Max and Esme

Max joined me in DC for a work trip which included a tour of the NASA Goddard Space Flight center. It's the largest NASA facility, where they monitor the Hubble Telescope, and where they have just built the new James Webb Space Telescope which will take infrared pictures when it finally launches in 2021. We got a super cool behind the scenes look at their testing facilities.  Max spent a day exploring Smithsonian museums while I was in meetings today, and we got to walk the Mall together before heading to the airport.

Max ran at Bowdoin State Park today. His grandparents had a hard time spotting him during the race, even though we were screaming when he passed by. But we got some nice team shots at the end  

A blurry photo from the archives, but I knew I remembered the same spot...

Kids were off for the Jewish holidays so we spent a day at AMNH.  I'm pretty sure I have this same photo of Max and Esme around ages 7 and 4.  Max was in his element exploring the fossil halls, and Esme learned about meteorites as she starts earth science this year at school.

I tried to capture Max in his first cross country race of the season. But the viewing spots were limited and someone stepped in front of me when Max came around the corner. He placed 14th in the 5k race out of a field of 100+.  A good time for Max with room for improvement, and a strong showing by Rye overall.

Max and Esme started 11th and 8th grade respectively. I have no idea where the time went. They are so smart and independent. But I still get to wake them each morning and get their breakfast started. I'm glad I still have some mommy chores.

Following tradition, Esme celebrated her birthday away from home during our family vacation week. The cheesecake was good, but not as lovely as the girl herself. Our beautiful 13 year old becomes a more amazing person every single day. How lucky are we?