Rock around the block: The sequel

With one block party already under my belt, this year I hit the festivities as a seasoned pro. While I passed on the water balloon toss/fight this time in order to hang around the water table with my favorite tiny people, I did enthusiastically participate in the fire truck visit, and I got to drive a squad car (in park)! Not to mention the part where I ate Doritos by the fistful. Perhaps most enthralling was the fact that I got to run and play in the street without holding anybody's hand! But alas, bedtime called and I had to retire from the party on the early side. Next year, though, I'll be three, and then I'll be shuttin' the place down! You can count on it.

Here I am, hanging out in the fire truck.

The fireman climbed on top of his truck with the hose and I took a few laps around. You know it's a good party when an outfit change is required less than 15 minutes after arrival.

I patrolled the streets with Elmo on backup.

And I hung with my posse.

Welcome, Summer. So glad you could make it

This was an extraordinary week for several reasons:

1. I went to summer camp for the first time. Mom dropped me off Monday morning and I hardly looked back to wave goodbye as I went out on the playground to meet the other kids. The teachers reported that I was in a spectacular mood and talked the entire time.

2. With a lot of practice under her belt, Rowan is now able to sit up for 20 seconds before she keels over. This is a 400 percent increase over last week. Mom assures me this is big news.

3. After going to summer camp this week with my fleece jacket in tow (a fleece in June?!), summer finally arrived today. To mark the occassion, dad blew up my beach ball sprinkler, Mom busted out my Tinkerbell swimsuit and I did a little dance to the gods of sunshine and happiness.

Swing!

Rowan and I hit the park this week for a swing.

Have helmet, will travel

About a year ago, it seemed clear to me that I was far too mature to be seen being pushed around the neighborhood in a stroller. Since then, I've been hoofin' it everywhere, with the exception of the few times I catch a ride on the back of Rowan's stroller. But all that changed last week when I got my first set of toddler wheels -- a pink scooter. And since that time I have invested much time in perfecting my craft. Wednesday I went on a 1+ hour scooter ride. While it only entailed going two blocks to get to the park, it involved frequent stops after the first half block in order to pick flowers/weeds, point out bugs and repair my scooter (with sticks..."fix scooter!"). After all, the wise toddler says to focus on the journey, not the destination.

A blast from my past

Me: 5 months

Rowan: 5 months

American Chopper: Toddler edition

Daddy told me that a long time ago, he used to have a shiny motorcycle. But after Mommy came along, she told him that he should give his helmet away, because he'd never buy a motorcycle again. Boy was she wrong! Check out my new ride!