This month brought a pair of exciting firsts: one of the orchids we’ve been taking care of for the last three years finally bloomed; and Joe went to his first high school prom. Of course, these aren’t exactly on the same level, but they gave me a theme to hang this post on. Naturally, we have pictures to share.

The prom was held at the Winchester Mystery House, which we’ve visited as tourists several times over the years, including way back in 1982. Joe went alone and met up with some of his friends at the event. He’s been somewhat taciturn about the evening—he is a teenager, after all—but he seems to have had a good time on the whole. He even sent us a few pictures, which we’ve included in the gallery.

Rounding out the set is a snapshot of William at his friend Bridget’s birthday party. They went to a hot pot place for lunch; William enjoyed it and wants to go back, which I think makes him a more adventurous eater than I am.

Gallery: Orchids and Prom