Lil' Chimpy

Veterans Day at the U.S.S. Hornet

2010-11-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

Approaching the USS Hornet.

Jojo on the dock.

The kids were entranced by the band.

While listening to the music, Jojo suddenly missed his mother. Look at the stars in his eyes.

WWII veterans

Being on a ship, the wreath wasn't placed on a cenotaph but rather was thrown into the sea. The kids were each given a flower to throw in as well.

Jojo, meanwhile, looked perfectly in place with the veterans with his corduroy pants and khaki jacket. All he was missing was the baseball cap with his division's insignia on it.

Jojo in the torpedo shop. His one-word review: Beautiful.

Chimpy on the bunks.

Magic!

2010-11-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-10-20T22:17:00.001-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-10-13T22:10:00.001-07:00

Picking Mama up from work zen.

Monday Matinee: Two and a Half Verucas

2010-10-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Chimpy and Sis singing "I Want It Now" from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with a special guest appearance by Jojo.

Four Picture Friday: Hearts and Crafts

2010-10-08T22:44:00.001-07:00

Chimpy got her first Barbie doll at a swap meet last weekend. We made her a new dress out of an old sock and strip of felt.

Looking good, Barbie.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-10-06T23:27:00.001-07:00

New bike zen.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-09-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

Late evening miso soup zen.

Jojo's Birthday or "This Is How We Zoo It"

2010-09-21T23:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Jojo!

2010-09-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

First Day of School in a Nutshell

2010-09-15T23:58:00.000-07:00

Remind me to tell you how great these two are.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-08-11T22:56:00.001-07:00

Peace Zen.

Happy Birthday, Chimpy!

2010-07-20T22:30:00.001-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-07-01T00:36:00.001-07:00

Super Winner Super Swimmer

2010-06-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Chimpy's ability in the pool is nearing her confidence.

Four Picture Friday: Children's Fairyland

2010-06-25T16:10:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-06-23T21:47:00.001-07:00

Four Picture Friday: We're Going to Mocha!

2010-06-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

Chimpy: We paid for parking!
Jojo: We paid for parking!

Chimpy: We're going to Mocha!
Jojo: We're going to Mocha!

Chimpy: We built airplanes!
Jojo: We built airplanes!

Chimpy: We're flying!
Jojo: We're flying!

* * * * *
ADDENDUM

Jojo: That's it?

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-06-09T15:02:00.001-07:00

Those faces!

Springtime in Truckee (Our First Snow!)

2010-06-08T23:57:00.000-07:00

Mama had to go to Truckee for work so we went up with her. We bought a sled and were able to find a good small hill covered in some late-season snow not too far outside of town. Here are the pictures.

We also took a drive to beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Wednesday Moment of Zen: Storytime Zen

2010-05-04T15:19:00.001-07:00

Thomas stories are best read by someone with an English accent...

and a good steam whistle impersonation.

Four Picture Friday: Jojo, City Inspector at Large

2010-04-30T18:00:00.000-07:00

"Good work, men. Not bad at all."

"You missed a spot."

"Don't forget to cut down this tree!"

"What do you mean, 'micromanaging'?"

"Alright, I'll give these guys some space."

"Just gonna walk away..."

~ five minutes later ~

"I can't help it."

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-04-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

Summer fruit zen

Four Picture Friday: Easter Vegas Bonus Then and Now

2010-04-16T01:09:00.000-07:00

Though we had a great and full visit, I didn't take that many pictures during our Easter trip to Las Vegas because I ~~was hungover~~ had the flu but the few I did take make for a good 'Then and Now.'

Flying to Vegas then (Easter 2007):

Flying to Vegas now:

Chimpy and Cousin Jessica then (Thanksgiving 2006):

Chimpy and Cousin Jessica now:

Jojo and Cousin Jeff then (Thanksgiving 2008):

Jojo and Cousin Jeff now:

Chimpy, Jojo, and Cousin Barnaby then (Summer 2009):

Chimpy, Jojo and Cousin Barnaby now:

(Jojo's working on his baby cousin aversion.)

* * * * *

BONUS PICTURE!

"Please place your trays in their upright and locked positions. Please note, while Chimpys go in the storage bin above your heads, Jojos go under the seat in front of you. Thank you."

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-04-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

Contest!

2010-04-06T15:09:00.000-07:00

Where is this picture taken? Guess correctly and win an autographed print of it.

Mega Post: Vacation Weekend

2010-03-23T15:32:00.001-07:00

Our special friend, Cousin Charlie, came for a visit. We were crazy-happy to meet her and were especially looking forward to spending the weekend with her and her parents. Which we did and which was great. Here are the pictures to prove it.

~ ~ ~

WELCOME COUSIN CHARLIE!

Of course they're related, just look at these three goombahs.

~ ~ ~

SEA RANCH!

First sight of the ocean!

