Wednesday Moment of Zen: Storytime Zen

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

"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

Summer fruit zen

Four Picture Friday: Easter Vegas Bonus Then and Now

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

Contest!

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

Mega Post: Vacation Weekend

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

Jojo reenacting a scene from The Shining.

Four Picture Friday: Two Days in January

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

February's Favorite Fete

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