Back at the 'seum

You know, Bruce made a really insightful comparison the other day that pretty much summed up where I am right now. In effect, he said August is like the Thursday of the summer. When Thursday rolls around, you're really excited the work week is almost over, but you're also keenly aware of all the work you still need to get done before the weekend. Similarly, when August arrives you begin to anticipate the crisp, autumn days just around the corner, but you suddenly realize there are all these things -- summer things -- that you had planned on doing but haven't gotten around to yet. Oh, the grilling! The outdoor concerts! The lawn parties! Actually, I'm pretty sure Bruce wasn't regretting a lack of lawn parties when he made the comment; more likely he was lamenting that he is not as far along in his triathlon training as he had hoped. But, still, it was apt.

Anyway, it occurred to me we haven't been to the Museum of Life and Science all summer. A travesty. Particularly given the mist exhibit they have in the summers. To remedy that situation, Sam and I went early last week and then again, with Bruce, over the weekend.

First, a flashback. The museum was one of the first places we visited after we moved here last August. Here is Sam a year ago.


And here are some pics from our two recent trips with Sam.

Still loves the drums a year later.




We ran into Naomi from school!


Misty!




Our first time at the dinosaur exhibit. Don't ask me to name this one.


Parting shot.

First Day of Preschool

Sam's first day in his new 3 Year Old Preschool Class.  He had a great day!

Pool Time: A Photo Essay

 

Next time I'll feature photos of him actually IN the pool. Although I'm typically distracted just trying to keep his head above water.

I Win!

The weather is hot, and Sam is obsessed with all things frozen and sweet. I found a clever recipe for a healthy popsicle on Pinterest, and gave it a try. The ingredients? Kiwi, apple juice and GREEN PEAS. Bruce seemed skeptical, but I gave it a try anyway. I will add that, contrary to the recipe's instruction, I did puree the peas in with the kiwi, because I'm pretty sure Sam would have just spit them out whole. And it worked! Now I'm empowered to try all kind of things -- carrots, beets and kale come to mind. This popsicle totally made me feel better about the french fries he ate for dinner.




(OK, so he's not the most enthusiastic looking consumer, but he did eat the whole thing.)

Milestone Alert! First Ice Cream Cone

Sam has had ice cream before, but this was his first cone. It took him about half an hour, but he ate the whole thing, plus part of his Dad's.

July 4 Parade

I took Sam to a kid's parade in downtown Durham for July 4. The word "parade," was a bit misleading to him, apparently, as he kept asking where the marching band was. Finally I got him on board, and we joined the throngs of kids, all decorating their rides.


Sam navigates the crowds during bike decoration.


Close-up of my handiwork.

We had a few minutes left before the parade was supposed to start, so we headed over to the firetruck. Sam was so enthusiastic -- we visited at length before and after the parade -- that one of the firefighters said he wouldn't be surprised if Sam was going to be his captain in a few years.


In the driver's seat.


What parade?


Wait! The parade is starting without me!

Sam and I sprinted across the field to join the parade. He mounted his trusty Radio Flyer and took off for the end of the parade trail.


Speeding past the stragglers.


Riding hard. So hard, in fact, he proceeded to just ride into the back of the vehicle in front of him while I was trying to take photos. We still have a lot to learn about parade etiquette.


Waving at the onlookers.


Proud rider.


Afterwards, he cooled off with a popsicle. "Hmmm. I detect notes of citrus and high fructose corn syrup. A delicious combination."


Then the firemen opened one of the hydrants! You can see the parade veterans thought ahead and brought their swimsuits. Sam mainly hung around the perimeter of the water play.


And enjoyed the people watching.

Happy Birthday to America!