Long live rainy days

Today was one of those cool, 60ish-something, softly raining days. Le sigh. Those are rare in this corner of the world. When it rains, it pours (and old basements flood) as they like to say. Today was different though. It reminded me of Seattle and it made me miss the ole' emerald city. Lucy occupied herself with chalk on the patio while one very tired 2 yo took a nap. My father has convinced Lucy that the only reason it stopped raining in Louisiana each day was because she sang, "Rain, rain go away..." nonstop until it ceased. Non. stop. And so it continued today. Thanks, Dad! I decided to make the most of a childhood moment and got a few great pics. Enjoy!

It's my party...

...and I'll pout on a pony if I want to,

Pet bunnies if I want to,

Pet bunnies if I want to,

It's my party and I'll hula hoop if I want to,

Hula hoop if I want to...

Wow, birthday parties have changed a lot since I was a kid. Long gone are the days of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and boxed Betty Crocker cakes. Yesterday we celebrated Lucy's classmate's 4th birthday, and this is the second birthday party with pony rides and petting zoos (others have included indoor water parks and indoor bouncy houses). Expectations are riding high for birthday parties these days. I had no idea. Todd says that he's going to do a Cowboy Dan routine a la Steve Martin on Parenthood for Lucy's 5th birthday. Can't wait.

Summertime...

...and the livin' is easy
fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high...

I took the girls to a local park today complete with pond and matching ducks. I watched the walkers, joggers and bikers zip along the path, headphones in ears, watching for piles of green goose poop and checking their watches. Used to be me. Here's what happens when you escort people under 3 feet tall to the park:


Close encounters with ducks of the third kind. Don't let his innocent, ducky looks fool you. He's sly and cunning. We brought him offerings of stale, moldy bread which seemed to appease him.

Contemplating the behavioral and dietary patterns of the local water fowl.

Lucy contemplating the universal laws of the natural world.

Conclusion: g = 9.81 (m/sec)/sec.

Exploring the depths and utilitarian purposes of pockets.

Note: Isabel initially searched for her pockets inside her diaper after pulling her pants down. Lucy gave her some pocket pointers and helped her pull her pants back up. Hey, what are big sisters for?

"What are those brown things?"
"Those are called cattails."
"Why? They don't look like cats."
"No, I guess they don't."
"That's a silly name!"
"Yes, I guess it is a silly name."

Contemplating the intricacies of photosynthesis and the plant's unique ability to fixate atmospheric carbon.

I love this profile shot. I can't keep these baby hairs out of her face. She's like one of those fuzzy ducklings.

And you thought these park visits were mere child's play. My kids have definitely made me slow down...and watch the snails.