Ruby is Ready to Go!

Ruby is perpetually ready to go in the car. She doesn't say where she wants to go...anywhere will usually do. Here she is trying to convince her Daddy to get up and go.

space pillow

This is for Aimee--we made this video long ago (when Aimee moved to Chambersburg) and I recently started learning about editing and publishing these things. He was coached (can you tell?) and experimenting with various voices, so sounds kind of strange, and his on-camera persona needs some work! Maybe he can get some tips from Morgan. Miles is enjoying some quality time with Aimee again this summer and is in love with Baa-Baa all over again.
Thanks!

I Heart Pittsburgh

Although I rarely admit it, winters in Pittsburgh can be challenging--due more to the the gray skies than the cold or snow. The summers more than make up for those gray months though. The weather has been especially nice lately--cool at night, with low humidity, warm temps during the day, and lots of sunshine. With so many fun things to do, I fall in love with this town all over again every summer. This past weekend alone we took in the Regatta shows (man on wire!), science center (robo-world!), fireworks (multiple shows from one private vantage point!), classical music in the park, and the pool. Since Miles' school ended in May we have been to the zoo, aviary, Children's Museum, Kennywood, natural history museum, Phipps gardens, hiking in the parks, and to Heinz Hall for the symphony. (George and I were lucky enough to get tickets from friends.) The constant flow of free summer festivals, concerts, and movies--as well as the delicious summer produce, makes surviving the winter worthwhile. Of course, our annual trip to Florida in March helps too!
Miles is back to his "new school" for 3 days a week this month, so Ruby and I can get back into our routine of morning activities and afternoon rest. We took the stroller to school this morning and dropped him off at his new room, with a new teacher (another Emily!) and he was happy to be there, and to see his friend Mateo who he's been missing since the end of the school year. I'm enjoying the quiet of naptime!

Strong and Brave, and Jedi-like!

We spent last weekend at Oma and Opa's cabin in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The Smouse family drove up from Richmond to join us and we had a great time hanging out with them. Miles espeically enjoyed the company of Evan and Jacob and he learned all about Bakugan, a game/toy with a culture all its own, a la Pokeman, but smarter. The boys were obsessed with their new Bakugan pieces and tried to educate us all on the various attributes of each one. Miles took it all in, and is currently wishing (or "urging" as he puts it) for his own set. Something new to look forward to!
We also enjoyed the beautiful weather and got outside to play at the lake and beach. On Sunday we all hiked the Pole Steeple trail to a spectacular vista overlooking Laurel Lake. Ruby and Katie rode in style in our Ergo packs and the boys hiked with surprising patience and stamina. Being at the top, Miles reported, made him feel "strong and powerful." Back at the bottom, he announced that the hike was fun, but that he's "not much of a hiker....more of a Jedi."
Ruby was getting tired, and tired of being confined. When I sat down at the peak she tried to climb out of the carrier. She seemed to be eyeing up those cliffs!

Kennywood Story

In a moment of weakness, I decided to take the kids to Kennywood. It was "Moms Rule" day, where moms get in free with a paid admission. Actually, I got in free without paying, because I took Ruby with me and she is free. Miles and his buddy William got in on a BOGO deal, two for $20.99, and my friend Tanya got in free with her 18-mo. old, Ruby's friend Gavrie. So at least admission wasn't expensive. Miles has refused most rides at the various places we've encountered them--including the train at the zoo. So I didn't expect him to be excited about the rides, but I thought maybe he'd be brave enough to try some, especially with William's encouragement. He did ride the train, so that was a breakthrough of sorts. He liked it so much (as did all the kids) that we rode it three times. During the ride, we heard the "story of Kennywood" about the park's long history and changes through the years. Lovely, relaxing, and educational! Miles also was hoping to get a toy at Kennywood. Specifically a set of toy light sabers (like his friend Wil, not William, has). So after we tried unsuccessfully to get Miles interested in riding motorcyles, cars, boats, etc...and watched William, Tanya, and Gavrie as they pursued thrill after thrill, we found the gift shop with the light up swords, and Miles' dream was realized! We also ate some ice cream along the way and tried to stay hydrated with water, water, water. It was a hot day! Miles cheered up when he finally got his toys, and was excited to give one to William as well. When we got home I asked him what his favorite thing about Kennywood was, expecting he'd say getting the light-up swords. He surprised me though when he very matter-of-factly reported that his favorite thing was the story of Kennywood. He also has said he'd like to go back "once each day" to ride the train!

"It's too hard being a son."

This is what Miles is muttering to himself right now, along with "I just want to be a grown-up," and "I just want to be free from my parents, my mom and dad and sister." He's actually being kind of still...he must be tired. I sure am! George is working this weekend, and going away all week...Miles and I are spending too much time together, I think. He took all his dresser drawers out, emptied them, and lined them up on the floor. Now he doesn't like it that I'm making him put all the stuff back. We did have a nice break this morning when we walked down to Wil's house and played there for about an hour. Ruby was once again a target for the boys, but Wil's big sis helped defend her.
Not much of a Father's Day celebration, though I tried to have a somewhat civil breakfast. At least George got to sleep in and read the paper for a bit before going off to work. Maybe dinner will be better...
On a happier note, Miles is ready for a dressy occasion. He decided he wanted his own tie after seeing George wear one last week. We found him one yesterday while we were out shopping for Father's Day, and got him a nice belt too. He's been wearing them (in his own unique style), and taking them off for outside playtime and meals. He's hoping he'll be invited to a wedding (or that he can be the groom), or maybe a ball. I'll try to get some photos up soon.

Capon (K-pin) Springs

We had a nice, relaxing stay at Capon Springs resort in West Virginia this week. Miles and Ruby loved playing and chilling with their cousins, Uncle Rob, Aunt Erika, and Oma and Opa. One of the highlights for me was the dining room--where all we had to do was show up, sit down, and eat as much as we cared to. Three square meals a day, same table, same time every day...all included in the cost of our stay! They even ring a bell at meal time to remind everyone to "come and get it." No meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, or cleaning. That's what I call a vacation!'
The other highlight was the soaking bath George and I took at the spa. Thirty minutes of pure relaxation in our private hot tub filled with steaming spring water and bath salts. Ahhh.
The kids spent lots of time in the playground/giant sand box and also tagged along while the older kids played shuffleboard, badmitton, and ping pong, and went fishing with Opa. Things got a little tense on our one rainy day, when the portable electronics came in handy! We chilled out, literally, at the pool on our last day. The kids were shivering but didn't seem to mind.