been a while...

i guess i've been away a while. two short vacations, the beginning of school (that's a whole other post...or 10), a computer that simply refuses to deal with 21,000 pictures (i know, i know....), and visits from grandparents have made computer time a (welcome) challenge. it's ok...i needed a little internet fast. i was beginning to feel overwhelmed by input, ideas, words, pictures, lives, families, and plans other than my own. things are settling down, and there's definitely plenty to talk about. so thanks for bearing with me...we'll be back soon.