We (Veva, Eli, Chris, Lauren, Loey and I) drove out there on Friday to stay for a few days (joined by Lauren's parents, Debby and Dennis), both for a mini-vacation and to visit Artprize in Grand Rapids, where Chris and friends had submitted a major 3D installation in what is one of the largest art competition in the world (over 1500 pieces in the overall exhibition, total prize $ awarded over $1.2M).
Check out more about Artprize at artprize.org - search for ABCD or Chris Silva to find their piece, "More or Less" - which we just learned has been selected as one of the top five finalists in the 3D category for the juried prize. Very exciting. I've also uploaded a video of the installation. It's amazing. Check it out.
But my best birthday prize ever?
Ah, well, we took a walk on the beach on Saturday. It was cold and very windy, but at least not raining. The grandparents took turns holding Loey and on my second turn, she lay her head down on my shoulder and fell asleep as I sang "Moonshadow" (Cat Stevens). That's my all-time favorite baby-soothing song. Sang it to Eli while he was still in the womb and it never failed to quiet his crying and put him to sleep (after he left the womb).
This was the very first time Loey has ever fallen asleep in my arms! A wonderful feeling....
Here's the lovely lady of my life, before she gave in to sleepy-time, with Lake Michigan surf behind us:
