Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
A Space Shuttle
Last year we went to the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. The Space Shuttle Discovery now calls the museum home, so we had to take another trip to see it.
This shuttle has been to space! And it shows. On the left is the Discovery. On the right is the Enterprise. The Enterprise, which was used for tests on the ground and in the atmosphere looks like a glorified model next to the Discovery.
The Space Shuttle Discovery flew 39 missions, covering 149 million miles in its 5,830 orbits and spent 365 days in space. It flew more missions than any other space shuttle.
Seeing the space shuttle in person was pretty impressive. For me and Nate, it was a chance to see one of the symbols of the era of our childhood.
The tiles on the space shuttle got a lot of love from the tour guides. We heard bits of three separate tours, and they were all discussing these glorious tiles. They provided protection against the extreme temperatures encountered when reentering the atmosphere. Tiles would have to be replaced after they were worn out. The black tiles are the ones that have never been through reentry.
Pictures with a baby to give some perspective on scale.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Day 2 in Philadelphia
We didn't make it to the Barnes Museum, so we saw the Gates of Hell at the Rodin and then the Please Touch Museum. Beckett was thrilled to find a museum dedicated to him.
Be Mine
I decided to put in some effort for Valentine's Day this year. I am not much of a decorator or party planner, but I just knew that Beckett would really love Valentine's Day, so we did it right. On Wednesday he had a party at preschool and came home really fired up about V-Day. We made cupcakes together, and I let him decorate all of them. Then we made a little Valentine craft that became our centerpiece. After the kids went to bed I hung the hearts and put out the Valentine plates and presents. You can be sure that Beckett noticed every single thing.
(Notice the V-Day snow.)
Opening a present.
Eating a present.
Beckett picked out some cupcakes and crafts to take to him babysitter's house. He kept saying "Happy Valentine's Day" all day long. The hearts are still hanging. They were a big hit.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Day 1 in Philadelphia
We hit the city hard today. First we toured Independence Hall, followed by a short stop at the Liberty Bell. Then we took a taxi across town to the Philadelphia Art Museum. Thanks to Felix's nap and Beckett's love of the iPad, we were able to see the entire museum. It was great. One highlight was Duchamp's "The Large Glass". The museum is packed full of surprises.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Flying
Time for our nightly flight. First, the boys build a runway out of puzzle pieces. Next, they build an airport with a control tower out of legos. Finally, we switch on the theme music. The planes fly to "Test Drive" from How to Train Your Dragon and the Theme from Superman.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
We Got Some Snow
People have been complaining about the cold weather out here. So far Maryland has the warmest winters of any place I've ever lived. I actually love winter, and I was happy to see some snow!
We headed outside to take advantage of the white stuff before it all melted away.
We headed outside to take advantage of the white stuff before it all melted away.
Snowball toss
Caught dumping snow on his little brother.
Nate and B built a teeny, tiny snowman.
Felix stayed warm in his puffer coat and size 2T-5T hat.
Best Library Finds (1)
I'm thinking of doing a new series on the blog featuring Beckett's favorite library books.
When it comes to library books Beckett has some very strict standards. Those standards involve trains. One day we stopped at the library to drop off some books and Beckett said, "Oh the library. Get a train book." Usually we have to get more than one.
The last time we went to the library they have a special vehicles display, and I picked up these three books.
Machines At Work is about a group of construction workers building a new building. Beckett said of the first page: "Like at the demolition site!" The workers take a lunch break and put all the machines away at night.
Red Car, Red Bus is a color book. It features different types of vehicles of varying colors. Beckett cheered for the blue bike. I also like to count the different vehicles with Beckett. The illustrations are great and involve some textual collage. I love that it takes place in an English village.
Machines Go To Work is probably Beckett's favorite of the three. I know because he has it memorized and insists on reading it to me. The illustrations in this book are really lovely. I would hang the fire truck and cherry blossoms page on my wall.
When it comes to library books Beckett has some very strict standards. Those standards involve trains. One day we stopped at the library to drop off some books and Beckett said, "Oh the library. Get a train book." Usually we have to get more than one.
The last time we went to the library they have a special vehicles display, and I picked up these three books.
