kidcity

Went on an outing to Kidcity Kids' Museum with my friend Sarah and her
sons, Michael and Mathew. Here's Alexa typing a memo in the mail room.
Dylan and Michael had a blast on the seesaw.
In the dress-up/theatre room, Dylan donned princess clothing and was mes-
merized by his own image on the television.
Here's Michael in his stately royal robe and chain mail.
Alexa especially enjoyed the toddler sea caves (even when she was pinching
and poking unsuspecting kids who got too close to her on the slide).

house

Our old buddy Rich (House) came to dinner the other night, and it was good to visit with him. It was actually Rich who introduced Bryan and me way back when. He's still as quirky as ever, and as it turns out, he's just as happy to be in front of the camera as behind it (he's a photographer).

walden woods, revisited

Dylan and Alexa had a little taste of simplicity, Thoreau style, when we took a day trip to Walden Pond in Concord, which is just west of my parents' house. The plan was to hike around the pond and find a secluded spot for lunch and swimming, as I used to do, but when Dylan and Alexa spotted the beach, which, in a sharp contrast to Thoreau's writing, is hopping with activity, the hiking idea seemed much less appealing to them. So, we cut short the walk and spent some time splashing, snacking, and sun/shade-bathing. They were intrigued by the replica of Thoreau's cabin, which we visited on the way back to the car, and Dylan has since been asking when we can go back to "That guy's house--the one across the street from the beach."

little discoveries

Bryan and I celebrated our 5th anniversary yesterday--five years since we climbed Mt. Flattop and said our vows under the beautiful Alaska sun.
It turns out that, even after knowing Bryan for 16 years, I still have much to discover about him. The other night, I learned that he was once a talented unicyclist (no, not in a circus, as you might imagine; he just thought a unicycle would be an interesting way to get around New Haven. Too cool for a regular bike, I guess). To prove this, he dug the old one-wheeler out of the barn and did a very impressive demo. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a very good shot (too quick!), but you get the idea!

"i climb"

(therefore i am). "I climb" is Alexa's new mantra. She'll climb anything: a tricycle, the ladder, into her crib, the stairs, on top of Mom or Dad. And always, when she reaches whichever peak she sets out to conquer, she declares, "I climb!" Sometimes this is said defiantly, like after she has climbed up on the windowsill or the top of the picnic table. Of course, she is foiled in many of her attempts, and to those who try to impede her progress, she responds with kicking, shouts of "No no no no no!" and loud wailing. She is intensely headstrong, and incredibly determined, and I sometimes try to see into the future and imagine Alexa as a teenager. The battles that will surely ensue! But, I remind myself, she will undoubtedly stand up for herself, and her strength, if properly nurtured, could be her greatest attribute. So, hail to thee, my blithe little spirit!

4th of july frolics

Spent the holiday in Spofford, NH, with Bryan's sister's family.
It was all I could do to get my feisty Alexa to pose for a picture with mom.
Edie and Lexie, in the Coupe.
Roll, roll, roll your cousin, (not so) gently down the hill. . . . .
It rained in the afternoon, so the kids went inside for a little yoga time, led by Yogi Edie.

future mountaineers

I guess it's time to put climbing holds on the barn, and to buy harnesses for the kids. As you can see, Alexa is going to follow her brother wherever he goes.

log cabin dreams

Dylan helped me construct our dream house. Now all we need to do is pick it up and move it to Colorado, or Vermont.

strawberry fields

Dylan, Alexa and Mom with friends Amica, Liana, Kristen,
Gracie, and Gwynnie at Lyman Orchards.
The Dude and Strawberry Shortcake, ready for pickin'
Wish I could say it was always this good!

On the bloggin bandwagon

Technophobic, letter-writin' purist that I am, I have until now resisted the assimilation into the borg--I mean blog--culture. But after paying a few visits to Dan and Shannon's charming little family blog on this site, I gave in. I'm so lazy about sending pictures that I like the idea of posting them, with little captions (or not, as the mood strikes) and sharing them with a small community of folks. And I'm nosy enough to visit everyone else's webspaces, so I guess it's only fair that I give something back :].

So, welcome, and visit as often--or as infrequently--as you like!

Peace,
T.