It's a Helicopter

If you are looking for new business ideas, I highly suggest you consider learning how to make balloon animals. I don't know what it pays, but judging from the demand of balloon animals at the Durham Farmers Market on Saturday, you could probably make a decent living. Couple that with the fact that the amazing creature you make for each child will deflate into a withered, sad pile of latex within 24 hours, and you can just imagine the opportunities for future sales! It's the perfect product. I know for a fact that Sam would be a loyal consumer.


Here is Sam, patiently waiting in line. Notice his hands on his hips. It's a new thing he's started, and we think it lends him an air of authority. While we waited, we discussed what balloon animal Sam wanted. He first wanted a cow. Then after Bruce misunderstood him and thought he said "owl," Sam decided he wanted an owl. I was skeptical.



Sam got to pick out what color balloons he wanted to use for his creation, which would turn out to be neither a cow nor an owl.


At first Sam had a hard time handling this monstrosity in the breeze.


As Sam would say, "Ta da!"

The Toddler's Brain

Saw this online and had to share. Clearly more research needs to be done in this important field. They have yet to ascertain the portion of the brain that contributes to distraction and delay tactics. Sam's brain is clearly over-developed in those areas.

(Source: Melissa Balmain for Parenting Magazine)

Beach Bum

{I love the beach!}

Greetings, land lubbers, from the white beige sands of Ocean Isle Beach.  While you were living out your work-a-day lives, I, Samuel, was enjoying my first trip (to my knowledge) to the beach! I'm happy to report that I loved it. I'm still trying to figure out why I haven't been before. And why we left. Something to do with Colter at the doggie hotel, blah, blah, blah. But here, let me regale you with tales from my coastal adventure.

The beach is a magical place where sandbox meets the sea.




And where your Mommy plays with you in the sandbox because she can't use the excuse that she's making your dinner.


And where you get your daddy to do silly things like ride the sand shark that you and Mommy found.


Daddy also introduced me to the ocean. I'm still processing that encounter.


You know what's optional at the beach? Shoes. And for me, most clothing (a good sun hat and swim goggles are absolute NECESSITIES, however). While I was asked to get dressed to go get ice cream, I still took off my shoes once we got there.
 

Also, you should know that I learned how to swim. Mom is insisting that I will still take swim lessons in July, but I'm assuming it's to learn the butterfly stroke, or something like that.

Here I am, swimming.

And this is me, showing Dad how I swim.

{If you're not wearing a flotation device, you're doing it wrong.}

In summary, I'd say my beach vacation agreed with me. There were island cats wandering around who were FRIENDLY and DIDN'T bite me, unlike their inland counterparts. I got ice cream pretty much EVERY day. I spent my mornings swimming in the indoor pool with the local ladies during their water aerobics class. I spent my afternoons lounging by the outdoor pool. I stayed up late into the night while people had parties in the courtyard and played loud music. I highly recommend the beach!


P.S. Mom wanted me to include this photo of a bird we saw on the fishing pier. Artsy.

Father's Day Interview

With apologies for the late post -- YouTube, my iPad, and I couldn't reach an agreement on how to embed video into the blog while we were at the beach (beach pics to come!) -- Sam and I wanted to share a sort of behind-the-scenes video of the project we worked on for Bruce for father's day. I got the idea from Pinterest to create an "all about my Dad" profile from Sam. He will answer the same questions each year, and we can see how his image of Bruce changes from year to year. I videotaped Sam's answers to the questions for your enjoyment here.

The Big 0-4

Sam got invited to a birthday party for Jed, his more mature, sophisticated friend, who just so happened to be turning FOUR. Perhaps not coincidentally, Sam will now tell you he's three when you ask him his age, and if you remind him he's only two, he'll say, "But I'm getting older every day" (a quote that he snagged from an episode of Caillou). The party was at an awesome park in Raleigh, and it was a beautiful day.


We had intended for Sam to make Jed a birthday card, but sometimes he's not so crafty, so I hope this e-version will suffice. Check out the birthday boy (in green) and his awesome airplane cake!


Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Sam was enthusiastically admiring the napkins.


Cupcakes! (Nevermind the chicken nuggets.)

After cake, everyone went to ride the train.



Here is Sam striking a pose in line.


Apparently Jed and that fast crowd he runs with taught Sam this neat new pose for photos.


All aboard!


About to leave the station.


Awkward self portrait.

THEN, because we hadn't yet had enough fun, we took Sam to ride the paddle boats. Bruce and I both lamented the fact that our parents didn't ever want to take us on the paddle boats. After waiting in line for at least half an hour and then sweating it out on those paddle boats (it's hard work, people), we soon discovered why. I just hope Sam remembers this paddle boat excursion so we don't have to do it again.

OK, well, seeing him in this tiny life jacket almost made it worth it. Almost.


Another awkward self portrait.


Before we could leave the park, Sam sampled some of the playground equipment. Here he is, confidently striding to his near death.


See? Even Bruce looks alarmed.