The hiking trails hugged the shore and in many places ran alongside small cliffs. This caused no small amount of anxiety for mama.

Mama's wishing she had those kid backpack leashes right now.

While picturesque, fences like this did little to soothe mama's fears.

Chimpy on a cliff by the sea.

Chimpy had been throwing rocks at seals when I pointed out that sign to her. Now that she can read she has no excuse for this behavior.

~ ~ ~

TIDEPOOLING ADVENTURE!

The next day we went shell hunting and tidepooling.

Jojo discovering mussel shells.

Beachcombing Chimpy.

The salt air was good for the kids, Chimpy grew three inches.

Jojo exploring the beaches.

Chimpy found a hermit crab...

And an abalone shell that looked like a ghost.

Jojo considers the immensity of the ocean.

It pleases him.

~ ~ ~

BACK TO THE HOUSE!

Relaxing on the deck.

Cousin Charlie's cheeks were irresistible.

And Cousin Charlie was a great sport about all the attention. Which is good because we love her!

Masterpiece Monday

2010-03-08T18:16:00.001-08:00

Jojo reenacting a scene from The Shining.

Four Picture Friday: Two Days in January

2010-03-06T00:10:00.001-08:00

January marked the end of Jojo's morning naps, so we suddenly found ourselves with a whole half day more to have our adventures. We had a good run of beautiful weather and headed out to some local regional parks for some fresh air. The first four pictures are from the previously featured Lil' Farm, the last four are from a 'hike' to see some wintering monarch butterflies.

Looking into the pig pen.

Climbing the mountain lion at the visitor center.

Gidyap!

Jojo impressing the ladies at the playground.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Chimpy's stage debut, playing 'caterpillar' in the monarch life cycle.

Jojo ponders trees.

Jojo ponders sheep.

Water fountain hijinks.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2010-03-03T17:21:00.001-08:00

February's Favorite Fete

2010-02-27T18:04:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again. No, not Groundhog Day. Not Grapefruit Appreciation Month, either. It's our friend L's birthday again! This time around, it's pirates!

Stylin' swashbucker

L's birthday's are always big dos, there were plenty o' pirates swarming a local pizzeria. Besides costumed adults, the biggest of whom made balloon swords and parrots, there was a pirate movie and pirate decorations. Gold doubloons topped the cupcakes.

Readin' the treasure map

Chimpy requested a snake on her turn at face painting.

Slitherin' snake

And L wanted a pirate ship.

Sailin' ship

And here's why we love L so much: despite having all her school friends there, she had time for the littler pirates.

Arr mateys

* * * BONUS PICTURES! * * *
The Sailor's Hornpipe, performed by First Mate Chimpy

Four Picture Friday: The Return to Mocha

2010-02-26T23:25:00.000-08:00

After nearly a year's time and with much anticipation, Chimpy finally returned to Mocha. We had last been there with Jojo as a seat-strapped infant and it became obvious he wanted to get his hands into things. Everything. We decided to wait for a time when he could take part in the art before renewing our membership.

An off-hand comment by Mama on her way out the door made us think today could be a Mocha day and so we got ready to go. After a busy morning of getting a pot roast into a crock pot and an exciting drive where we passed a cement truck on the road Jojo conked out just before getting to the art studio so we let him cat nap.

And he woke up to find himself in a wonderland of color where they don't yell at you for getting paint on the floor...

Or tell you how to paint...

Big sisters excepted, of course.

Then it was lunch outside.

For us and the pigeons.

A portrait of the artists as a couple of goombahs.

The Dead Bird

2010-02-14T23:16:00.001-08:00

New Feature: Masterpiece Theater Monday

2010-02-01T22:54:00.000-08:00

Where we re-create famous scenes from art/film/history. Today, a re-enactment of the Voyage of the Beagle with Jojo as Captain Robert Fitzroy and Chimpy as Charles Darwin.

Motivation, Chimpy Style

2010-01-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

Season's Greeting Cards

2009-12-21T00:02:00.000-08:00

Santa Sunday

2009-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

French Toast and the Grinch

2009-12-19T13:13:00.001-08:00

A perfect Saturday morning.

Four Picture Friday: Oakland Children's Holiday Parade

2009-12-18T23:08:00.000-08:00

After receiving a late tip from Little Chickling, we rushed downtown to catch the Children's Holiday Parade. We parked on the 'wrong' side of downtown and walked a few blocks and found ourselves, unexpectedly, at the headwaters of the parade and a few feet from Chimpy's TV friend (and parade Grand Marshall) Miss Rosa.

The woman in purple is Miss Rosa, PBS Kids' morning block host. Chimpy was a little starstruck but I called to Miss Rosa anyway. The wave and smile Miss Rosa gave to Chimpy affected Chimpy in a way I've never seen before and immediately afterwards she was emanating happiness and excitement.

Another block and we found ourselves suddenly under the parade floats. This had a huge effect on Jojo who couldn't understand why I was taking pictures of things other than the balloons.

We caught up with our friend, M., and sat down to watch the parade go by.

You're missing the balloons again!

Like much of what goes on in downtown Oakland, the parade seems to be overlooked by the rest of the Bay Area, which was great because it wasn't very crowded. Plus, it wasn't unusual for the parade watchers to suddenly rush the Curious George (for example) float. Here Chimpy and M. pose with the dancing Christmas tree ladies.

We took off a little early as the parade overlapped nap time so we missed Santa but we had a great time.

JoJo, Man of Mystery

2009-12-18T00:50:00.000-08:00

What happens when you don't blog about your son for three months? He becomes a little man, that's what.

My happy, handsome son.

Sometime around Halloween Jojo's personality, comprehension and communication all shot through the roof. He's using signs now, asking for books, registering opinions (complaints) and has developed the inevitable boy passion for trucks.

Feeding himself?

No big deal.

Lemur attack?

I can handle it.

Merry-go-round?

Well, maybe just a little help.

His relationship with Chimpy is very typical (long moments of peace interrupted by sudden hair-pulling or toy-grabbing). It's obvious he loves his big sister, in this picture they were eating cupcakes when he spontaneously needed to give her a hug.

A perfect moment.

Here we are on our way to pick Chimpy up from preschool. The hand waving is his sign language for 'music.'

That's an update on our wonderful boy. I'd write more, but I often feel like I'm just getting to know him myself. I love this guy!

Twitter Tuesday

2009-12-08T23:01:00.001-08:00

Technically, this should be called "Facebook Friday" as these are screenshots from Facebook. I try not to write too much about the precious things the kids do because a) I'd be writing all day and b) I don't really want to be that person. Still, it's inevitable that most of my tweets will be stay-at-home-dad-isms. Here are a couple for those of you not linked to me online.

I could probably write some variation of this twice a day, everyday. Such is my life.

This was a proud moment.

It's hard to out-wit cousin Lisa but she sets herself up here. The joke's on me, though, the deck still isn't finished.

Jojo's costume was awesome, see below.

We're Thankful

2009-12-04T23:46:00.001-08:00

photo by Lara El Khazen, via Tom Reid (Thank you!)

Skating Surprise

2009-11-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

We surprised Chimpy with an afternoon at the ice rink. It was her first time on skates and she did amazingly well.

Jojo and I stayed rink-side where he charmed all the ladies, as usual.

"Here comes that little blonde girl again..."

"Hey, where are you going?"

"Call me!"

Fall Guy

2009-11-30T10:59:00.001-08:00

This is Jojo after taking a faceplant at the park:

No, you da man!"

What a guy!

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-10-21T11:27:00.001-07:00

Trucker Zen

Four Picture Friday (retroactive): Sendak Exhibit

2009-10-21T11:02:00.000-07:00

Run ~~from~~ for culture!

Look good for culture!

Eat cream puffs for culture!

We went to the Contemporary Jewish Museum to see the Maurice Sendak exhibit. Like most museums, the CJM has a no-photo policy in the gallery area so I wasn't able to get any pictures of Johnny, Pierre, Max or any of the Wild Things. It was a great exhibit, though, and we had a great time.

The exhibit gave Jojo a lot to think about.

But we may have overdid it. All that culture wore Chimpy out.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-10-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

Last Harvest Zen

Four Picture Friday: Bar Rasslin' Jojo

2009-10-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Jojo tries his hand at a family tradition.

"Let's see... Chimpy's Bar Rasslin' Made E-Z."

"Stare down, mm hm... grasp by neck, mm hm... shake..."

"Who am I kidding? I don't need this book."

"Rrrrr!"

"I'm a lover, not a fighter."

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-10-01T00:43:00.001-07:00

Level headed zen

School Days: Deux Means Two

2009-09-29T23:12:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Deux Means Two Day at school. When I arrived to pick up Chimpy, her teacher handed the day's project to me and, noticing that I took notice of the drawing, explained "Today we traced people and then colored all the things we have two of. Isabel insisted we add to our lesson plan." Chimpy looked up and shouted "Yeah, we all have two boobs!"

Day Trip to Sis!

2009-09-28T11:28:00.001-07:00

Of all the many things I could say about how awesome Chimpy and Sis are, I want to tell you I don't know of any two kids who play so well together. Despite anticipating their day together with great enthusiasm–a sure recipe for hyperactivity or disappointment–when they woke up and saw each other they picked up more or less where they left off.

Sis: Hi, Isabel.
Chimpy: Hi, Vera.
Sis: I'm wearing my pajamas.
Chimpy: Yeah, these pajamas have fancy bottoms.

And then it was off to the kitchen to make pancakes.

