Irresistable Turkeys (and Native Americans and Pilgrims)

I realize we've moved on to those OTHER holidays, but I just had to post this.

Leo made all of this at school. Clearly they didn't get the P.C. memo, but hey, I'm not arguing with the cuteness factor.

Photo Evidence: "No WAY!"

Someone better call Molly Ringwald.

'Cause she's missing her pout...

and I think Leo stole it.

Or maybe Barbara Eden in "I Dream of Jeannie," minus the smile and the genie bikini top.

Keep in mind if these pictures had a soundtrack, they'd be saying "No WAY!" (because the pout and the crossed arms aren't complete without that little gem).

Sorry about the underwear shot Leo, but think with all the "No WAY"-ing we've been putting up with, I've earned the right.

Epic Fail at 31 for 21: Will Pictures Suffice?

I have not been the best 31 for 21er this year.

Once again, I will use these people

as an excuse.

Speaking of those people, it's been a while since I posted any pictures of substance. That's because my camera died. I had to wait until my new one was ready.


I think it's fair to say

that I love my new camera.

Or maybe I'm just crazy about my subjects.


In case you couldn't tell

we went apple and pumpkin picking last weekend.

There was also a hayride. It was pretty much kid heaven.


The day with nature wouldn't be complete without a little junk food.

Neither Leo or Ellie had ever had anything like this before (still not sure what to call it--it's a chocolate dipped marshmellow thingy, I guess).

They obviously both had no problem figuring out what to do with it. But Ellie definitely took a beating with hers.

We came home and played in the backyard. Ellie had so much fun she didn't take a nap.

We ended the day with a game of "Red Rover."

This is my new favorite picture of Leo-this is quintessential, ecstatic, happy, stubborn and nearly omnipresent joie de vivre Leo. This just captures him, completely.

Whatever Gets You Through the Day

Breaking news: No tears this morning! From either one!

Friday Leo boarded the bus without struggle and crying (it was the third day of school and the first no-tears morning). I think it helped that he climbed the steps of the bus all by himself, he didn’t feel rushed. Also, I tried something new-Ellie and I walked with Leo, hand-in-hand to meet the bus. They both seemed to love this.

Today we had a repeat of no tears again, though there appeared to be a bit of a struggle to get him into his car seat on the bus (he is slower than molasses and likes to do things independently but I get that the bus can’t wait for him). I’m thinking another contribution to this morning’s success was the fact that Leo was wearing a super hero cape and carrying a magic wand. Hey, whatever gets you through the day.

Ellie was not happy on Friday (plenty of tears) but this morning she didn’t cry AT ALL. I left her sitting at the tiny table, at the daycare eating her pancakes. I’ll admit, she had a look of misery on her face, but did I mention there was no crying? That has to mean something. And also? She let me put her hair in pigtails, so she might have looked miserable, but she looked adorable and miserable. The pigtail thing is BIG, folks. We’ve been talking a lot about barrettes since she’s sprouted these pretty major bangs (more like a Farrah Fawcett flip, really). I let her pick out something to put in her hair this morning and hair bands it was.

OK, lest you think this blog has turned into “How did Leo and Ellie do going to school/daycare this morning?” (cue the snores) let’s move on.

Apropos of nothing, some pictures I've wanted to post but haven't been able to fit in a post. So here goes.

Down on the farm (we took a drive towards Pennsylvania during Labor weekend). Could Leo be any happier? (you have to click to enlarge the photo, really his smile says it all). Also, this cow was so friendly, he was like a dog.
Ellie and the dahlia field (the farm had a u-pick flower section).

The kids got silly on the drive into Manhattan a few weeks ago (the two days spent at my company daycare went well, by the way). But during the the drive in, it was shoes off, splits city.


Ellie pointing out the fountain in front of the building where I work. She's fascinated by anything related to water these days.


Wearing a cape and carrying a magic wand is really nothing unusual for Leo-he loves to dress up (extra points if he makes you laugh in his get-up). Here's Leo waiting to greet a guest at home: (note the tutu-as-collar, Easter hat and maraca in hand).

Lastly, and completely off topic...I'm not crazy about the route I have to walk to get to my office every day, but the best part is unquestionably when I walk through the theater district (it's as close as I get to a Broadway show these days). I love when a new show is opening and they are busily unpacking huge boxes of equipment, lighting and sets for the new production. I can't imagine what a complicated process that must be. And also, Jude Law on Broadway as Hamlet? Hmmm.

Those Crazy East Coast Drivers

If you were on the road in our parts this weekend, you might have spotted this suspicious duo:

Apologies you were not forewarned.

A little back story about this photo: this was taken at a friend's son's birthday party this weekend. These cars (motorized--I guess technically battery powered, but still! for little kids? Who thought of that and what were they smoking when they came up with it?). But. Leo did amazingly well. He totally figured out the gas pedal and sort of even steered. Sort of. And Ellie, well I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture but she sat so still and patiently while Leo chauffered her. She didn't once try to take the wheel (I don't think she was brave enough) but was completely happy to be driven around. She did hold on to that plastic duck in her lap for dear life.

Wild Kingdom

Feeding time for the world's most patient dog.


By the way, buffalo and dogs live harmoniously together at our house.