As dad flies to Nashville for a work conference, a few stow-away stuffies take selfies on vacation
Meanwhile at home, mom’s potato & leek soup is a perennial favorite
“Hi dad!”
Tag Archives: Meals
December 1st, 2018
On the most recent trip to the Asian Market, dad was walking towards the produce when he noticed the sound of Desmond’s footsteps no longer behind him. In the less than 10 seconds, Des had spotted the tub of blue crabs, found the tongs and managed to pick up a crab-
During a holiday gathering with friends, the coffee table transforms into a kids banquet table
Seasonal entertainment with Frosty the Snowman
But while the other kids just watch from wherever they were playing, Des and Ella immediately assume “movie night” position on the couch with blankets
Ella saying goodnight to everyone, with (self-imposed) mandatory hugs, kisses AND high-fives
November 24th, 2018
Saturday morning cartoons with Daniel Tiger. If it wasn’t for the abundance of quality EQ concepts for kids and valuable parental insights, it’d hard to read or watch the same thing so frequently.
Barn version 22, now with rocket-powered tractors
Writing birthday thank you cards, with careful supervision of the glitter markers. Ella is sticker captain.
First viewing of Frosty the Snowman
Des assisting dad make sushi
Des trying out a new set of trainer chopsticks while Eleanor tries out her new hand-me-down set
Taking much longer than dad expected, the first course of shelled edamame provided the right level of food and entertainment.
Edible.
A land speed record for consumption, from the little zen masters of the slow food movement
He had to resort to the prior chopsticks, still a bit too much to coordinate with four-year-old-sized hands
November 23rd, 2018
Each barn Des constructs must contain a fully operational crane
While the world is out shopping, it’s a good morning for a zoo trip with some friends
Petting the starfish, which will never be the same after watching Finding Dory
Des still insists this is not Nemo, but Nemo’s father, Martin
Little fishies convention
20+ laps later, still had to coax her into going to see the butterflies
Not her first time at the butterfly pavilion, but certainly the most excited she’s been to see so many real butterflies
Ella opted to join dad (racing eyes-closed through the insect section) to see the big butterflies outside
Ella (respectfully) encounters a new, inquisitive friend
The Great Standoff
Des keeping up with Grace and Clara
Little monkeys surveying the jungle
“Is your mama a llama?” I asked my friend Dave. “No, she is not,” is the answer Dave gave. “She hangs by her feet, and she lives in a cave. I do not believe that’s how llamas behave.” “Oh,” I said. “You are right about that. I think that your mama sounds more like a…”
This may have been right after Grace bonked Ella, but no tears
“Turtle!”
“When something is new, holding a hand can help you.”
Mom thoughtfully squeezing in as much exercise before nap time
And because it was a Friday, time to seize the falafel at Oasis Falafel of Omaha. Run, don’t walk.
Celebrating Falafel Friday with aunt Kellie
A bit hangry and pouty
But who wouldn’t smile at this feast??
After naps, it was time for the annual tradition of the tree lighting at the Durham Museum. Of course it all starts with meeting this guy-
One of the first in line to see Santa, going early is certainly advantageous. Then it’s off to decorate, and then consume, cookies.
The first holiday cookie of the season
When dad asked Eleanor if she would share a little bit of her cookie, she was eager to oblige. Des points to the crumb that was (laughably) even too small for a mouse.
Rudolph!
One of these years we’ll stay late enough for the actual lighting ceremony 🙂
Des with some trepidation, but not sister.
Staring at the tiny cows and chickens
Yeah, someone is tired
November 21st, 2018
Eleanor eating a wrap intact for the first time!
Des requested a photo of his lego creation, Barn and Millennium Falcon
November 12th, 2018
Multi-tasking when one parent has a work event, “Sure Ella, you can set up a multi-toy picnic on the questionably clean kitchen floor so dad can attend to cooking dinner”
Eleanor is determined to answer the age-old question- how many peels does it take to get to the edible center of a brussels sprout? She’s no one’s fool, and declines the repeated, shifty advice to simply eat the entire sprout.
Bath drop colors by request- two yellows and one blue
November 10th, 2018
A brisk November morning at the outlet mall for new shoes, Eleanor her eclectic outfit
Des “presenting” (?) the tree
Yup, someone really understands what that bright box is. Eleanor wakes up from the nap and starts talking to the monitor
Eleanor lounges back for Saturday movie night, The Sword in the Stone
Apparently she’s found her new style
Ella snuggles
Special treat- Salween Thai!
Yeah, everyone was pretty stoked
November 9th, 2018
Sure, Hot Wheels are fun for racing. But it’s the whole-house engineering that really makes it a hit
Having actually finished all of her bites, “Hey Ella, want do you want for a treat tonight?” “Halloween basket!”