We spent the entire day together, breaking only for a nap, and had only one flare-up when Chimpy hit Sis on the head with a drumstick (Sis did hit Chimpy first, but she knows how to pull her punches). Sis cried because she had a lump on her head and Chimpy cried because she had hurt her best friend. But even that passed quickly and they played until it was time to put their fancy bottomed pajamas on again and say so long until next time.

~ ~ ~

Playground

Matching band-aids

Fruit leather snack on the beach

Pumpkin patch hay ride

Apple picking

Sis's roller skate academy

~ ~ ~

Oh yes, Jojo was there too.

Whee.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-09-23T23:16:00.000-07:00

Mama Zen

Happy Birthday, Jojo!

2009-09-21T23:02:00.000-07:00

You make us very happy.

First Day of School!

2009-09-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

First day of school.

First day of school!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

MANY FIRSTS MEGAPOST!

2009-09-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

First ferry ride under the bridge.

It's not often anymore that I sit myself down to update this blog. Usually, when Chimpy and Jojo are napping and it occurs to me to do an update, I have the choice of either getting on the computer to write and upload pictures or doing any of the chores and preparations that make my time with them awake easier. Given that the result of the latter is a happier family and a saner father, I'm not always motivated to spend much time on here.

That said, I've started thinking of this blog less as an album for the grandparents and more of a journal for Chimpy and Jojo. I have literally thousands of pictures of Chimpy and Jojo but, as they are digital, I doubt they will hold the same magic as the small collection of yellowed Kodak prints that document random moments from my childhood. Hopefully, the many pictures and few stories on lilchimpy will paint a picture for Chimpy and Jojo of their childhood before they were able to remember it.

And with that said, Chimpy and Jojo have been having a lot of firsts lately and they should be recorded for posterity.

* * *
Jojo's Firsts
Jojo reached his walking milestone so quickly and with such determination it was easy to miss the fact that he was passing other milestones left and right. In the span of a few weeks Jojo has started using signs, trying to talk, demanding books, pointing out body parts and concentrating on playing. You'd be seeing videos of all these happenings except for the fact that the other camera finally packed it in. Then again, maybe it's a good thing the camera is out of commission.

* * *

Chimpy's First Memories

Last year around Christmas I wrote how Chimpy had managed to memorize most of Twas the Night Before Christmas after only a few readings. She is developing an amazing memory. Last week, while telling her mother about her day, Chimpy mentioned a new program she saw for the first time on PBS called Dinosaur Train and suddenly launched into the show's theme song from memory.

I'm often impressed by the sponges that are kids' brains but what's been flooring me with Chimpy is that she's been pulling up memories from times before I thought she had formed memories. For example, seeing Two-Tone the cat a block further from his house than we usually do or dropping and breaking a bottle of cod liver oil at the market (both of these things happened when she was around 20 months old). My earliest memories are from when I was between three and four so I have no doubt anything from here on out will probably be imprinted on Chimpy's long term memory.

* * *

First Friends

Partners in Crime
Jojo is getting to be more and more a little kid which is both fun and frustrating for Chimpy. Fun because she has somebody to play fort, roll the ball and sleep party with and frustrating because she has somebody who wants to knock down her fort, make off with her ball and wake up all her stuffed animals. My favorite moments, though, are when they aren't playing but just hanging out. The other day as I cooked dinner Chimpy opened the freezer and removed a bag of frozen peas while Jojo stood, watching patiently. Chimpy closed the freezer, poured two roughly equal portions into two bowls and gave one to her brother. It was very sweet and was one of those moments that gives a glimpse of how they'll be when they are older.

"So who gets the last pea?"

* * *

First Movie
Chimpy went to the theatre with Mama to see Miyazaki's latest film Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea. I know Chimpy's tastes in movies are dictated largely by what we like and what we let her watch but I don't think it is too presumptuous and pretentious to say Miyazaki is Chimpy's favorite filmmaker. Ponyo has joined Satsuki, Sen, Kiki and Fio as Chimpy's alter-egos.

Chimpy in a lobby by a movie.

* * *

First Word: Chimpy
Chimpy's cousin, Louie, was an early reader. I remember distinctly him reading between the ages of three and four. Chimpy isn't reading yet but I know it can't be far off because a light bulb went on above her head when I asked her to name each of the letters on the back of a parked truck. This was her reaction...

Hey!

* * *

First Word: Jojo
Most people who see us out and around always marvel at how intensely and quietly Jojo watches what goes on around him. Though those who know us better know that Jojo is anything but quiet–he only seems so relative to his chatterbox sister–there is no denying Jojo is a great thinker. Even so, he surprised us with his first word a little while ago: a very loud, distinct and purposeful "Ball!"

08/26/09: The "Ball" Heard Around the Table

* * *

First (New) Cousin
Let's not forget someone else going through a lot of firsts. Barnaby's first video chat:

Also, Barnaby's first "Dad! You're embarrassing me!"

