Cutest photo ever

Nancy's nephews get to know each other.

Classic Books of My Childhood

Lately I've been on a streak of reading the classic books of my childhood. So far my favorite has been Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. I LOVED this book as a kid, and it's really just as good now. So fun. Everyone should read it.

Others I've read so far include The Witch of Blackbird Pond, Ramona and Her Mother, and The Westing Game. All terrific. One the docket for the next couple of weeks are a couple of Babysitters Club books, The Egypt Game, From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, The Boxcar Children, A Wrinkle In Time, and a couple selections from the Anastasia series.

I devoured books as a kid. I think the Harry Potter books were key in turning me back on to recreational reading after years of high school and college required reading. They capture my imagination in the same way the books of my childhood did. What a gift.

What are your favorite childhood faves? Anything else I should add to my list?

Tour Madness

I probably should have posted this at the beginning of the tour but I think everyone who's talked to me recently has gotten an earful about the tour. It's funny because I don't watch cycling for most of the year and the last time i rode my bike was probably going back to my dorm after presenting my senior thesis.

But it's fun to have something you can be obsessed about for three weeks (to the degree of waking up at 6:30 am every morning and sometimes even earlier and constantly reading about it and telling other people about it) and leave behind until the next year. And it's especially nice when you're stressed out about other things because when you need to, you can totally turn your focus to this other thing where no other thoughts you intrude while you're watching or reading about it.

Ulimately I think it's a beautiful thing to watch people at the top of their game. Whether it's an incredible goal or a three point shot or the way someone directs and subtly maneuvers a pack of cyclists and then breaks them.

The Happy Family

Here are a couple photos of my family with the new addition. Aren't they all beautiful?? I'll post a better picture of the baby (hopefully a good close-up) when I get more film developed. In the mean time you'll just have to take my workd for it: Jonah is beautiful!

Aunt Nancy II

I'm an aunt...again!! My new nephew, Jonah (what a great name, huh??) was born a couple hours ago! I'll be heading to the hospital to meet him soon and will definitely post a photo when I have one to post. Oh I am just so very excited! Quinn was right, the new baby is a boy like him!!

Nancy *Hearts* Denver

I fear my return to Denver has caused us to slack in our posting. We've been so busy hanging out in person that the ladies of ReallyTopDrawer have been neglecting our loyal readers. To that end, I'd like to mention a few highlights of my time in Denver so far.

*QUINN!* My nephew is just adorable. He loves to play baseball and, at the tender age of 3, can hit a ball that's pitched to him. He also likes to play the piano and sing his ABC's. And he really likes to see airplanes and big trucks. In fact, I think getting to see the tow truck lift my mom's broken-down car might have been the highlight of his summer. His enthusiasm made the situation much more fun for the rest of us as well.

*MAGNETS WEDDING!* The series finale of Magnets on the Fridge was truly memorable. Hilarity ensued in so many wacky ways. And I got to enjoy it with many of my best pals. I can't wait for the retrospective. Speaking of which, isn't that coming up soon? We should put it on our calendars!

*SWING!* I had the chance to assist the music director at Country Dinner Playhouse through the rehearsals of their latest production, Swing! It was a neat experience and I feel like I learned a lot. Plus I got to meet some neat people. The show got rave reviews in both Denver papers, so everyone should go see it!

*FRIENDS!* I just love seeing so many of my favorite people all the time! Friends, family, colleagues, dancers...it's like a big love fest every day. Hooray!

Despite all the fun I've had so far, I feel like there are still so many things I want to do! I think my goal for the rest of the summer needs to be: enjoy to the fullest but don't get stressed out about fitting everything in!