7 // 52

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

Lillia: This week you were on vacation from school. You spent the week sleeping in, reading, drawing, and watching movies. You also spent some time playing with your little brother, which I think is really good for you. Spending time with him gives you the opportunity to play in a way that you might not be able to with your friends, now that you’re older. We talked about this in the car on the way home from dance class — how the older one gets, the more difficult it becomes to really immerse oneself in imaginary worlds. I chuckled to myself when you said that sometimes if you use a funny accent it is easier to play imagination games. We both agreed that one of the tragic aspects of growing up is losing the ability to really play without inhibition. But, it’s not a total loss, sweet Lillia. Even as a grownup you will find things that make you feel happy and free.

Zane: This week you got a surprise gift from our church — a box with three little birdhouses in it. You were so excited you could barely get your words out! You picked up one of them and exclaimed, “Never in my life…a birdhouse with two holes…I LOVE IT!!!” It’s not uncommon for you to make such declarations; you are just so darn happy almost all of the time. You so often say things like, “It’s a great day!” And, your enthusiasm for life really is contagious. I find myself feeling better about just about everything when you’re around. We also got to spend some time outside yesterday — it was even warm enough to take off our coats! You rode your bike and sat in the sun with me. This coming week looks to be cold and more cold, but spring is coming.