2009_07_31 Friday

Oh Boy, did we have adventures today!

First, we went to the Newark Museum for a percussion instrument demonstration/performance. They had all sorts of drums, xylophones, and others, although no harp. They played a number of songs too. Jonathan liked it, but the music was pretty loud. Afterward, we visited their small zoo to see the 'monkeys' (capuchins?) and some fish.

Then, I finally mustered the courage to get Jonathan's blood drawn for the state-mandated lead test. He charmed all the ladies in the waiting room. Once the nurse finally came to us, he was a little nervous about giving her his arm, but he watched the needle go in (which I rarely do!), and didn't even flinch. That kid is so tough -- not a single tear. I couldn't have been prouder! She gave him tons of stickers on the way out.

Finally, we met up with Steve/Vicky/kids at Chuck-E-Cheese near them for an evening of fun. I had been to one as a kid, and it's definitely changed a lot: much more high-tech. Jonathan loved it. Catherine was fantastic about helping him through the climbing tunnels and showing him rides that were good for him. He even did skee-ball! After about an hour there, we packed it up; the dads picked up McD's for dinner, and we retreated to their house for another few hours. See pix above (and, man, am I a techno-wizard for figuring out how to do that!!)

2009_07_29 Wednesday

I totally lost track of the days, so I forgot we could have had an art project at Whole Foods today. doh! Instead we went to a castle/park and got a private tour since we got there before it actually opened; however, wx was so bad that it we couldn't really enjoy the grounds, which was my initial intention. so much for best laid plans. We ate lunch at Panera's (a treat for me).

Then the rains really hit us. Jonathan, amazingly, slept through massive thunder bolts that must have been right outside the window. The house shook, and the cats were most unimpressed! I couldn't see the back of our property for the rain. And, when it all cleared, we had a lot of downed tree limbs.

2009_07_28 Tuesday

Jonathan needs to get a lead test (blood drawn). It's a state mandate for 2yr olds. I tried to go today, but the parking lot was full, and I don't have the patience to sit there (of all places) and wait. We'll try again another time. Too bad, too, because I had built up all my courage to do it.

Instead, we went to Target for a couple of things and got a call from Iris that she was heading to a playground. So, we checked-out and met her, Finn, and Henri for about an hour. It was great to see her; it's been months. And, I got to practice my German. Felt pretty good. Jonathan was in heaven to play with Finn. He adores him.

Then, the dumpster guys returned for the last of the porch. wahoo. it's all gone!

We may head over to the mall for some window shopping. I also have a GAP Kids gift card that is burning a hole in my wallet.

2009_07_27 Monday

We spent the day with Amanda, Julia, and Olivia. What a great time. It was so great to spend time with Amanda. That was long overdue, too. We even swam in their pool for a bit. All the kids wore life preservers, which was a first for Jonathan. He didn't love it, but he didn't try to take it off either. Jonathan had to ease in, but he eventually made it to about chest-depth. I was impressed. He didn't seem to love it, but he muscled through it. He also managed to stub his toe and scratch up his knee in a klutzy fall, but he shook it off pretty quickly. Of course, as soon as we dried off and went inside, he decided: "I want to go in the pool again."

2009_07_25 Saturday

Dave was up earlier than I today; the dumpster guys arrived to clear out the remnants of our back porch. Unfortunately, they already had a 1/2 dumpster, so they'll have to come back on Tuesday to get the last, long planks. Can't wait for it to be gone!

Once we were all up and dressed, we walked into town to see Donna at the diner. Breakfast as usual on a lazy Saturday.

Dave took Jonathan to the park on the way home, so I enjoyed some quiet time. When they returned, Jonathan went down for a nap. Dave tackled the den blinds. I cleaned a bit and marked the 1/2 bath for the mirror I got. Dave hung the mirror (beautifully, I might add) and took the chandelier down for me (after turning off the electricity!), and I am in the middle of spray painting it black. I sure hope this works. I found some nice chandelier shades online, assuming my little project actually works. Of course, no home improvement project is complete without a trip to (gasp) Home Depot, so Dave had to get smaller brackets than what was included with the blinds. He's becoming quite a handyman. :o) And, I'll enjoy this quietness and a fruit smoothie for just a little longer.

2009_07_24 Friday

We had a new nature center class this morning. Today's theme was lightening bugs. We went out in the fields to look for some, although we didn't find any. Tagentially, Jonathan found about 3 frogs! We came back to the center for an Eric Carle book on lightening bugs. And, then we did an arts-and-crafts project to make one...whose tail glows in the dark! very fancy. We also got a jar with a screen so we (read: J2 and D) can try to catch some tonight.

While we waited for Dave to come home, I tried to start up our fire pit, to no avail. I didn't feel so badly, though, when Dave couldn't do it either. While he tried, Jonathan and I caught, inspected, and released lightening bugs. There was also a lot of ball and frisbee throwing. After the mosquitos had their fill of us (oddly, they don't get me; I think my blood isn't sweet enough or all my time with MN mosquito-birds has paid off), we called it a night.

2009_07_23 Thursday

Today we had a new adventure: Jonathan went to a full-length feature movie this morning. We have tried over the past few weeks, but this time, we stayed for the entire show. We saw Hoodwinked, which is a Red Riding Hood-theme cartoon. It was very cute, and he sat in his green booster seat for the entire show (although he did hold my hand a few times). He also did great keeping his voice to a whisper (he puts his finger over his lips and hushes when I ask him to whisper!) Now, of course, he wants to go to the mooooovies every day.