Machines At Work is about a group of construction workers building a new building. Beckett said of the first page: "Like at the demolition site!" The workers take a lunch break and put all the machines away at night.
Red Car, Red Bus is a color book. It features different types of vehicles of varying colors. Beckett cheered for the blue bike. I also like to count the different vehicles with Beckett. The illustrations are great and involve some textual collage. I love that it takes place in an English village.
Machines Go To Work is probably Beckett's favorite of the three. I know because he has it memorized and insists on reading it to me. The illustrations in this book are really lovely. I would hang the fire truck and cherry blossoms page on my wall.
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Favorite Reads of 2012
I'm a little late posting my favorite reads this year. I'll blame it on small children and holiday travel. My reading habits were a little different this year. I read almost every single book, after Felix's birth, on my iPod. I never thought I'd say this, but I am feeling pretty converted to the ebook. I read 63 books (and one novella) this year, significantly fewer than the 93 books I read last year, but I did have a baby this year. And you what's weird? I also read exactly 63 books in 2009, the year that Beckett was born.
Out of 63 books (and one novella):
44 were ebooks
9 were audiobooks (my audio consumption has gone way, way down since moving to Maryland)
4 were nonfiction
29 were Middle Grade or Young Adult (less than half. I got a little tired of YA this year.)
The numbers of books read may be down a bit, but I feel like the quality was up. I gave 36 books a 4 or 5-star rating.
Now for the favorites in a variety of categories.
This category may be a little ridiculous but book is anything but. I have read all of Diana Peterfreund's novels to date, and many of her short stories, and I love them all. For Darkness Shows the Stars is her very best. This book is fabulous. For Darkness Shows the Stars is a post-apocalyptic retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion where the stakes much are higher and more dangerous. Everything about this book is breathtaking--the world-building, the characters, the atmosphere. I am so amazed at Peterfreund's creation. I wish I was still reading it. If you love a good post-apocalyptic novel but are having a hard time finding a good one in the deluge of dystopias out there these days, read this one.
Favorite Historical Novel: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Elizabeth Wein's book Code Name Verity takes place during World War II. Best friends are trapped in Nazi territory on the wrong side of the English Channel. Almost anything I write about this book will give something away. It's best to go in with only the barest idea of the plot and premise. This is a truly remarkable book. The writing is superb. The action is harrowing and horrifying. The friendship is so real. This book is crazy good. Read it.
Favorite Collection of Short Stories: Tortall and Other Lands by Tamora Pierce
So obviously I am a huge Tamora Pierce fan. She is officially my most read author. I've been slowly working my way through her novels for over three years now. That said, I expected to like Tortall and Other Lands in a "rounding out my Tortall experience" type of way, but I ended up loving it. As in demanding that my sister also read this book so that we could discuss every. single. story.
Favorite Fantasy Novel: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Absolutely phenomenal. Set at the turn of the last century, Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus is the venue for a very high stakes duel between two magicians. The book is so much more than that, but at the same time every single element of the novel is tied to this contest. The Night Circus is rich and magical. The setting, with all of its details of color, scents, and attractions, is masterfully constructed. This is the type of book that I want to read more often. It had a lot of elements that I love: magic with consequences, an alternate history, a story that extends through decades, lots of eccentric characters, and a setting (the circus) that is itself a character.
Favorite New Release by a Beloved Author: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale
Midnight in Austenland was highly anticipated in this household. (Okay, just by me, but still.) I loved Shannon Hale's Austenland. It was just so dang funny. Ms. Hale has a great sense of humor that makes her adult books such a pleasure to read. Plus, going to Pembrook Park was just so fun. What a treat to get to return. Midnight in Austenland is fun and mysterious and populated with great characters. Serious good times. In an interview Shannon Hale mentioned that she hopes to continue to return to Austenland. I hope so too. I met Shannon Hale this year at the Baltimore Book Festival! Dream come true.
Favorite Light Read: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
This is the first book by Sophia Kinsella that I have read, although I have, of course, heard of the Shopaholic Series. When I started reading I've Got Your Number I said to myself, "Self, this is why you don't often read chick lit, you cannot deal with the stupidity of the protagonists." And, in the beginning I really was horrified by the stupid things that Poppy was doing, but you know what, I was wrong. And actually, I think this was done quite brilliantly, because Sam also thinks Poppy is pretty ridiculous at first and Poppy doesn't have a lot of confidence in herself either, but as the plot progresses, Sam and Poppy and I grew to realize how wonderful, smart, and capable Poppy really is. In the end I really loved the book. Most of all, this book is fun.