* * *

Thanks for sticking around. Tomorrow, one of our biggests firsts yet!

Four Picture Friday: Chinatown Festival

2009-08-28T09:13:00.001-07:00

I know I've been cheaping out on descriptions in the last couple of posts but thinking of a thousand words for each picture then culling those thousand down to a relevant twenty or so feels like more than I am prepared to make time for most days. I can tell you that we had a great day at a street festival in Chinatown with our friends, but these few pictures will have to fill in the rest of the story.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-08-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Farmer's Market Zen

Four Picture Friday: Things We Do

2009-08-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

Playing at the park.

Blowing bubbles, cowgirl style.

Drums with Uncle Jason.

Hanging out the window with friends.

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-08-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Four Picture Friday: The Truth About Chimpys and Jojos

2009-08-07T11:12:00.001-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-08-06T23:08:00.001-07:00

Jojo Signs

2009-07-31T16:05:00.000-07:00

Continuing on the fast track to toddlerhood, Jojo took his first steps yesterday. In unrelated news he hit his head and needed an ice pack and a bit of quiet time. I missed catching his first steps on camera, but I did catch Jojo doing some sign language while recuperating.

We Interrupt Your Scheduled Programming

2009-07-31T15:48:00.000-07:00

Big news about Jojo but first, let's take a quick moment to welcome our newest nephew and cousin, Barnaby.

Samuel Robert "Barnaby" Connors
born: July 30, 2:09am, 6lb 14oz

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-07-29T11:32:00.000-07:00

Ten Months of Jojo

2009-07-22T10:22:00.001-07:00

The last few posts have been Chimpy-centric, so let's even things up with a Jojo post.

September

October

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

Chimpy's Birthday Party

2009-07-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

We set up for Chimpy's party at Crab Cove, a nearby park. All the barbeque sites but one require reservation so Chimpy and I headed out early to be sure to be the first at the free site. Mama and Jojo headed back home to pack up the food while Chimpy and I set about setting up. Time passed quickly and soon enough our friends joined us.

BUBBLE STATION!
We created a ball pit, put up a tent, hung a swing from a tree and brought kites but the biggest hit by far was the beach volleyball court adjacent to our site. Bubble makers, sand toys and a nearby drinking fountain made the sand pit the place to be.

FOOD!
On the menu: hot dogs, bratwurst, hamburgers, pesto pasta and fruit salad.

Also... corn!

PIÑATA!
While shopping for party goods, we came across the Curious George aisle:

Chimpy: Dad! Let's get the Curious George piñata!
Daddy: Are you going to find it upsetting? You know you have to hit a piñata with a stick. Are you going to find it upsetting to hit Curious George?
Chimpy: Naw, it's okay. (pause) Hm, maybe we should get the dog piñata. Then I can pretend it's Buster.

Buster is our neighbor's dog.

CAKE!
Chimpy chose chocolate for her birthday cake so, not being experienced in chocolate cakery, I tried a few recipes. Realizing suddenly that I had five cakes to deal with, I de-seeded some raspberry jam for filling and stacked them. I also made cupcakes because everybody loves cupcakes.

We iced the cake on site with whipped cream, but unfortunately the cake had sat in the sun for a short while and was warm so the whipped cream melted as soon as it was applied.

Still, though... CAKE!

Here's Chimpy blowing our her candle (photos courtesy Dan Ransom). Scroll fast enough and you can pretend you were there.

It was a great day and the best part was at the end when we asked Chimpy what her favorite part of the day was. Despite having a much-anticipated piñata, helium balloons, a huge cake and many presents, Chimpy answered "Playing with all my friends."

Happy Birthday, Chimpy

2009-07-20T11:07:00.001-07:00

We could not be any prouder of you than we are.

Midsummer Rain

2009-07-19T22:20:00.001-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-07-07T23:25:00.000-07:00

Lil' bookworms

Vacation Wrap-Up

2009-06-23T09:18:00.001-07:00

This is overdue, so let's get to it. We retraced our steps home, making time to play on the swings with Caitlyn:

Pilot a boat with Hayley:

And have roasted marshmallows with Auntie Tracey:

Then we drove, making excellent time, back to Seattle and caught the ferry to Bremerton:

Where we gave Uncle Joe and Auntie Betsy a crash course in parenting:

At this point we were all anxious to get home:

But still happy and wonderfully tired from a great vacation:

Vacation Days 5 & 6: The Big R

2009-06-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

We drove up to Revelstoke for a visit with Nana and Grandpa who happened to be on a vacation of their own. The road to Revelstoke is a beautiful if narrow highway through the Selkirk Mountains in the Canadian Rockies.

Looking back at Three Valley Gap, driving to Revelstoke.

A common misconception of visitors upon arriving in Revelstoke is that they have somehow wound up in Italy. It's understandable. Our first stop was a visit with family friends, the Angelozzis, for some homemade wine.

