Farewell, Cinderella

Ah, here's sweet Annie--so proud to be holding her brand new pet fish, Cinderella. Two years ago...How young she looks. Wow. 

Today, Cinderella died. I was pretty amazed we kept her alive for two years. And, yet, it still is emotional.  Especially looking at these pictures and thinking of all that's changed. And, watching the girls decorate a box for Cinderella to be buried in (Annie put in a picture of herself standing next to a fish, she drew herself with a frown and tears), and watching them help Eric dig the hole and bury her. And, listening to Siri say tonight at dinner "Cinderella will be just fine": these things make it emotional.

In light of the anniversary of Sept. 11th today, it seems a small thing. And, yet, it's life and death and "the circle of life" that Annie is so interested in these days. It may be a small thing, yet an important one. The girls' first pet. And, then, looking at the excitement in Annie's little 3 year old eyes...

Emotions are to be expected, I think...

What else are we up to?

For our third year, my sister and family came to town to run in a costume 5K. (For the second year in a row--we won the family group costume contest--I think Alex is what sealed the deal for us...Really...Could we have a better Dorothy?)

The kids absolutely love it...Dressing up for "the race" is something they talk about all year long, and it's amazing the details that they remember from past years. Elliott actually ran (with a few walking moments) the whole race, while the girls, and our friend Ella and Jack got to ride in strollers. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and we had a great time.

The only unfortunate thing was having to rush through the end as Sara and company needed to start the long drive home, and there was a lot of work and play awaiting our family at church. This past weekend was a Street Market and Rally Sunday (the kick-off for the Sunday School program). We spent a good chunk of the rest of the weekend at church--preparing for things, and celebrating the beginning of a new Sunday School year.

Both girls (Siri for her first year) started dance class last night and had a wonderful time. And, (yikes!) Siri begins preschool on Thursday. I'll post pictures of that this weekend--it seems so hard to believe...