Today Cia and I drove up to Jaimie's for a birthday celebration for Noah, Louie, and Gabe -- and it was a heartwarming event for all of us. I loved being with all these good people, just watching them interact and laugh and be silly and be loving. It was wonderful to have Gabe, Annie, and Louie with us, back home in New England after too many years in Indiana. Aaron joined us after a long drive from New Hampshire, Jan and Matty were with us, and Luke came with Josh, Kate, and Olivia. (Unfortunately, Rachael was home recovering from a serious cold.) 

Below are some scenes from the festivities. 

* listening to, and admiring, a teacher talking about classroom discipline *

* a very special 14-year-old *

* the birthday boys *

* being hypnotized by a master *

* the hypnosis is starting *

* mommy has been hypnotized *

* "It's time to keep quiet, daddy." *

* mom and daughter enjoying the view *

* "You are slowly being hypnotized, daddy." *

* a glass of milk and a smile *

* a guy with laughter in his heart *

* two young readers *