Learning Italian with Uncle Angelo. Salute!

Playing in their garden. Not pictured, rows of tomatoes.

Quel bello bambino.

The looming mountains and ever-present rumble of coal trains began to remind us that we weren't in Italy after all, so we dropped by Grandpa Angelo's for some fuuuuutbooooollll.

Egypt 1, Italy 0. No good.

Besides visting family and friends, the biggest deal for us was getting out on the Columbia River. Chimpy was excited about fishing "in the mountains" so we took a trip above the Revelstoke Dam with Nana and Grandpa for an afternoon of fishing.

Haven't even casted yet and the fish stories have already begun.

Which way to Mayberry?

My mom told Chimpy she admired her Scooby Doo rod and reel, yet when she saw me fishing with it she broke down laughing. What gives?

Jojo, for his part, loved the mountain air and the mountain water. They both must have did him good because he had a growth spurt while we were on vacation. See for yourself:

Mountain Man.

Jojo likes trucks.

Jojo likes dogs.

It was a short visit, but we were very, very happy to see the mountains, our friends and the trains. On the way out we drove along a lake, opposite a train so we pulled over to watch it and wave 'so long' to Revelstoke.

See you next time, Revelstoke.

Vacation Day 5a: Log Barn!

2009-06-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

We here at Lil' Chimpy Enterprises have a great fondness for roadside attractions, and nothing says Roadside America (or Canada) like teepees.

But if the teepees weren't enough (they were), the billboard that advertised "Goat Walk: Not for the Weak of Heart" would have made it mandatory to pull over. The goat walk is visible in the background here:

You had me at Goat Walk.

We played in and around the teepees:

...before it was time for breakfast.

"Pie, hon?"

We ordered their award winning (2003 Canadian and 2007 International) sausage with sauerkraut and onions.

Breakfast of champions.

Then the highly anticipated Goat Walk!

These goats knew how to work the pulleys to haul up small buckets of corn feed.

"Feed me."

Then it was back on the road!

Thank you, Log Barn!

Next stop: Revelstoke!

Vacation Days 3 & 4

2009-06-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

A short drive into the interior of British Columbia and we find ourselves at Nanny and Grandad's, a highly recommended establishment. Just look:

Billy B's B & B, the only thing we don't vacuum is the lawn.

"Does this meet with your satisfaction?"
"Hm. Needs a swing."

Nice!

After enjoying the garden and patio we took a ride on a real steam train.

Engineer Chimpy

And the next day spent the early afternoon at the lake.

Going to the beach in style with Nanny.

Beach Jojo

Near the beach is an art gallery. Showing was some work by a friend of Mama's.

Jackrabbit Jojo

Next: The Big R!

Vacation Days 1 & 2

2009-06-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

We're up in Seattle for Unca Joe's graduation.

Going for celebratory dinner.

Give me two shots of milk. In a dirty glass.

Going to the graduation.

Of the thousand graduates, Joe was second last to the podium. That gave us plenty of time for a nap.

And a snack in the lobby.

But it was a good ceremony. And at the end we got to see Washington state's newest teacher!

Congratulations, Unca Joe!!

Next: Nanny, Grandad and cousins!

Wedesday Moment of Zen

2009-06-10T23:35:00.001-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-06-03T08:59:00.000-07:00

Four Picture Friday: Chimpy's Carousel Review

2009-05-29T00:44:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love merry-go-rounds?

Giraffe at Yerba Buena Gardens, 2007

Lion at Yerba Buena Gardens, 2007

Pony at Golden Gate Park, 2008

Zebra at Salinas Mall, 2009

Goat at Yerba Buena Gardens, 2009

Recent advances in merry-go-riding: going solo.

You must be this tall...

"Yes!!"

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-05-27T10:03:00.001-07:00

Laughing Zen

Four Picture Friday: Academy of Science Visit

2009-05-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-05-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Week of Pictures: Day 7

2009-05-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

Let's round off the Week of Pictures with a couple of movies.

We now return you to your regular programming.

Week of Pictures: Day 6

2009-05-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Moment of Zen
2/7/09

Week of Pictures: Day 5

2009-05-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

More Jojo
After seeing this picture a few people chimed in to say Jojo looked left out so we thought we'd dig through some pictures and prove that Jojo gets to do plenty of things. For example, Jojo gets to fly kites:

Jojo gets to plays trains:

Jojo gets to ride ponies:

Oh.

Sorry, Jojo.

Week of Pictures: Day 4

2009-05-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

Jojo's Teeth
4/13/09
4/23/09
5/1/09

The upshot of all this teething is Jojo is on the fast track for food. He has started to refuse his baby food and yells for what we are eating, something he can sink his chompers into.

5/11/09It's not steak, but it'll do.

Tomorrow: More Jojo!

