I am not a frequenter of yard sales, but I have a soft spot for children selling lemonade. This yard sale find just happened to be parked right next to the refreshments, and I couldn’t resist:
So far, it’s proving to be a pretty good investment.
On the front page of this morning’s Orlando Sentinel
I think I could make a small fortune designing Halloween costumes for children in subtropical climates. Masks, long sleeves, and thick polyester would be banned. Shorts, leotards, lightweight capes, and sweat-proof face paint (SPF 45) would rule the day. How about “Surfer Batman” in swimming trunks? “Sand White” instead of Snow White—a princess without the petticoats? Babies dressed as cherubs, with only angel wings and a diaper? Let the kids in Minnesota dress like the Michelin Man in those puffy muscle costumes. We are roasting down here!!
Meanwhile, this is the scene at my parents’ house in Colorado:
Apparently, they are all going to dress like Eskimos for Halloween.
The grand finale to any autumn visit to Green Meadows Farm is a stop at the pumpkin patch. While I held Jude, Pete and Noah scouted out the three best pumpkins to accompany us home, which Noah promptly christened “Mama Pumpkin,” “Dada Pumpkin,” and “Bobby.”
“Bobby” joined Noah for his nap when we arrived home, then was introduced to his superhero collection, then went for a ride in the laundry basket. It is going to be a long October for Bobby.
“Mommy!
I am not going to pose for some kind of Anne Geddes photo shoot!”
(Pete was a much more accommodating subject.)
I love fall. And sweet little boys. And pumpkins named Bobby.
Ahh, fall! I love the transition into a new season. Fall in Florida is less conspicuous than it is up north, with no autumn colors to flaunt or gusting winds (hurricanes excluded); but after seven years of living here, I am learning to find it in the subtle changes that mark the season. One of my favorite places to do that is at Green Meadows Farm, where we got a taste of country livin’ today on our weekly “Day with Daddy” (our family’s day of rest). Nothin’ but fresh air, tractors, animals, and a whole lotta fun!
{”Dairy Fresh Milk”: Nursing-Mother Humor}
This afternoon, Noah and I took our first swim of the season over at Beki’s house.
Goggles compliments of Beki’s boysAs you can see, Noah really got into the part. I was expecting a screaming/crying fit, but once he warmed up, there was no stopping him. By the time we wrapped up almost two hours later, he had abandoned his floaty vest and was adventurously working his way around the perimeter of the pool, clinging to the wall and playing on the pool steps.
All by himself (under my watchful gaze, of course.)
Meanwhile, I actually felt weightless for a blissful few minutes. It is a strange sensation to be floating and to feel a baby floating inside you at the same time.
I am the human baby pool!
I am a week late in posting these pictures, but I would be remiss if I skipped them, since they represent a pretty well perfect day. Last Friday, we made our first trek to the beach of 2009 and it was divine. Sand between our toes, a pleasant sea breeze, good books, shovels, and a big bag of Cheetos. Who could ask for anything more?
Noah checks out a jellyfish, who they named “Purples”
More company (Noah was fascinated)
I dig the shades, man.
Seriously, am I the palest Floridian EVER? Must work on that.I can’t believe I finally get to say this:
It’s starting to feel like fall.
YAHOO!!!!!!!!!
I think every Floridian should get an “I survived another summer” T-shirt at the close of the season. That, and a “Get out of your August electric bill free” coupon. Who’s with me?
Some fall scenes (and no, don’t expect changing leaves or jackets… This is a swamp, remember):
#1. Seeing Ann again—my gorgeous, wonderful, hilarious friend from Virginia who knows all my funny quirks and habits (having lived with me for three years in college and survived to tell the tale). If you ever want to hear some good stories of our days in the converted-mental-hospital dormitory three miles off campus, let me know. Nothing like isolation and late-night fire drills to cement a friendship. Sigh.
#2. Spending time with Davison, Ann’s husband (who Noah affectionately calls “D”). Davison has a killer mustache and kept us all laughing at the Gator Land exhibits. (Warning: the following images may disturb you, but I assure you he made it home in one piece.)
#3. Gator Land. Shocking, isn’t it? I, Lauren, voluntarily entered a habitat for creepy-crawly scaly things that go bump in the night. Needless to say, I skipped the snake exhibit. The alligator wrestling was a bit much to take, but Noah’s excitement over the Gator Land choo-choo train made it all worthwhile. All aboard!
#4. Chowing down. When else but on vacation can you indulge in chocolate chip muffins, pancakes, a Steak ‘n Shake Frisco Melt, lobster, swordfish, boiled peanuts, cookie bars, strawberry shortcake, and a peppermint pattie milkshake, all within a span of five days? (And for the record, that is a purely hypothetical question.)
#5. While we’re on the subject of food, the DeLeon Springs Pancake House. Rocks. My. World. It was well-worth the 2-hour wait and lack of air conditioning to enjoy a hearty batch of pancakes cooked right at our table. Noah (aka, “Short Stack”) downed three before the sugar coma hit. He is one pancake-lovin’ man.
#6. The Winter Park Boat Tour. Another great adventure for big and little kids alike. Just remember it’s B.Y.O.C. (”Bring Your Own Sippy Cup”).
Of course, the best moments weren’t captured on film: the fun of watching Ann chase Noah around the front yard; the bug spray incident when Ann sufficiently repelled every mosquito within a 100-mile radius; Leo, basking in Davison’s attention (the most he’d received in quite some time); the long naps; the late-night hilarity. So much goodness in just five days.
Ann & D, come back soon! You are loved and missed!
The title of this entry is inspired by Noah’s new favorite movie—Happy Feet—which features two of his greatest loves: penguins and dancing. The movie was a gift from his Nana, who flew in Thursday night, and we have been enjoying it in bits and pieces (fast-forwarding past the scary sea lion part, of course). Having my mom here is giving me happy feet as well, which are no doubt doubly happy when immersed in the foamy Florida surf (note “Exhibit A” above). Though this photo will undoubtedly draw sarcastic remarks from… ahem… certain family members who enjoy referring to my size 11 feet as “gunboats,” it is worth the abuse to have such a fitting introduction to the totally stellar photos that follow. We have visited two beaches in the last two days, and now everybody feels like dancing:
Note: This is what happens when you go from snowy 19-degree weather to sunny 78-degree weather in the space of 24 hours. Subjects are known for spontaneous bursts of energy and should avoid operating heavy machinery until completely thawed.
Me and my mom. Two peas in a pod. She even let me style her hair curly. (For some reason, Pete never lets me play “beauty shop” with him—go figure.)
And judging from how gorgeous these guys are, they don’t need any help from me.
In case you were getting tired of looking at my feet…
I think this picture belongs in some kind of parenting magazine. Like an article on studly dads. Pete can be Mr. July.
Noah had great fun chasing the seagulls…
And here he is discovering the wonder of ketchup at a seaside restaurant. Condiments have never interested him before now, but he was dipping his french fries and chicken fingers like a pro. If any of you know my mom’s love of ketchup, you know who inspired this sudden affection for Heinz’ 57 Varieties.
Must run—there is more fun to be had! Love to all!
