Falling into the new season!

In case you didn't know, we LOVE LOVE LOVE autumn around here! Cooler weather, changing leaves, baking banana bread & cookies & plum cakes... it's a delicious time of year at our house too. School is back in session for Dan - teaching 10th grade this year. It's been a huge shift of focus for him, but it's going really well so far. MBA is a great school, and Dan's work continues to be challenging, exhilirating, and fulfilling all at the same time. Monica is back a few nights a week at St. Stephen's Green (17th and Greene Streets, Thursdays and Saturdays... come visit me!) and is still working on spreading the word about Coyopa Productions, the film company she works for. Coyopa moved to downtown Philly late this summer, to a great new space at 12th and Callowhill. More Coyopa news to come as the season rolls along.

Kira and Laney are doing really well. We joined our local YMCA, and take gymnastics class there as well as a preschool class. Kira LOVES going to "school" and especially loves family swim night on Tuesdays. Monica loves being able to leave the kids at the in-house day care center for an hour or so to go work out -- it's great to get a mini-break during the day. We also love getting together with our Friday friends, who continue to be a great source of fun, creative problem solving, commiseration, and support in our lives. There are now 9 children for us 5 adults to look after - so our get-togethers are loud, spirited, and a bit raucous, but always good. (Yes, that's 14 poeple!!!!) Laney is a joy - she is very smart and strong, loves to "talk" and is sweet and snuggly. And Kira is a great sister - we already have so much fun! We had a great time with Cousin Neck in Ocean City this summer, and buried him in the sand, right up to his neck-ball! (That's his picture above.)

We are so lucky to have such loving family and friends around us, both near and far. We send our hellos to those far away, and hope to see you soon!

Here's a few new pictures -- please enjoy! Lots of love from our family to yours, The Hechts