Week of Pictures: Day 3

2009-05-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day, all you mamas!

Week of Pictures: Day 2

2009-05-09T10:26:00.000-07:00

Continuing to play catch up with a backlog of pictures.

Easter
We were going to visit Nana in Las Vegas, but called off the trip at the last minute because both Chimpy and Jojo were getting over colds and Jojo had some new teeth coming in. Luckily the Easter bunny knew where to find us.

There was also a lot of love that came in the mail. We got some fun coloring books, stickers and cards from Nanny and Grandad:

And a new spring dress from Nana and Grandpa.

Week of Pictures: Day 1

2009-05-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

This happens every few months. I have pictures I mean to post, but don't. Then suddenly I have a backlog of photos with diminishing relevance. We have to catch up on a visit to Sis, Easter, Jojo's teeth, kite flying, a trip to the museum and lots of general cuteness. So let's catch up:

Visit with Sis
3.28.09 - We drove down to visit Chimpy's BFF, Sis. It's a long ride for an excited kid, but the novelty of a rental car helped pass the time.

We get there and as usual Chimpy and Sis pick up exactly where they left off. This time, they have a new toy to share. Jojo's face says it all.

Sis: Let's put him on a skateboard!
Chimpy: Let's dress him up first!

Besides brother bugging there was beach hugging:

And breakfast with the BFFs:

All too soon it was time to go.

The trip home was harder than the trip down, but we did find some comfort in a mall in the form of a corn dog and merry-go-round ride.

See you soon, Sis.

Return of the Yaya

2009-04-30T21:01:00.000-07:00

Answering the question: "Where did JoJo's yaya gogo?"

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-04-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

Four Picture Friday: Downtown with Nanny and Grandad

2009-04-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Chimpy and Jojo's Nanny and Grandad have come for a visit and we planned to take them into the city for the day. So, of course, we got up nice and early to get a jump on our adventure.

Waiting for Nanny and Grandad to wake up.

The walk from the bus terminal to the park was only a few blocks, but there was plenty to see along the way. We took a small detour to look at some new art.

Chimpy gives Nanny the whirlwind tour.

Chimpy gave the large heads a quick walk-by, but had closer look at the larger, more colorful stacked people. So close, in fact, that she hit her head on one of the lower figures. A concerned picnicker gave Chimpy a cookie which made the head trauma worth it.

Free lemon cookie with every bonk on the head.

After the sculptures, we went straight to the park and found a beautiful playground full of monkey bars, sandboxes and giant slides. So what does Grandad take his grandson to see? Why, the one course of bricks in the entire playground, of course.

Brick propaganda.

Chimpy had her own agenda which involved sliding down the very tall, very slick giant slide.

Chimpy flies solo.

The park also gave Chimpy the opportunity to prove she was over half her dad's height and eligible for the merry-go-round.

"A few more inches and I can drive the car."

Chimpy helped Jojo ride the merry-go-round. Well, until the bell sounded, anyway.

Sorry, Jojo. Only one rider per goat.

Watching his sister go around was excitement enough for Jojo. For everyone, actually, this is how we looked on the ride home.

"I didn't get to ride the goat, and I bet I won't even get to have one those cream puffs Grandad is carrying. At least the bus driver didn't make me crawl home... second born's have it easier my foot... grumble grumble..."

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-04-22T22:11:00.001-07:00

Waiting for takeout.

Jojo's First Tooth

2009-04-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

Jojo's first tooth has made it's debut but unlike Chimpy, who was eager to show off her new chomper, Jojo prefers to remain tight-lipped over the whole affair. The only way I could get a picture of it was to get him angry enough to yell at me which isn't hard to do when there is milk on the line.

Four Picture Friday: Behind the Blog

2009-03-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

My brother, Unca Joe, wrote on his new baby blog that he realizes now how much work it is to update it regularly and that he has a new-found respect for me and loves me very much (I'm paraphrasing towards the end there). It occurs to me that many of the visitors to lilchimpy don't keep blogs of their own and probably don't realize how much work goes into it. So, here's a behind the blog look at what we do.

We often have as many as five or seven people working on a photoshoot at any given time. In the example below you can see the artistic director, make-up artist and gaffer.

Just another day at Lil' Chimpy Enterprises.

Usually, though, the pictures are taken on the fly and require improvisation. Take, for example, this cute picture of Chimpy as a butterfly.

The rare Danaus chimpus.

The poster was made for older kids, so Chimpy had to be propped up slightly.

The rare Daddi stepstoolus.

Here's a picture of Chimpy and her pop on some swings. Hey, wait a minute... who took the picture?

Did Jojo take this picture?

Our gorillapod is broken so I keep having to recreate tripods. The camera is resting on the diaper bag strap and kept from falling off by its own strap which has been looped around the stroller handle and held in place by my wallet.

Jojo figures it isn't worth the effort and naps.

