Hat(s)

Why wear one hat when you can fit three on your head?

Edward Markerhands

Sydney routinely insists that we "go color Daddy", but really she just likes to put the marker tops on her fingers and then laugh hysterically. That is quickly followed by crying when she gets frustrated that she can't do anything with that hand and discovers yet again that the marker tops do not fit on daddy's fingers not matter how hard she pushes.

As an update, I am astonished at how fast birds grow. The holly tree birds that were featherless and fragile are too big to fit in the nest. What will we look at each morning when Sydney's baby birds fly away?

As a photo comment, I don't know if birds have emotion but this one legitimately looked pissed. I stopped taking pictures as it looked like this bird was going to make a run at me.

Birds and the Bees

It's not often I post something that doesn't have a picture of Sydney, but indirectly this has to do with kids and little baby animals which fascinate Sydney. Outside my office window is a holly tree and I've watched the last couple of months as some birds built a sturdy nest, laid some little blue eggs and then recently we got to see them hatch and out popped little tiny birds. Sydney had fun looking at them and wanted to pet them which I assured her would not be ok with mommy bird.

Fruit Picking

Last Sunday we took Sydney out for her first try at picking fruit. I think it was mom and dad's first time as well and we pulled in a good haul of peaches and plums. Sydney like the picking but was more interested in the other activities like the animals and these little tricycle things that are powered by a back and forth motion. Suffice it to say it took my back a couple hours to recover from this thing.

The Blinding Light

Sydney has gotten smart enough to know when I have the flash on and she squints for every picture. So I'll take the flash off and then the pictures are blurry or not filled in. I can't win but I'm happy just to get some shots of her that make me laugh.

Building Forts

A favorite childhood pasttime that Maggie and I remember so well has found its way back to us. Sydney has started finding things she can hide under and it's only a matter of time before we have a panic attack that she's gone missing. Fortunately for us, she hasn't quite mastered the art of hiding in her fort and little signs stick out to point us in the right direction. (and yes, apparently she reads People magazine in her fort)

July 4th Party

After the fun filled parade and a short nap, we had a great afternoon barbeque with friends and all the kids had a great time in the pools and sandbox. Sydney cuddled up with Gabby to watch a movie before the big fireworks show.

Independance Day Parade

Saturday afforded us the opportunity to get Sydney out to a good old all-American small town 4th of July parade, complete with about a dozen people pitching themselves for governor and state office and handing out stickers. Sydney couldn't have been happier and would have looked like a political billboard had we not distracted her with the llama's (which she pronounces "mamas") that followed shortly after.

A Fun Ride

With the beautiful weather, we've been able to get outside a lot this last week. Sydney loves getting pushed on her tricycle although her legs just aren't long enough to peddle yet. Maybe another month. But she likes to be chauffered anyway and we don't mind pushing. Elmo also likes to ride on the tricycle.