Favorite Audio Book: A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper
I loved this little piece of historical fiction. Michelle Cooper's A Brief History of Montmaray takes place in the 1930s and stars the FitzOsbornes, the royalty of the very poor and very small island of Montmaray and their problems--the island's dwindling population, mad King John, Nazis.
Reading Order: A Brief History of Montmaray, The FitzOsbornes in Exile, The FitzOsbornes at War
Favorite New (to me) Author: Sarah Addison Allen
I read all four of Allen's books this year. I love her slightly magical North Carolina. Allen's books contain themes of coming home, embracing one's true self, and making room for good things. They are about building and protecting friendships.I love Allen's colorful and quirky casts of characters. I hope to read much more by Allen.
Books by Allen: Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon, The Peach Keeper
Favorite Book Club Book: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
Here's a book that needs no introduction. Louie Zampernini's story is insanely amazing. From hellion, to track star, to war hero, to crash survivor, to prisoner of war. If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for?
Favorite Middle-Grade Novel: The Penderwicks at Point Mouette by Jeanne Birdsall
The Penderwick books have a nostalgic quality to them. They remind of the books that I used to read when I was a kid--books that have "normal" children with real-life kid problems.The third installment in the Penderwicks series is every bit as wonderful as the first two. I love the little details, like MOPS (Meeting of Penderwick Sisters), OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick), and Penderwick Family Honor. The Penderwicks are such smart, kind, and funny children. These are books that will remind you how wonderful it is to have a sister.
Reading Order: The Penderwicks, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
Favorite Work of Nonfiction: Zoo Story by Thomas French
Thomas French writes of Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, its inhabitants, its CEO, and its controversies. With every page this book forces the reader to confront the very conflicted and contradictory nature of zoos. They are both prisons and sanctuaries for endangered animals. The business of running a zoo can run contrary to conservation. The design of the animals' habitats can been seen as both a benefit to the animals and as a rather disturbing simulacrum for the visitors. When I read about Zoo Story on Janssen's blog I thought it would be an interesting read. I was more taken with it than I expected.
Favorite Sequel: The Far West by Patricia Wrede
I love Wrede's Frontier Magic series. I love alternate histories, and it's not often that I find one set somewhere other than England. Wrede's series is a pioneer tale set in the United States of Columbia. In The Far West Eff journeys once again beyond the Great Barrier. The new magical creatures and interesting and terrifying. Eff's continually developing magical abilities are impressive. After finishing this book, I'm thinking that we'll get at least one more installment. That's something I certainly won't be complaining about.
Reading Order: Thirteenth Child, Across the Great Barrier, The Far West
Looking for more recommendations? Check out the favorites of 2012 from these avid readers:
Janssen at Everyday Reading
Angie at Angieville
Michelle at See Michelle Read
Becca at From One Land of Oz to Another
Jess at Don't Mind the Mess
Shannon Hale at Squeetus
The Story Siren
Out of 63 books (and one novella):
44 were ebooks
9 were audiobooks (my audio consumption has gone way, way down since moving to Maryland)
4 were nonfiction
29 were Middle Grade or Young Adult (less than half. I got a little tired of YA this year.)
The numbers of books read may be down a bit, but I feel like the quality was up. I gave 36 books a 4 or 5-star rating.
Now for the favorites in a variety of categories.
Favorite Post-Apocalyptic Retelling of a Classic: For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund
This category may be a little ridiculous but book is anything but. I have read all of Diana Peterfreund's novels to date, and many of her short stories, and I love them all. For Darkness Shows the Stars is her very best. This book is fabulous. For Darkness Shows the Stars is a post-apocalyptic retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion where the stakes much are higher and more dangerous. Everything about this book is breathtaking--the world-building, the characters, the atmosphere. I am so amazed at Peterfreund's creation. I wish I was still reading it. If you love a good post-apocalyptic novel but are having a hard time finding a good one in the deluge of dystopias out there these days, read this one.
