Top O' The Mornin' To You!

This morning I took the kids for a long adventure in Old Town. It was pretty much all highlights.

We breakfasted at Buzz (look how BIG he is now!) and then spent an hour at our old playground, where I built endless sand cities and the kids yelled, "And now it is time for the demolition!" (Followed by Cordy: "I want another city! Build it for me. Now. Please!") She also discovered--and loved--the see-saw.

Then we headed out for a picnic by the river. But before we could stake out a table, we saw....

Yes. A backhoe loader. ("See the backhoe loader Mommy! I want to go follow it!" And that's....Cordelia.) We followed it many, many blocks as it worked its way along the riverbank, picking up tree stumps and driftwood and then dumping them into a dumpster.

The absolute best was when the backhoe wouldn't start, and the "backhoe gentlemen" opened it up to, according to Cody, "make sure that the radiator is not all jacked up." A moment later, one called, "I think I'm going to need a screwdriver!" Cody fairly trembled with joy. They ate their lunch right there, on the move. Easiest meal ever.

Then we went to see the nuns at the Catholic bookstore. Cody had a particular purchase in mind and could not be dissuaded. One of you lucky readers will soon possess something very special. I'm not sure you'll want it, but you'll cherish it anyway, because he is fully convinced that you want it and it's perfect for you. : ) After he chose it, he non-sequitored right into, "Sister Sophia? Do you have a toilet here? Could I please use it? I really have to go to the bathroom."

It was, all in all, a wonderful morning. Later in the afternoon, we spent a happy hour weedingand digging up earthworms, then counting and naming them. All of them were named Slimy. It went something like this:

CJP: Here's another one! (wielding it in my face)

Me, weakly: That's great. Hi, worm.

CML: I am a little a-scared of him! I don't want to scare him! I want to see him! His name is Slimy. Hi Slimy!

CJP: Two Slimys plus two more Slimys is four Slimys.

CML: They are all Slimy!