am looking forward to spending the next two days in the archives and wandering around Bloomington.

Ning, Kate, Cece, & Philip

Philip, Ning & a wandering dog

Cece

Ning & Samantha

A Great Season

The Falcons

Emma chasing the ball

Annie Sung & Emma

Molly Sung & Joe

The Mighty Falcons had their last game of the season. It was a beautiful day and the kids had tons of fun. Molly & Annie Sung came to the game to cheer on Emma.

Our Trip to Vermont

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Mother's Day

Barbara from "Mommy Life" collected these photos in celebration of Mother's Day. To see "Our Little Extras" click the slide show posted here and look for me and Joe!

Vermont

We are packing our bags for our trip to Vermont tomorrow! All our exams are graded, I have been to an awards ceremony, and robed-up for commencement exercises, the kids are in bed, Alpha the beta fish is staying with the neighbors, and all I need to do is pack. A week in Vermont is just what I need. Now, where did I put my suitcase?

Race for the Cure

Emma, Joe & I ran in Race for the Cure in downtown Lansing today. Emma & Joe ran the 50 yard dash, Emma & I ran the mile race, and I ran the 5k with my book club, "No Time to Read." I ended up going at my own pace and ran most of the 5k on my own. I finished the race (!) and my time of 38 minutes was pretty good for me.

Kate & Amy

Emma & her 2 medals

Joe

Amy & Emma at the starting line of the 1 mile

Amy, Joe & Emma before the race

Molly & Joe

Daniel, Tommy & Emma

Party at Pinecrest

Joe began his fourth birthday by having a popcorn & jello party in his early childhood development classroom at Pinecrest Elementary school.

Happy Birthday Chris!

Butterly House

After breakfast we went to the MSU children's garden and the butterfly house.

Soccer

Emma & Joe had fun playing soccer with Papou this morning.

JOE'S FOURTH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Marble School Carnival

Jelimo, Emma & Annie

Make a Difference

I found this on "A Little Bit of Something Extra." Click HERE to see how one person can make a big difference.

The Mighty Falcons' First Game!

Love, Love, Love!

Almost Four Years Old!

Our Trip to Chicago

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