First dentist visit

Margaret

Heat wave in Madison last week

The weather was broiling hot, but Esti was determined to stay cool.
Photos from Ann - thanks!

Mommy in Prague

With a colleague (who works on Chinese Shakespeare) at the World Shakespeare Congress.  We went to see an amazing production of Henry IV together, where the only sets were red-carpeted steps and iron chairs, and where the only bits of English were in the soundtrack to the tavern scenes.
Flying home in a couple of hours - hurray.  It has been really fun here (and kind of manic/euphoric: relieved of mommy duties, I've found I only need to sleep about 4 hours a night), but now it's time to get home to Ken and the kids.  Also to the mountains of work that need to get done before we leave for four months in Cairo on, probably, Aug 27.

Henry's doorbell song

Bit of an oldie (like, from back in April?), rediscovered in Richland Center.

Bonus Richland Center photos

Kind of odd to be blogging these from the World Shakespeare Congress venue, Prague... but whatever. I haven't slept in about 36 hours but the jet lag is kind of kicking in, feeling wide awake.

Henry took this one.

Does this mean that they'll know how to drive by the time they're old enough for driver's ed?

Nice job there, kids (only a few "islands of tall grass," as Henry put it, to even out afterwards).

Henry's pix

And I think he even took this last one, of a wren nest in the bluebird house.

More lawnmower fun

Peaceful on the deck.

Hey wait--


--I want a turn on that thing too!

More MORE!

Fun with Grandpa Ken's new lawnmower

Drawing with Grandpa Ken

This is what Henry would call "respecting each other's hard work."

Paying close attention as Grandpa Ken's drawing starts to look like a little girl.

Maybe her dress should be blue?

Oh well.

Me who?

More black caps

Black cap jelly

There's also a long, hot process here where the berries get steamed in the mehu liisa.


If you're really nice to us, you might get some!

Warm days in Richland Center

Enjoying Aunt Jean's new front porch (Chatfield, MN)