Ah, The Great Outdoors!

Katie asked Carrie to look at a moped with her, so Shane and I went on an adventure. He was resistant until he saw some large rocks.

Then he didn't want to leave the rocks. I had to drag him along until we found a bridge. The bridge lead to a creek...

...and then Shane didn't want to stop. "Daddy, let's go on an adventure!"

Once Shane builds up steam he doesn't like course corrections! I had to force him walk down the street to the park we found. He was happy to play once we got there!

And in true Shane fashion, he didn't want to leave there either! The other kids skedaddled, but he wanted them all to come back. Shane was pretty tired by the end and wanted to piggyback home. Only he wasn't that tired. He wanted me to run with him piggyback. "Daddy, I'm giving you running energy! Now you can run!" (Note: it didn't work.)

I left him sweaty and asked Carrie to check him for ticks. Then I headed back north.

Legotastrophe

The one problem with Legos: missing pieces.* 

Shane and I went out to play on the front porch Sunday morning. He was insistent. He wanted to bring his Lego car.

Trouble loomed on the horizon. "Shane, be careful with your Legos. If a piece falls through the boards it's gone for good."

"It's okay, Daddy!" Shane said.

Almost immediately, one of the Lego pieces fell between the porch floorboards.

Shane stared at the boards. "Daddy, can you get it?"

"I'm sorry. It's gone."

Shane was beside himself. He wanted to rip off the lattice and crawl to go get it. I told him, "No."

Shane cried and cried.

Full disclosure: I figured I'd unscrew the lattice and try to get the piece later (if I could find it). However, I thought it would be a good life lesson to have some disappointment in my son's life. He did not handle it very well!

I consoled Shane at first. After a little bit I pointed out that Shane still had 20+ other Lego pieces left. One minor piece AWOL was not a major loss.

Shane did not see it that way. He was distraught. His toy was no longer 'complete.' I thought Shane had mostly processed it when Mommy came home. He started the tear train all over again. He wouldn't calm down, so I eventually took him to his room. I told him that he could rest and come down whenever he was ready. The door was open.

Maybe I wasn't the most emphatic.

That evening, I broke out a flashlight, a screwdriver, and went hunting. All is right in the world again. I managed to retrieve the missing piece.

*The one problem I'll mention here, at least. Stepping on them barefoot hurts.

Bugging Out

Carrie and I searched for a new car with different criteria. At first, she test drove what I called 'barely used' cars. We put our heads together and came up with our lists.

Me: Cheap, definitely used, not a beetle, not a diesel, and nothing fancy.

Carrie: A 5-speed diesel beetle.

Our lists didn't quite match up. 

And yet, we ended up in Buena Vista with a new car on Saturday.

It hit several of my criteria, and drove well! I let the "not a beetle" and "not a diesel" slide. I got to be the hero of the day for what that's worth, too. Hopefully, it won't break down and make me the chump of tomorrow later.

Shane and Carrie love the bug. Shane bounced the whole time we tried to buy it. He wanted to be locked in the trunk and honk the horn. He rode home with Carrie. They were on cloud nine together (I was practical and followed behind in case the beetle blew up). 

Shane was happy the whole time. The library entertained him the whole way there. The new toy/car/bug high entertained him the whole way back. I pulled alongside and waved a couple of times, too.

Time will tell if the beetle was a good buy. Early signs are favorable. This morning, Carrie had to run an errand. Shane told her she couldn't drive the beetle without him. 

Directionally Challenged

Shane and I put together a little Lego car together. Is it finally time to start buying Legos?

I asked reflective questions, but Shane followed all the initial directions on his own. Maybe I should use illustrated flow-charts whenever I want him to do something. I'd have to keep them short. Shane lost focus and needed help near the end.

A Visit From the Nebraska Branch

Representatives from the Nebraska branch visited DC this week. They stopped to tour on their way south to visit the Carolina branches. 

We few, the proud remainder of the Virginia branch, ventured forth during known traffic hours to meet them. Our mission: to trade tales and eat pizza. Hopefully, Nana and Pop would pay. My brother, Matt, drove while his trusted sidekick, Renee navigated. I was useless. Really. I sat in back and enjoyed the ride! My only contribution was to split the parking bill. Matt's spot was free, so I even got out of that!

Everyone assembled in the hotel lobby to talk and wait. Our future ambassador to Russia and her scion had not arrived.

That was okay, though. We had lots to talk about! A random man proposed to Ann (from the Delaware offshoot) and Aunt B found a fashion twin.

What were the odds?

