Hikes and the Mock-n-duck

Not wanting to waste the holiday, we decided to try a family hike in the Fells. It was a beautiful day and we were motivated to explore. We had plenty of water and snacks, but unfortunately no bug repellent. Holy cow, the mosquitoes were out en force. Wasn't too bad at the waterfall lookouts, which were cool. Probably can't see us here, but it's me, Pip, and Viv, shot by Phil from above the fall. But as we walked deeper in the forest we were swarmed, and hightailed it out of there right quick!



Back at home I caught Vivie singing the mockingbird song. As always, I missed her strong part and she got a bit shy when she saw me with the camera. But her interpretation is too cute for words.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPjsz9NSbLo


While Viv and Dad enjoyed an afternoon nap, Pip and I took a long bike ride. Actually he rode, I huffed it behind him all around Melrose. First to see the swans, who were out for a swim, then to the library, and then to the park. From there I pulled out my handy new Droid and called Phil for a pick-up!

Memorial Day BBQ

We were invited to the Hoffenberg's, (aka Brillo from rugby lore), for a BBQ this weekend. What a blast. Pip and Vivie ran from noon until 8pm when we dragged them out of there.

Vivie loved the swingset. And this baby swing kept her occupied for a long time. Even at a hot dog in it!


For Pip, the highlight was definitely the waterguns. Here, he huddles with Liam and Ella, trying to figure out how to open the packaging.


Problem solved, Pip and Liam are on the hunt. I believe Brillo was attacked so heavily as he bravely manned the grill it was a miracle the flames stayed hot enough to cook out food.


Phil and I may have set some sort of record for calories ingested, however Pip and Vivie likely were on the low side. Not for lack of trying. They just only wanted to eat corn. I think Pip gobbled 5 cobs. Here's Vivie chowing into hers.

Vivian Reads

Seriously, this girl is amazing. She's been reciting book snippets here and there and loves to sing, proving she pays attention to the small stuff. I had bought a couple books to send to Aunt Jenny and Uncle Matt and was organizing them for the mail. On this, her official second birthday, Vivie spotted Brown Bear, Brown Bear -- a favorite among all kids as far as I can tell -- and plopped down on the kitchen floor to read it. But she wasn't just paging through, she was reading. I stood watching for a while and then finally grabbed the camera and got it on tape. She gets a bit flustered when she knows we're watching, but she still pulled it off. So Vivie and Pip both read Eric Carle first.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsY4lMpKUs8


Later that day we went to look at another open house in Bedford. Very close to what we want. Nice yard, nice family room, open concept. But small, squished bedrooms on a busy street. As much as we want to lock something in, I think we're gonna wait and see what else comes up. But, this house did boast a snake in the backyard, which I wrangled and showed to Pip lest he forget what an awesome Mom I am.


As if our day was not busy enough ,we rounded it out with a sleepover at Nick and Natalie's. Dinner and hysterics for the parents will remain un-blogged.

What happens in 2 years

Vivian is nearly two and WAY to big for her baby swing. Can't believe it's been two years. I know everyone says it. I suppose it feels like a long time in the way that I can't remember life without her. Nothing more precious than my Pip and Vivie.

Go pound chalk

Our driveway is a dru color wasteland right now and when it rains, it's going to look like a psychedelic dream. Pip needed something to hammer and all I could offer was chalk. I tried to ration him, but when I went to get Vivie's milk, that sneak grabbed 4 more pieces! What the heck, I figured, knock yourself out.


He even taught Vivie how to hammer it too ... and carefully. No ouchies at all!

Happy eaters

Normally dinner is a not very relaxing dance between us and the kids. Phil and I try to make small talk while attempting to keep the kids engaged (i.e. not leaving the table and hopefully eating). This is never easy. There is the rare occasion, though, where Pip and Viv are both hungry and eager to show off their eating skills. This was one of those magical days.



Not only did they want to eat, they wanted to tell me how much they liked what I gave them. Lots of "I like my carrots Mommy!" and "I like my sandwich Mommy!" No Mom on earth could resist the urge to videotape such a meal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjy6K6C8YD0

Oh, and if you notice the scrape on Vivie's eye ... she had a run-in with the Pilot's muffler and lost.

Drew's birthday/goodbye party

It was all fun for the kids, but us adults knew there was a grey cloud inside the silver lining. Pip's bestie from school is moving this week to Cincinnati. We went to his 4th birthday party the weekend before to share one last afternoon of smiles and fun.

Pip does understand that Drew is moving and won't be at school, but he has no idea that this is permanent and that Drew isn't moving where Pip is moving. It's so sad. Ramila, his preschool teacher, told me Pip went up to her on Friday and said "I'm gonna miss Drew". Makes me just want to cry.

Here they are one last time, whooping it up: