Daddy's Song

Yesterday afternoon the kids and I went to Stony Point to play in the fountains.  It took us 45 minutes to gear up - swim diapers, suntan lotion, diapers changes, diaper changes again, change of shoes, locating hats, fueling up with water... You can picture it.  We arrive and my car thermometer reads 101 F.  It is HOT.  I strap Nan in the Bjorn and we head towards the fountains.  We arrive and Berkley (who is holding a magnetic fishing rod and his kookaburra) decides he would rather go into 'Build a Bear' than play in the fountains.  We discuss that 'Build a Bear' isn't an option.  Would he like to play in the fountains or go home?  He I start taking off his shirt and shoes.  He walks up to the fountain.  Looks at it.  Decides he doesn't like fountains.  Nan and I are pressed together and the sweat is beginning to drip from my elbows.  An ice cream shop is beside the fountains.  Let me tell you - they make a killing.  We head into the ice cream shop hoping it will make things better.  As we sit and eat our sundae we notice a band taking the stage.  One thing Berkley likes is music.  We make it outside for the first song (known as Daddy's song around our house) - 'The Weight' by the Band.  Berkley knows all the lyrics and particularly belts out "take a load off Fanny."  Next up are a few songs by John Prine and then Van Morrison.  Nan falls asleep from me swaying her in the Bjorn.  Berkley is dancing.  All in all - a terrific afternoon.  

Down Under

Family friends from Australia visited us today.  They were our neighbors when we lived in Melbourne.  They brought Berkley a singing kookaburra and Nan an Australian possum.

Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree
Merry merry king of the bush is he
Laugh kookaburra, laugh kookaburra
Gay your life must me
Ha Ha
~Australian kids tune that Bessie and I sang as little girls

Fells Point Magic

The kids and I took a quick trip this week to visit Bessie and Tim.  Baltimore is really one of the coolest cities around and living on the water isn't bad either.  The kids love visiting their Abah because - 1. she works at a children's museum 2. she has an awesome pool 3. she is an incredible cook 4. she makes everything in life fun 5. she is the most caring person in the world and 6. their mommy is always a happier person when she is around.  A few pics from our adventures!

Two is better

Two used to be so hard.  Nan was tiny and Berkley was new at being a big brother.  How things have changed!  Berkley is now confidant in his big brother role and can easily entertain Nancy when I am paying at the checkout or in the car when we are driving.  The two of them are happier when they have each other.  This week, Berkley is attending a rigorous 'cooking camp' - involving preparing snickerdoodles, chocolate cupcakes, and muffins (so far).  This morning, during drop off, he happily walked into class with his teacher. The door shut behind them and Sissy and I started up the stairs.  A moment later, Berkley opened the classroom door and ran out saying, "I didn't kiss Sissy yet."  He gave Nan a kiss and hug and we promised to be back soon.  Today they took a bath together for the first time.  Nancy is strong enough to sit in a bath without help.  It is amazing how quickly it all goes.... when did they grow up so fast?

Nancy playing in our backpacking tent.

Berkley's photo - trying to capture my love of morning coffee.  

How well he knows his mama.

Berkley trying to get a shot of Sissy.

So happy to be home with Daddy!  

We are back on the cloth diaper train.  Finally can wrap my head around doing diapers.  

Heading on a secret mission to the crawl space.  Spider webs were found and it was very exciting!

Backpack filled for the expedition.

Berkley is loving puzzles right now.  

Well, not all puzzles - just this one puzzle of a bear wearing a UVA jersey.  

He can "do it all by myself."

Playing in Nan's room after baths.

 

Father's Day Urban Hike

Brandon's wish - a walk through the fan on father's day (and our anniversary).  We happily obliged.  Why walk when you can urban hike?

I am lucky to have such a tremendous father who has taught me countless lessons about life and still continues to amaze me.  Happy father's day to all the incredible dads out there.

Nancy's favorite spot for a morning nap.

Pausing for a picture in front of Kuba Kuba.

(Berkley's turn with the camera.)