Also, how many B's are in this family? Megan married Big B and birthed Baby B. Then there's Aunt B and my mom, Debbie. When you add it all up you get....nothing. I don't know where I was going with this. It's hard to write like Hank the Cowdog speaks.

But never-mind. The baby did arrive and he was a big hit. He smiled at everyone and ended up at the center of attention exactly as happy babies are prone to do. The little bugger has the routine down pat. Kacy and Claire were putty in his hands.

Shane would have gone ape over Claire's shirt. They're a good looking bunch, no?

Well, I started this post in a funny tone, so I'm ending this post in a funny tone! Why? Exactly! Because I said so!

We took a big family photo outside. Megan took the photo.

Claire was in charge of scaring the baby.

And it all worked out!

Or mostly. I'm ashamed to say Nana was a little bit of a diva.

The unabashed truth is it was great to see everyone again. I love how full of life everyone is. We laugh loud and hug hard. The way it should be.

PS - Aunt Beth usually throws out some dirt on Dad and the Uncles growing up, too. I learned about Dennis selling car parts out of their back yard and calling home from jail this time. It's hard work to be interesting!

Megan and Baby B

Wednesday, much of the family gathered in Jama's apartment. Megan and Baby B were there. Baby B had tubes put in his ears earlier, but acted like he was none the worse for wear. See the smile?

The other highly amusing thing Baby B does is his "dolphin laugh."

I wish Shane was around to say "goodbye." We'll miss them when they're in Russia!

Weirdest "Go Fish!" Game - Video Dump

It was odd, but they came up with it on their own. Looks like they enjoyed it, too!

We met Raheem when he heard us playing and wandered up to our house. He's seven. The boys started to play "Go Fish" after Shane showed Raheem his Jonah cards. 

I stayed on the sideline. I always want to jump in, but I think it's better to allow the kids to have a chance to be kids. You can hear my inner monologue become outer the last few seconds.

Should I call it Pre-School?

Tuesday was Shane's first day of day-care down south. Carrie sent me some pics.

She said that he didn't want to leave when she picked him up!

Couch-Surfing Nomad

This week I'm staying with Matt and Renee. I get my own bed, too! I didn't remember to bring a pillow, though. My bad. Matt warned me about that one in advance.

I've enjoyed bumping in to all the family and friends in my travels!

The cats care. They really do.

Bucket didn't think there was enough car fuzz in my luggage.

Let's Get Board!

I hope to play lots and lots of board games with Shane as he grows. Board games are fun, make you think, and are fun! I hope to teach Shane lots about probability, observation, deduction....

...but for now the pieces are fun to play with.

We made pictures of cities by matching tiles from Carcassone.

And then a giant dump truck came and collected them later.

It's not the intended use, but it was fun! It lets me get some use out of the game, too. Shane and a random neighborhood boy played with it again the next day.

Two of the tiles are missing now, but it's way better than letting the game sit on the shelf unused for years! I'm glad they had fun with it (I do hope those tiles show back up again, though!).

Porch

Our new screened porch is a big hit with Max. She'll sit out there for hours. My sinuses approve.

Cleaning House

Mr. Helpful and I spent Memorial Day morning vacuuming and cleaning out the old apartment. Hopefully, someone picks up the lease soon.

Meeting Neighbors

Shane did not want to go outside Sunday. I tried all sorts of negotiation tactics short of throwing him out the door.

And then a little girl walked by. Mommy pointed her out and this is what happened next.

A new friend! Charlie's only 19 months, but she and Shane enjoyed the bean suitcase together (then he tried to climb the basketball hoop again). Charlie's dad. Matt, is finishing up his residency at the hospital.

Meanwhile, Carrie decided to attack some of the new bamboo growth behind the house.

It looks like asparagus.

Bamboo is evil, but it does make a nice green barrier up on the hill. It creates an illusion we're not in a city.

Carrie enjoyed going ranger on the bamboo, too. Look how proud she is!

Growing, Growing, Gone

More proof Shane's grown:

Saturday night, Shane played in his room while I put away laundry. He was sitting down and 'reading' a Little Critter book when I left him. Eventually, I started to hear a whistle. Then, Shane walked around the corner in full fireman gear.

I laughed. I was surprised. He marched downstairs to show Mommy his whistle. The costume was a hit; Not so the whistle!

Don't Play with Traffic

Shane had a close call outside a Harris Teeter. We were playing in the entrance when Mommy rolled past in the shopping cart. I reached to grab Shane's hand to follow, but he bolted.

A car was coming.

