Loss

With the heaviest hearts, we are mourning the death of our wonderful dog, Will. He died two weeks ago, leaving us in such shock and sadness, that Remi and I are both still bursting into tears on a fairly regular basis. He was our friend, protector, listener, our beloved. For the last ten years he's been my near constant companion and it seems that in saying goodbye to him I'm also walking away from my childhood in a sense, and the silly idea that you never have to say goodbye. In short, we're pretty much just plain ole heartbroken around here, grateful for every minute we had with him, but so sad to say goodbye. Since everyone he's ever met has loved him, I thought I'd post a bunch of pictures of our beautiful, loyal, snuggly, baby-tolerating beastie.

May he rest in peace in a world full of creeks, sunshine and tennis balls.

The Summer Slowdown, a recap in parts

The title really refers only to a slowdown in the blog world, since every other part of our lives has been busier than ever the last couple of months. After coming back from the beach with my family we were home about a week and a half, then headed to France for about 10 days. Then we were back in NY for a couple of weeks until Remi had to go to Australia for work, and Camille and I went to Atlanta for two weeks. Now, as I'm writing this, the New Mexican sun is streaming in to the apartment that we're renting for the month of August. Remi is doing some work with Sandia Labs in Albuquerque, so we're all out here for the month. What with all the hustle and bustle, there just hasn't been time to document this crazy chapter in our lives. Rather than leave it out of our (blog) story outright, I thought I'd just take it step by step, hitting the highlights.

First, France:

Camille in her grandparent's garden.


Dancing with her great grandmother.




With her great grandparents, Jacques and Muguette.


Playing at this awesome pool close to Remi's parents' house.


And her aunt Chloe.



La Bonne Mamy.


Back at home, she played in these boxes for a while.


And tried out a new hairstyle.

La Mer

Camille loves the beach!








She was so daring in the ocean.


And the pool!









That's a Stephens grimace.


Covered in sand!


Uncle Didi and Aunt Jamiamy


Beautiful Julia


Good lookin' family.


Mimi and Pops on the hammock (also Cloud 9)


Camille's first driving lesson with Pops.


Jolie comme un coeur.





Playing in the beach house.


This is Camille's Airport Dance.



Since we've been back, it's been business (playing) as usual.





This was taken at a playgroup Camille has visited a couple of times with Ana.




At our coffee shop, what a big girl!