“A portrait of my children once a week, every week, in 2015.”

Lillia: This week we took you and your brother to the NH Highland Games at Loon Mountain. We thought you might enjoy seeing the sheepdog trials, since you are such a canine aficionado. Sadly, you really didn’t seem to enjoy much of anything — it was pretty hot, and there was a lot of walking involved — but you did eventually perk up when we rode the gondola to the top of the mountain and explored the glacial caves. You were scared to go in alone, so Daddy crawled around in there with you. Your mood really improved when you ran into some other kids your own age in the caves and had a bit of a chat. I have to remind myself that pretty much everyone is chopped liver these days, except other kids, and that the moods will come and go.

Zane: This week you and your sister stayed with Nanny at our house while Daddy and I were away. You seemed to do okay and didn’t miss us too much, but when I returned I was treated to a bit of a cold shoulder. I thought you might come running, but you just sort of shrugged hello and went on with your business. Except, about an hour later something rather insignificant happened that upset you, and you just absolutely burst into tears. You were pretty clingy for a couple of days after that. Two days is probably the upper limit to how long we can leave you at this point, and I’m glad to be back.

“A portrait of my children once a week, every week, in 2015.”

Lillia: This week your school had an Open House for parents, and you had the opportunity to be the guide for all of the sixth grade parents. You got to bring everyone around the school as they followed your class’s daily schedule in ten-minute sessions. I’m so proud of the big effort you’re putting in to your academic life this year. All of these little activities that you do help you to become a stronger, more self-assured person with skills that you will be able to carry with you for life.

Zane: This week you had a bit of a kerfuffle with another little boy. I think a little bit of the stress of being at school five days a week is finally catching up with you. But, it gave us a chance to talk about how to deal with other kids, especially when they’re not being kind. Of course, asking for a teacher’s help is always a good idea, but I also tried to encourage you to walk away from conflict if you can. Sometimes there won’t be a teacher to help you, and I want you to have the confidence to disengage.

“A portrait of my children once a week, every week, in 2015.”

Lillia: This week you’re back in the dance studio again. You’re taking hip hop and ballet this year, though you’ve expressed some interest in doing some theatre classes at the studio, too. You were a little dismayed because some girls from your class signed up for hip hop for the first time this year, but they ended up in what appeared to be a higher level than you. It turns out that they were placed in the older kids’ class because they were starting out in sixth grade, whereas you are still with slightly younger kids because you’ve been taking lessons for years. In fact, your class is actually more challenging! It’s interesting to watch how you react so strongly to things that never used to bother you. One of life’s hardest lessons is learning not to compare yourself to others. I’m still working on learning that myself.

Zane: This week you haven’t been quite yourself. Of course, as soon as school started you came down with a virus. It wasn’t terrible but it, in combination with your busy new schedule, has left you pretty worn out. Thankfully, my schedule does allow me to have the flexibility to be home with you as needed, and I feel grateful for that. Even though you were under the weather you still had lots of fun at school. Your favorite thing all week was learning how to write your name! Your “E” had a lot more legs than one usually sees, but you seem to have a general idea of how to form the letters that spell ZANE. You’re learning and growing so fast!

“A portrait of my children once a week, every week, in 2015.”

Lillia: This week you and your friend Anya attended Harry Pottery camp at Keene State College! One of our goals for the summer was to help you find activities that would provide the opportunity to meet like-minded folks your own age. Between theatre camp last week, and Harry Potter this week, I think we’ve come to the conclusion that you are, in fact, not alone in the world! You and your fellow Potterheads had a great time making potions, playing Quidditch, and making Harry Potter-related crafts (like the cute owl in this picture). Honestly, the first time I arrived to pick you up I had to chuckle a little because it was like walking into a room full of Lillias. You’ve also developed a wonderful friendship with Anya, which has been such a gift. Now that your camps are over, you’ll have some time to relax and hopefully do a lot of swimming at the town pool in the weeks to come.

Zane: This week you spent a lot of time driving back and forth to Keene for Lillia’s camp. You’re a real trouper and you don’t seem to mind the chaos, but I do wish I had arranged for you to do some of your own activities this summer, especially the camps at the Walpole Village School. They were all booked for the week by the time I got around to realizing it might be a good idea to sign you up! Still, we did get to do some swimming at the town pool, and you took walks at lunch time with me and Daddy. You are such a big boy now, you never want to ride in the stroller (and, of course, I would never force you to). My favorite Zane conversation of the week happened while you were playing soccer with Daddy in the front yard. Daddy said, “Zane, pass me the ball! We’ll be a team!” to which you replied, “My feet are my team!” and you proceeded to run away with the ball. What a silly boy you are, Zane!