Videos present their own challenges, the biggest being just having the camera on hand. I've been meaning to get a video of Jojo yelling at me as I prepare his milk for a while now. Just the other day the camera was in reach when he started yelling.

And here's what passes for a tripod in the kitchen.

Like a tripod, this wine has good legs.

Well, that's a quick peek behind the scenes. But enough of that, here's what you're really here for... a picture of Chimpy and Jojo!

"It's five-thirty in the morning! Where's our pancakes?!"

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-03-24T15:49:00.001-07:00

This Is How We O'Do It

2009-03-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

For a family of four with barely enough Irish blood to fill 3/4 of a human, we went all out this year. Chimpy's familiarity with leprechauns (gained through multiple readings of one of her favorite library books, Jamie O'Rourke and the Giant Potato) set the stage for a very thorough St. Patrick's day. Her first concern was to protect herself from being pinched by leprechauns by wearing green. A lot of green.

Jojo, though fairly confident he could catch a leprechaun now that he outweighs one, decided to play it safe and wear green, too.

Chimpy, using JOatGP as a cookbook, stepped up to the ~~plate~~ crockpot and made some boiled potatoes (and corned beef and cabbage).

Mmmmm...

MWAH!

Passing up the corned beef, Jojo made himself a green dinner by mashing an avocado into his puréed banana.

And that was a terrific St. Patrick's day.

Pinch Proof

2009-03-17T13:28:00.000-07:00

You have a hold of that snake, Jojo?

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everybody!

Four Picture Friday: Like Father, Like Chimpy

2009-02-27T16:04:00.000-08:00

The other morning Chimpy and I were eating breakfast when she suddenly pointed out the window and said, "Hey! That house has a face!" I looked and sure enough, it did. Here's what we saw.

See it?

Hey!

I haven't really thought much about whether or not Chimpy will inherit my artistic talent. That is largely because I don't really think much or know what to think about my artistic talent. Sometimes I feel I draw only because I can and not because I am fueled by that creative passion that seems to drive many artists. Maybe if I considered myself more accomplished or if I felt I had a tradition to pass on, I would feel differently. But I don't.

But when Chimpy saw the face in the house that morning, I was genuinely surprised and pleased because I used to see the same kind thing all the time as a kid. It makes me wonder if maybe Chimpy hasn't gotten something of my talent after all. She's actually quite skillful with a pen. Here she is coloring a thank you card we made for a friend.

Chimpy colors.

Chimpy likes drawing and painting and I do my best to get her to the children's art studio a couple times a month. Usually, though, we fool around at home.

Unlike her old man, Chimpy isn't afraid of different media.
In this case, marker on foot.

Chimpy and I set up a work station for her in my attic studio. The various demands of the day keep us from spending as much time as we'd like up here, but we have fun when we do.

Here's where we don't draw.

Well, this post feels like it's more about me than Chimpy. So let me post another picture of her.

Portrait of the artist as a young Chimpy.

If Chimpy is an artist, that is fine. I will only insist that she becomes a better one than me. And if she sticks to her current plan and becomes a fire fighter/doctor, that will be fine, too. I'll be proud of her all the same. As for Jojo, he has no choice in the matter. He's got to fulfill my lost dream and become a writer.

"It was the best of Yayas, it was the worst of Yayas..."

Four Picture Friday: Birthday Party Then and Now

2009-02-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

Just over a year ago Chimpy attended a birthday party for her friend, L. It was princess-themed and was very cute but I don't think I posted any pictures from it.

The birthday girl (center, pink hair) is Chimpy's friend L. She is very sweet and bright and is Chimpy's idol by virtue of being two and a half years older than her.

Check out the cake:

Well, Chimpy was invited to L's party again this year. The theme was 'Harry Potter' so Chimpy got to wear her witch costume. Here she is with L, both suddenly a year older.

We did some face painting.

And here she is with her friend Lulu.

Speaking of then and now, here's Jojo a year ago:

And here he is now:

Wednesday Moment of Zen

2009-02-18T22:04:00.000-08:00

Rainy Day Activity

2009-02-17T20:32:00.000-08:00

You won't catch us complaining about the rain at Lil' Chimpy Enterprises because a) we love the rain, b) we sorely need the rain and c) it gives us a chance to do a rainy day activity. We found the plans for a simple dollhouse in Cookie Magazine. We adjusted the measurements so we could get two dollhouses out of one sheet of foam board and maximize the 'wallpaper' so we'd have one to give to Chimpy's friend Lulu on her birthday this week.

The materials

Playroom

Kitchen

Conservatory

Bedroom

The tenants

The finished product

The house is unfurnished but given that the total price for both dollhouses was about eleven dollars, I think we might look on ebay for a few things. Or maybe there's a Grandad out there with time on his hands and some matchboxes, popsicle sticks and wooden spools.