Beach trip, part 2

We had one big storm and lots of seaweed on the beach. One night, Lucie noticed sparks of light as we stepped on it. When we picked it up, we could see glowing plasma currents inside.




Roxy was so happy.


Why we wanted a minivan


Ice cream in Southport




Papa gave Milo a real driving lesson at the video arcade (movie).


The whole beach gang. I'm looking forward to the next trip already.

Some additional pictures are in the Boo Annex.

Beach trip, part 1

What can I say, we bought a minivan. I should add that the State Employees' Credit Union car buying service rocks -- they delivered this to our doorstep Saturday morning, just in time for us to pack it up and drive it to the beach.

Milo's gotten the hang of "no"

Our family traveled all the way from Tennessee, Michigan, and California to be with us. We are so lucky and thankful.






A view from our cottage


Lucie's Encinitas Surfboards shirt gets a second life (thanks, Valarie)


A view of the sound


At low tide, you could see hundreds of fiddler crabs.


Roxy almost caught the business end of one.

To be continued...

Baby you can drive my car

Milo's favorite thing lately is driving the "rarr." It is a great way to occupy him while you're doing something nearby, as long as you're prepared to deal with a temper tantrum when you tell him time's up. Last time C let him play there, Milo informed him, "Mine. Rarr."

Weevee

Milo asks for, and we let him watch, way too much tv. The Wiggles have been resurrected, and I actually like them better this time around. (C says, "We thought we were done with having those goddamn songs in our head, but no.") This is pretty darn cute, actually.

Can You Point Your Fingers and Do the Twist?

Rock-a-bye Your Bear

Dress up

Juliet's birthday

Milo's friend Juliet turned three and threw a really fun party.


Eating a fritata


The birthday girl and Elena


Lucie came, too. There were lots of cool boxes to paint and stack.


The little kids loved playing in Juliet's room.


Milo discovered Carl's sippy cup.


For quite a while, Milo could not be torn away from the easel and crayons.


Juliet's dad made some magic playdough -- the color appeared when it was kneaded.






Obligatory Milo eating cake photo. Mom stands ready with towel to minimize the damage.

Eno River field trip

Lucie's class went on a field trip to the Eno River.






Lucie and Roxy made this sculpture, then spotted a crayfish.


Lucie enjoyed finding snails. Here she's showing one to Ethan.


Annisianna, Orla, and Lucie

Sibling harmony

And a movie

Spence's Farm

Milo went to his friend Lena's birthday party at Spence's Farm. He had a great time running around with his friends, and he even got to ride a HORSE. Can you believe it?




Lena and Milo feeding a goat


Milo spent much of the time hitting things with sticks.


Milo waiting very impatiently for his turn to ride




Strawberry shortcake and chocolate ice cream


Milo and his buddy Carl


Lena gives Milo a push

We feel very lucky that Milo is able to spend his days at Sherrill's house with this great bunch of kids.

Hockey night in Hillsborough

Lucie and Milo and I came out for one of Daddy's hockey games. Lucie turns out to be a natural born sports fan (see video). I don't know where she got that.










Milo had a freakout when asked to share some cookies (he's reached the "mine" stage), but calmed down again when Lucie decided she didn't like them. He seemed a little confused by seeing Chris in hockey gear.

Strawberry Festival

This weekend was the Central Park School for Children's Strawberry Festival, perhaps the best kid festival in Durham. (We were there last year, as well.) Lucie got a cool strawberry manicure.

Orla's party

Last weekend, Lucie's friend Orla had a birthday party at West Point on the Eno. All but one of the invitees were girls, and the event was notably harmonious. (Cf. earlier post, Boys and girls.)


Here the girls are patiently waiting in line to go on an egg hunt. In this video, note the sex of the one kid not marching in line.


There was an insect theme.