Elizabeth Wein's book Code Name Verity takes place during World War II. Best friends are trapped in Nazi territory on the wrong side of the English Channel. Almost anything I write about this book will give something away. It's best to go in with only the barest idea of the plot and premise. This is a truly remarkable book. The writing is superb. The action is harrowing and horrifying. The friendship is so real. This book is crazy good. Read it.
So obviously I am a huge Tamora Pierce fan. She is officially my most read author. I've been slowly working my way through her novels for over three years now. That said, I expected to like Tortall and Other Lands in a "rounding out my Tortall experience" type of way, but I ended up loving it. As in demanding that my sister also read this book so that we could discuss every. single. story.
Absolutely phenomenal. Set at the turn of the last century, Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus is the venue for a very high stakes duel between two magicians. The book is so much more than that, but at the same time every single element of the novel is tied to this contest. The Night Circus is rich and magical. The setting, with all of its details of color, scents, and attractions, is masterfully constructed. This is the type of book that I want to read more often. It had a lot of elements that I love: magic with consequences, an alternate history, a story that extends through decades, lots of eccentric characters, and a setting (the circus) that is itself a character.
Midnight in Austenland was highly anticipated in this household. (Okay, just by me, but still.) I loved Shannon Hale's Austenland. It was just so dang funny. Ms. Hale has a great sense of humor that makes her adult books such a pleasure to read. Plus, going to Pembrook Park was just so fun. What a treat to get to return. Midnight in Austenland is fun and mysterious and populated with great characters. Serious good times. In an interview Shannon Hale mentioned that she hopes to continue to return to Austenland. I hope so too. I met Shannon Hale this year at the Baltimore Book Festival! Dream come true.
This is the first book by Sophia Kinsella that I have read, although I have, of course, heard of the Shopaholic Series. When I started reading I've Got Your Number I said to myself, "Self, this is why you don't often read chick lit, you cannot deal with the stupidity of the protagonists." And, in the beginning I really was horrified by the stupid things that Poppy was doing, but you know what, I was wrong. And actually, I think this was done quite brilliantly, because Sam also thinks Poppy is pretty ridiculous at first and Poppy doesn't have a lot of confidence in herself either, but as the plot progresses, Sam and Poppy and I grew to realize how wonderful, smart, and capable Poppy really is. In the end I really loved the book. Most of all, this book is fun.
I loved this little piece of historical fiction. Michelle Cooper's A Brief History of Montmaray takes place in the 1930s and stars the FitzOsbornes, the royalty of the very poor and very small island of Montmaray and their problems--the island's dwindling population, mad King John, Nazis.
Reading Order: A Brief History of Montmaray, The FitzOsbornes in Exile, The FitzOsbornes at War
I read all four of Allen's books this year. I love her slightly magical North Carolina. Allen's books contain themes of coming home, embracing one's true self, and making room for good things. They are about building and protecting friendships.I love Allen's colorful and quirky casts of characters. I hope to read much more by Allen.
Books by Allen: Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon, The Peach Keeper
Here's a book that needs no introduction. Louie Zampernini's story is insanely amazing. From hellion, to track star, to war hero, to crash survivor, to prisoner of war. If you haven't read this yet, what are you waiting for?
The Penderwick books have a nostalgic quality to them. They remind of the books that I used to read when I was a kid--books that have "normal" children with real-life kid problems.The third installment in the Penderwicks series is every bit as wonderful as the first two. I love the little details, like MOPS (Meeting of Penderwick Sisters), OAP (Oldest Available Penderwick), and Penderwick Family Honor. The Penderwicks are such smart, kind, and funny children. These are books that will remind you how wonderful it is to have a sister.
Reading Order: The Penderwicks, The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, The Penderwicks at Point Mouette
Favorite Work of Nonfiction: Zoo Story by Thomas FrenchThomas French writes of Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, its inhabitants, its CEO, and its controversies. With every page this book forces the reader to confront the very conflicted and contradictory nature of zoos. They are both prisons and sanctuaries for endangered animals. The business of running a zoo can run contrary to conservation. The design of the animals' habitats can been seen as both a benefit to the animals and as a rather disturbing simulacrum for the visitors. When I read about Zoo Story on Janssen's blog I thought it would be an interesting read. I was more taken with it than I expected.
