In case anyone is keeping track...

Last week, I began this year's co-op on Monday, packed for Johannah on Tuesday, celebrated Caitrin's 11th birthday on Wednesday, drove Johannah to OSU on Thursday, went to homecoming football game on Friday night and today, shopped for homecoming clothes as well as helping to host the homecoming dinner for the band members... all while I've been sick.

Needless to say, I'm exhausted. Hope you enjoyed the photos from these events.

Jacob in his new tie

Homecoming, originally uploaded by juliecinci.

Jenny, behind him, is one of his good friends who also plays sax.


The guys hamming it up.


Jacob's good friend and Rose Parade roommate, Jeremy. Jacob with two other saxophones.

Homecoming

Across the room, originally uploaded by juliecinci.

Jacob's first homecoming was tonight. The saxophone section and miscellaneous members of the marching band all had dinner at one of the family homes. I helped out by dishing up Italian food and then cleaning up the plates and cups 20+ teens used up.

I have more shots (will post them) but loved the way this one turned out. So I'm posting my "arty" one first and then a couple of shots with Jacob in them (since he's the focus of the event for me anyway). I just liked the composition, black and white balance and the way this boy is looking right at my subject.

Homecoming Game

Friday night, originally uploaded by juliecinci.

We lost the game last night but the marching band headed to the Rose Parade (of which we are reminded every ten minutes at every game--and we don't mind at all) was sharp!

Goodbye Pere

Goodbye Pere, originally uploaded by juliecinci.

According to our family habit of incorporating random bits of foreign language into our daily conversations, Johannah calls Jon, "Pere." Here he's giving her those last words of advice before launching her into the 54,000 student world of Ohio State. Moments later (not shared here), the entire family openly wept (except for me). I was brave, only welled up a bit. My tears came later, alone, at night.

Today, all's well. And so is Johannah who has already texted each of us. Thanks for all your warm and caring thoughts.

All the skirts fit!

All the skirts fit!, originally uploaded by juliecinci.

Those tiny dorm rooms...

We still fit in the car perfectly. And so did all her stuff.

Birthday chocolate

Birthday chocolate, originally uploaded by juliecinci.

Caitrin turned eleven today. We'll celebrate in Chicago next week at the American Girl HQ. This morning, I took her out to Panera for breakfast where she OD'ed on a chocolate frosted chocolate brownie and hot (you guessed it) chocolate with whipped cream.


Noah came home today for dinner and the birthday trip to the Cone. His little sister misses him.