1. i'm quite sure it was done using a self-timer
2. my adrienne vittadini outfit was worn every day of that visit
3. i am in fact making the same face as my father (which is noteworthy, because to this day we pull the same faces and i used to think it was a relatively recent development, but obviously not).
sometimes i think if there is a set amount of luck for each person in this life, i used all mine up in choosing my parents.
i have parents who actually parented. who sat us down as a family after dinner to read a book aloud, together. who held family meetings--miserable, awful things they seemed at the time, but important too.
my dad's birthday was this past weekend. and not a day goes by where i don't find myself catching my breath--awed by the daily sacrifices and hard work he has put in so that my brother and i might have every and any opportunity we choose.
my father literally gave us the gift of choice.
so if i don't say it enough (and i don't) thank you, dad.
and a very happy birthday to you.