School doodles

 I love going through Syl's homework and notebook doodles at the end of every year. A few digital bonus pieces here too!

Last dip at Dakin Rd

 It seemed fitting that Syl finally learned to dive (thanks Eleni and Josie!) during her last dip in the pool at 150 Dakin Road

Enjoying early Spring... in June

 The weather this year has been weird. Very cool, often rainy. I'm sure soon enough we'll be lamenting the lost cool in the heat of summer. 

In the meantime, Syl and I have enjoyed the respite from June's usual bugs, and have spent a lot of time in the woods with the mutts.

See the huge owl in the background of this one?

Jake the High School grad!

 Jake O'Leary has been like a son to me, and like a brother to Syl, for all his life. He's grown up to be one hell of a great young man. I was honored to be invited to join Jake's family at his graduation from Concord Academy, and Syl and I had a nice time celebrating him at his grad party. Jake is off to Colgate next year!

Letter Jacket

 Syl has done enough with the Wayland High School Theatre Ensemble to get a Varsity Jacket at this year's award's presentation. I think it looks pretty sharp.

Pierced

 Syl and I were having breakfast yesterday, and she mused aloud, "I wonder if I will ever get my ears pierced." 

"Do you want to?" I asked? 

"Maybe..." she said. 

"Want to do it today?" I asked?

"Okay!" she replied!

An hour and a half later she was in seat at a place about a half hour away, smiling softly while a very nice, very competent nurse named Maria used a needle to do the deed quickly, efficiently, and with little enough discomfort that Syl didn't even blink. The whole thing took about five minutes!

Prom!!

 Well, it's official. Our little girl is all grown up! 

Syl attended the Wayland High prom this past weekend with a group of her pals. I have it on competent authority that she was on the dance floor all night, and she and her longtime bud Kaleigh closed down the after party at 1:30am!

Melissa hosted the crew at her house for photos. At first it seemed Mother Nature would not cooperate, but then the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and we got a beautiful, sunny hour for photos!

Syl looked STUNNING in the dress she and her mom picked out. She proudly informed me the next day that she had her cargo shorts on underneath the whole time! So she's still Syl...

The kids all did an "orange carpet" walk before boarding buses for the Prom in Boston. 

Madeline made an appearance, freshly home from college. 

Just the latest in a lifetime of great photos with the O'Leary "kids"!