I love Wrede's Frontier Magic series. I love alternate histories, and it's not often that I find one set somewhere other than England. Wrede's series is a pioneer tale set in the United States of Columbia. In The Far West Eff journeys once again beyond the Great Barrier. The new magical creatures and interesting and terrifying. Eff's continually developing magical abilities are impressive. After finishing this book, I'm thinking that we'll get at least one more installment. That's something I certainly won't be complaining about.
Reading Order: Thirteenth Child, Across the Great Barrier, The Far West
Looking for more recommendations? Check out the favorites of 2012 from these avid readers:
Janssen at Everyday Reading
Angie at Angieville
Michelle at See Michelle Read
Becca at From One Land of Oz to Another
Jess at Don't Mind the Mess
Shannon Hale at Squeetus
The Story Siren
Monday, December 31, 2012
Christmas Celebrations
Christmas is such a fun time to be with family. I feel really lucky to have been able to spend Christmas in Colorado. My family has a lot of really fun Christmas traditions that I know I would really miss if I weren't there to take part.
This Christmas it seemed like the theme for everyone was the Christmas cold. I read lots of posts on facebook about Christmas and sickness. Unfortunately, we did not miss out on that lovely gift of Christmas. All these boys had to go home after Sacrament Meeting because they were too sick to go to class.
It's not Christmas without that Danahers. They came over on the Sunday before Christmas, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and the day after that! The new hit game of the season: Reverse Charades. It's pretty funny. We also got in a round of Telestrations, but I think we are getting better at drawing because there weren't as many off-the-wall guesses this time.
Felix went from a crawling baby who occasionally took a couple steps to a full-on walker at Grammy's house. He's right with the program. All the grand boys have perfected their walk at Grammy's. He was 10 months on December 26th. He's such a competent walker at such a young age.
A funny side story: Beckett heard so many people calling his parents by their first names (and we had been talking about what our first names are at home too) that I was at least as likely to be greeted with a "Hi Joyee" as a "Hi Momma." Nate got called Nathan a lot too.
You might not have remembered the part in the story about the firetruck, but it saves the day (and drives on the stable roof).
Look at these cousins! They had so much fun together. Beckett loved his train vest.
The Funks
It's not Christmas without that Danahers. They came over on the Sunday before Christmas, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and the day after that! The new hit game of the season: Reverse Charades. It's pretty funny. We also got in a round of Telestrations, but I think we are getting better at drawing because there weren't as many off-the-wall guesses this time.
Paige and Brandon
Taggart, Danielle, Sue, and Megan
Grammy and Charlie
Felix enjoying some wrapping paper.
A funny side story: Beckett heard so many people calling his parents by their first names (and we had been talking about what our first names are at home too) that I was at least as likely to be greeted with a "Hi Joyee" as a "Hi Momma." Nate got called Nathan a lot too.
On Christmas Eve these boys told us the Nativity story.
Pajama Time!
Leaving cookies for Santa.
Eating cookies under the table.
Santa left them a very nice note.
Christmas Morning. Beckett loved the stocking.
Felix opened presents with Grandpa.
Beckett was really excited about getting the Polar Express (it has a train, you know).
A second funny side story: Beckett calls Felix "Baby" when he's upset with his brother. As in "No, no Baby, no touch my train." or "Crawl away Baby." On Christmas Felix went to touch one of Beckett's new toys and Beckett got upset. We said, "Beckett please be nice to Felix, it's Christmas. We all should be extra nice to each other." So Beckett turns to Felix and says, "It's Chrimas Baby," and slugs him in the arm.
Other undocumented events: Paige and I made lots of delicious cookies. Felix got up at 5:30am everyday (7:30 EST, he never adjusted). One night when I was tired and needing to get to bed because of the 5:30am wake up call, Taggart said to me, "Go to bed now? Who are you?" and I responded, "East Coast JoLee." I spent much of the Christmas Day and Boxing Day making a Shutterfly book for my Gramma's 85th birthday. I hope she loves it. We had a lot of fun thinking of 85 favorite memories.
Merry Christmas!
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