Hoses at Dawn

Hot weather. Humidity. And a friend's yard, literally awash in hoses, sprinklers, one baby pool and a bunch of running water. Nirvana.

Momi-Pedi

Charlotte accompanied me for a polish change this morning. She was an excellent helper, picking out my color and watching closely. "Are you painting my mommy?" She asked She got some polish of her own before we were done spiffing-up, though nothing improves the look of blurry Gymboree stamps.

Ready or Not....

We love hide-and-seek. And sometimes, we get a competitive edge by peeking. Don't tell Harry.

Inspiration

I hate linoleum. Hate it. But nothing makes a better easel than the floor.

Picky, Picky

Paul and I have worked hard, since Harry was just starting solids, to make sure that he tried all kinds of foods. And, I think, as result, Harry has a decent palate. Or did. But then the toddler food doldrums set in - months of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (easy to pack), gallons of chocolate milk (organic, OK?) and too many pieces of cheese pizza to count.

Paul and I eat a lot of sushi, usually at home, and the kids dine on other things. But then we found ourselves out to lunch. There it was ...sushi. and I wanted it. And damn it, those kids were going to eat it too. Long shot, I know. But really, the longer we keep the kids on a steady diet of PB&J, well, I know in my bones that we're setting a bad precedent.

We sat down expecting the worst. And we got the best our kids had to offer. Charlotte happily ate miso soup, two pieces of salmon sashimi and a piece of scallop nigiri. Harry, who is harder to convince at 4, popped a piece of hamachi in his mouth. And based on his expression, he was either going to barf or chow down. Five minute later he was standing at the sushi bar, placing another order.

It may have helped that we called our meal "dragon food." Regardless, I am SO proud of them!

Brotherly-Love

I asked Harry to take a bottle of milk up to his sister, who was having trouble going down for her nap. He returned downstairs and said, 'I told Charlotte to go to sleep, and I gave her a kiss."

Am I melting, or am I melting? I love this boy!

Paba

We're sending big get-well hugs and kisses to grandpa, who hasn't been feeling very well of late. He's on the mend and needed back in Alexandria for more play. We love you Paba.