Baltimore Zoo with Grammy

While Nate was in China (maybe someday we'll see some of that on the blog), my mom was here. It was actually a really busy time. Beckett was finishing up school, so there were tons of preschool events. My semester was finishing up as well, so I was grading a lot and giving exams. We still managed to have some fun.

We had a fabulous day at the zoo. The weather was perfect. The boys had a great time, and the crowds were manageable. 

The Peruvian tree frogs were a big hit.

Lions

Zebras

Felix fell in love with the arctic foxes and cried when it was time to move on.

One of the big draws of the Baltimore Zoo is that it has a little train.

 We finished the outing with a ride on the carousel.

We had such a good time with Grammy. Some of the other fun memories:
- The boys played this blanket game with Grammy where she would put them into the blanket and make food.
- We went to the train museum in Baltimore, and I forgot Beckett's shoes. Major meltdown. We had to go to the Marshall's at the Inner Harbor to get some new shoes. He needed some anyway.
- We went to Cafe Rio on Friday for salmon tacos and to the toy store next to it. Grammy bought Beckett a dot-to-dot and maze book that he's already finished. Felix got a dog book.
- Grammy spent a lot of time with Felix while I was at preschool with Beckett for a co-op day and the Mother's Day party.

The Flowers of Springtime

I grew up in Colorado, and, as my dad always says, "Colorado does not have spring." Well, Maryland certainly does!

The shot below just about slays me. This is a photo that makes up for all the awful ones. I think we shall title it: Spring and This Kid's Hair.

Daffodils grow like weeds in Maryland. We got out to take pictures of these at just the right moment. The next day we had a late frost.

We have some blooming trees in our new yard. 

This redbud is near Beckett's school. I love redbuds. They remind me of Kansas, and I was so glad to see them in Maryland too. The boys had a fun time climbing the tree. They were so amiable about the photos. I wish that I had had my nice camera. Cell phone shots will have to do.

 

Spring sure feels sweet this year.

Beckett Has Lots to Say and Felix Has One Thing to Say

Man in an elevator: What's your name?

B: Beckett.

Man: How cool. Like Samuel Beckett?

B: No. Like Beckett Stephens

After Felix gets up from a nap:

B: Did Felix uncry?

J: What? Do you mean did he stop crying?

B: yeah.

I start to unzip Felix's sleepsack:

B: No, no. Let me zipper him.

At school:

Miss J: What happens on Thanksgiving?

B: The trains open.

Me: That actually is true ...

J to N: Did you know that Conan O'Brian has a son named Beckett?
B: I didn't know there was another Beckett out there.

M: Beckett there are about a million Zingo tiles under here. Do you think you could help me get them?

B: I'm too bored to help you.

Nate is telling Beckett a story and in the story they find a treasure.

N: What is in the treasure chest?

B: We open the treasure box and there's a train for me and gold for you.

N: Beckett, we are going to the phone store. It will be lots of fun because there are lots of phones, but you need to be really good.

B: What do I get if I am good?
N: You get to be in the phone store.

N: Beckett has such beautiful hair.

B: But more beautiful than Felix's hair.

While freaking out about something

B: I am not handling this.

J: Beckett do you need to use the bathroom?

B: Do not say potty words to me.

B whispering: Daddy we got you some clothes that are a secret.
J and N: Laughing so much
B: Why are you laughing
J: Because you are so funny
B: Yeah. laughs.

B: Explains to me the water cycle, water treatment plants, and how water gets to our home.

J: Wow. Where did you learn all of that?

B: PBS kids, of course.

B singing a made-up song: Colors of the rainbow, colors of the rainbow. Red, Orange, Yellow, Green and Blue. Don't forget Violet too. (Sure he forgot Indigo, but I was still really impressed.)

N gives B a tic tac in the car.

Silence

B: Here Daddy. I'm done.

N: No, eat it. It's food.

B: It's not food!

N: Yeah. You chew it with your teeth.

B: Noooo.

N: I don't want it.

B: My hands are sticky.

B: Felix you have choices. Okay? You can either stay down here and take care of yourself or come upstairs with us. What do you want to do?

F: No

J: Felix looks like a little cherub.
B: What's a cherub?
J: A fat little baby with wings.
B: What? (and laughs hysterically)
N: Really that's how you describe a cherub?
J: Yup.

Nate gets in the car after getting gas.

N: Hey guys. Thanks for waiting.

B: No problem. We played a game.

N: What did you play?

B: We looked out the windows.

J: I'm going upstairs. I'll be back in a minute

B: OK. I will keep an eye on Felix. Felix, I will be right here. I will never leave you.

B: Daddy you will always go to work, and I will always miss you.

N: Beckett you are a good sleeper.

B: Yeah. You know who taught me to be a good sleeper?

N: Who?

B: Jesus. Jesus wants me to be a good sleeper.

N: Yes he does.

Instablogged

I got a new phone recently, and I've been enjoying the camera. Here are some pictures from everyday life.

Not the arctic. Just a puddle in front of the preschool.

An early-morning train lesson. #heisteachingme

Bikers. Felix's is a glorified stroller. Beckett's helmet is for 8+. #hugehead

Convinced Beckett to help Felix do the Buzz Lightyear puzzle he wants to do 100 times a day and bought myself some time to make and eat a sandwich. #brothersgrowingup

Puzzle complete!

Brothers give horsey rides.

It's warm enough and dry enough to resume our after preschool playground routine. #huggingbrothers

Felix's hair after a bath. No shampoo, no gel, just conditioner. #nevercuttingit

Sweater Face or why you should take naps in your bed and not on your mother.

Cozy? Felix loves to climb into our beds and pull the blankets up to his chin.

Masterpieces. #dailyplaydohcreations

Candyland is a serious place. He's playing for me too.

Driving the kitchen train.

Two

This guy had a birthday last month. 

We kept the birthday celebration pretty simple. Brownies and presents. 

For his birthday Felix opened all the presents that he refused to open at Christmas (thus the Christmas wrapping paper). The piggy bank was the big hit.