I grabbed Shane's shoulder and dropped him on his butt before he got to the street. The car stopped short, too. There was a pillar blocking the view, but I don't think Shane looked regardless. Carrie was super spooked.

It goes to show you have to stay alert with little kids. My sister, Kathleen, got bumped by a car when she was little, too. Thankfully, no harm happened either time. I hope Shane learned his lesson.

Return of the Heir

Shane's back! Grandma and Grandpa brought him home Saturday morning.

I don't know who was more excited.

Shane's never been away longer. He came back a little taller with all his arms and legs attached.

We didn't stay outside for long. The weather was beautiful, but our new house beckoned Shane. His curiosity engine turned.

And the house was a hit.

"This is awesome!" Shane said. He loved his new room, too.

Carrie sent me a sneak peek during the week. I knew he would go bonkers.

Aunt Kim came by to visit after lunch. She was in the area with Ryan and his family. His brother graduated from UVA and it was move-out day. Shane must have thought it was a party. Everyone was invited to his new home!

I'll post more pictures up of the house later, but these two show how open the main floor is. The kitchen flows into the living/play room.

Shane's final verdict: "I really like it!"

Carrie and I love having him home. The gang's all here.

Shane at Grandpa and Grandma's: Hold it!

"Do you need to go to the bathroom, sweetie?" Grandma asked.

"No. I don't think so," Shane replied.

Everyone piled in the car to go to the restaurant. Shane spoke up again. "I need to go to the bathroom, but I can hold it TEN minutes."

Grandpa pulled out and the countdown continued, "NINE minutes!"

Word is they made it on time, but barely!

Catching Up While I Can

When I stop, I notice I'm Carrie and Shane-less.

When I am on the go, I don't notice as much. It's easier to visit people solo, too, so I visit whomever whenever I can.

Monday, I tried to meet up with Travis. Tuesday, I dropped by John's work. Both nights, Jama and I stayed up and watched TV together.

Wednesday, Ryan and Kim treated me out to dinner. We played cards afterwards. They'll be down in Cville this weekend, so they'll be among the first to see our new house.

Thursday, my family assembled. Or at least those of us that were in the area.

And this time, I took pictures.

Baby B's smile inspired me. He's got his two front teeth on top and bottom.

We went out to celebrate Nana's birthday. Jama wanted fried catfish at Red, Hot, and Blue!

It will be one of the last times we're all together in Northern VA. Next week, Baby B gets tubes in his ears and goes to Russia. How's that for a timeline?

It was good seeing everyone. Every time we laughed, Baby B laughed, too!

Drew is on the schedule for next week. Travis, too. Lots of check-ins and farewells.

Burn-out Time!

It's burn-out time again at work. That magical time of year when both the kids and I wish it was over and find it difficult to focus. They're way more vocal about it than I am, though. I pray instead (a lot).

Life With Jama

Jama left me a message today. She was worried I'd miss Dancing With the Stars!

The Sherlock Girls

The Sherlock Girls came on time. I sat in my room on my computer and acted innocent/oblivious.

"What!?!"

They retreated around the corner to discuss.

I didn't move. The clues were in place. I heard my name and "...the teacher?" out of the hallway jumble.

A few minutes later, the girls ventured to my doorway. "Are you our Moriarty?"

The Resolution Creeps Closer

The fun continues! Sherlock's good at keeping in character.

Unfortunately, it was time sensitive this time, so I had to rush a response.

I wish the workroom printer did color.

My friend next door, the English teacher, has really enjoyed the back and forth game. She bought me a small Sherlock Holmes book as a gift "for inspiration!" 

Moving Weekend

Carrie and I spent the weekend moving. She borrow a truck from work. I'm happy to report it did not get stuck under the low clearance bridge. There was an inch to spare (if that...).

We worked like dogs until Sunday afternoon. The soreness should go away by Wednesday! We took time outs for meals and to get my haircut. Shane partied on with Grandma and Grandpa.

Cat Approved

The new house is cat approved. We moved them over Saturday evening.

Toilet Humor

I'm not involved in this one, but there's some hilarious grafiti going up in the social studies workroom bathroom. It's a passive aggressive war.

A substitute may have missed the point and posted their contact information up, too. I overheard another teacher wanted to post another teacher's number "for a good time."

I've never been more excited to check a stall.

The Game Continues

The custodians cleaned the walls last weekend. Sherlock and Moriarty were casualties. The Sherlock girls should feel lucky; I left them a real humdinger last time.

I put up a new poster to pick it up again.

I figured I'd bait them and declare victory simultaneously. It's what Moriarty would do. The last line is a direct quote.