Easter 2016.

It has become a spring tradition – Provincetown with Stephen and John and a bevy of favorite friends/family.

Colette was talking about it for weeks in advance: “Are we going to Provincetown today?” “Is it today?” until finally it was the day. We loaded into the car and, apart from some attempted whistling (round ‘o’ mouth and little wisps of air – her newest obsessive pursuit), she didn’t make a peep for 5 (!) hours. Muted by her anticipation of Cape Cod fun.

Little Romy, sitting next to her was not herself. She couldn’t get comfortable – was squirming and whimpering. She was hot and looked exhausted, but couldn’t fall asleep. Poor baby – by the time we arrived and attempted to get through one night with her, Xavier announced that he was taking her home. I agreed – he was right. Those two got on a tiny plane and flew back to Boston to take the train to NYC. We were worried about Romy, but also about little baby Lars (~2 months) possibly getting sick, who was part of the crew that weekend. It turned out Romy had pneumonia and she and Xavier spent a weekend bonding. So hard to see a little girl like that – not talking, still with sickness.

Colette and I stayed on and enjoyed the Easter festivities, which included egg dying (naturally), lots of luscious food, a walk in the Beech Forrest, a papier-mâché rabbit - named “Needy” by Colette, story-telling and song-singing, baby holding, yahtzee, beach rock hunting, fire gazing and soaking in a really beautiful place.

Lars is the dreamiest baby. Watchful and content.


Madame Colette and her 'doudous' (tucked in like scarves into her jacket) heading back from a beach hop.


A cardinal signaling the color to come. These birds have a special spot in my heart - they were my grandma's favorite.


Baby love.


Two fine looks.


I did a bit of egg research this year and fell upon a Ukrainian easter egg method using hot beeswax and a stylus tool called a "kystka." The dyes that came with the kit were vivid - including gorgeous onyx shade. The dyes took very quickly.




Colette whistling away.










Masks are a recurring theme here. Colette looking betwitching.


Fires and the beach.

End of summer Cape Cod.

We headed to Provincetown/Cape Cod for the "last" weekend of summer. Spending time with John and Stephen and friends there is such a feast - for all of our senses. We arrived late and the girls woke up early the next morning. I crept out of the house in low tones and Colette, Romy and I were across the street on the beach by 7am or so. Bare feet nuzzling the sand - arms stretched out like feathered creatures - I thought I might lose them to delight. Sweet to see how much nature communicates to kids - how we forget it. Their discoveries kindled those memories for me.







There is one particular walk we often take that is breathtaking - it is along the breakwater. The water is bisected by a long rock passage (which ends at quintessential Cape Cod lighthouse - Long Point Lighthouse) - and is often glassy smooth on one side and choppy on the other, more exposed side of the bay. The grasses in the bight are wavelike - oscillating with the wind. We stopped along the path and dove into the water. Tonic. Left us breathless, but in the right way. Romy jumped bravely from stone to stone, holding Uncle Stephen's hand. Couldn't get enough of the challenge.









Xavier brought kites - brilliantly. Colette was thrilled at the idea of holding onto an almost invisible string, guiding a swooping thing in flight above her.







Mostly confident, but sometimes it got scary.



She had good tutelage.



Some of the prettiest light streaming through those windows, framing pretty little faces.





Pure time with family and close friends.



Love these two beauties.

Cape Cod Easter.

We ventured to the end of Cape Cod for the Easter holiday – to spend the weekend with some of our favorite people – all uncles and aunts, of sorts, at John’s idyllic home. One thing I love about Stephen and John's relationship with Provincetown is how much time they spend outdoors, regardless of the weather, the season, the time of day. They will invariably be found in the water at some point. We go to commune with the birds in the Beech Forest every time. Sand dune walking. Blanket on the beach time.





John and Colette had and nourished many of the same impulses throughout this trip. John has as much staying power as Colette when it comes to the delight of getting one’s feet wet. They both had their pants rolled up, feet soaked, water-logged boots recurrently. And both Colette and Romy were lucky the whole group was attuned to their way of thinking. Meredith, Jordan, Jerry, Stephen, John and Sprout all live with whimsy and it was kind of like the two girls were encircled by extra capable playmates. Painting, panting, chasing, hiding, exploring, watching, soaking it all in.