We went to the Museum of Life and Science in Durham today with some playgroupians.

Even now, Caroline feels the need to augment her understanding of the world using her sense of taste.

We celebrated Sherry's birthday today at playgroup at Miller Park.

It was mostly dads at Miller Park this Sunday morning. We met up with Paige and Emma and their dads (and little brothers) for some swinging and bubble making. When do bubbles stop being so fascinating to kids?

We went blueberry picking this afternoon at Sprinkle's Farm. Caroline and Emma were significantly more helpful than on our trip 2 years ago. The whiny 34 year old cameraman probably contributed to cutting the trip shorter than Caroline wanted; in my defense, the bees and mosquitoes really seemed to focus their attacks on me.

I'm trying to figure out how to get sound with video on the new phone. This didn't work.

At Tanglewood pool today, Caroline got to hang with her friend Mikey, who moved to Charlotte a year ago. Caroline is still hoping he moves back.

Convinced that she used to drink it all the time from her bottle (apparently it was blended), Caroline loves the turkey bratwurst. She asks for some at least three times a week, and insists we pick up a package or two whenever we stop by the Lowe's grocery.

This morning I took Caroline and Aaron to a free screening of Fly Me to the Moon thanks to some passes Michelle picked up during her travels this week. Caroline and Aaron LOVED it, and I thought it was ok. It was in 3D - which was pretty cool - but I think I've been spoiled by Pixar realism and character development.

On the way home, Caroline thanked me for a "pleasant morning and lunch" (we dined at McDonald's) and began asking questions about the "artist" who was singing on the radio.

We got a new phone with a supposedly better camera (3.2 mp). Not looking that way right now...

Caroline is currently wailing and begging to sleep in our bed tonight. She is asking nicely (despite the screeching) saying, "Oh...please oh please oh PUHLEEEZE!!! ..... (screaming sob)... (pause for breath) .... phuh, phuh, phuh.....OH!!! please oh please oh please oh please!!!" It's amazing how fast she turned the waterworks on tonight after we had some good times goofing around and she was seemingly ok with going to bed. Hm. I smell the strong scent of manipulation.

We might feel bad and give in if the screaming weren't so annoying. Maybe she'll try a different tactic in the future.

Playgroup took our annual trek to Baa Moo farm this morning. Caroline insisted that this year she'd touch and feed the animals that had previously terrified her. And sure enough, she was first to milk the cow and feed the chickens and calves. She even petted two of the dogs without hesitation. A banner day for Caroline-Animal relationships.

Unlike last week's private lesson, there were three others in cooking class this afternoon. They made tortilla chips and 7 layer dip. After deeming it unfit for Caroline consumption, she graciously gave all of her portion to me.

Caroline and I went over to a band concert at Bethabara park this evening. The kids enjoyed ice cream and hay rides. Though we were the last of our group there, Caroline didn't want to leave.

Michelle's last day in her 30s.

Caroline got a new belt today at Tae Kwan Do. I think I can still take her in a fight.
*Update - I was right.

(Cheryl again) Happy 4th of July! To celebrate, a bunch of our group of families headed out to Lewisville and scored a great spot on a lawn near some fireworks (edit: I thought we were next to Tanglewood, but the firewords were the Lewisville City fireworks. They rocked.). Luckily, our campsite was near a Food Lion, where nearly one member of every couple we were hanging with headed to buy more food or tailgate accoutrements including ice, drinks, brownies, s'more fixins, beating sticks, etc. and where we were able to permit our small-bladdered children to relieve themselves without befouling our otherwise idyllic surroundings. Stacie had the presence of mind to bring some DVDs which she played in her car. This helped ensure that none of the kids ran into traffic, fried their skin on a hot Weber, or got pulled into the van of a creepy dude*.


Later a boy who looked to be about 11 tried to be the Pied Piper of Pyromania. He waved sparklers as our pre-schoolers and toddlers tried to touch them. Aunt Carrie knows why that is a very, very bad idea. Anyway, the fireworks started soon enough to satisfy the kids' needs for flashing lights and the threat of explosives.

Here, Caroline and Sydney watch fireworks. We did not accurately capture their supercute looks of awe and wonder.

*I think only I would worry about the faceless creepy dude in the generic van.

(This is Cheryl.) We had another cookout on Thursday night, continuing to invite an increasing # and diversity of guests. We're breaking out beyond the standard 3 couples -- mostly because I (Cheryl) am less and less concerned that we will be negatively judged for our having lived in our home for 2+ years without decorating or figuring out when the right time will be to fully unpack. I even dared to invite some coworkers and their respective families, although these coworkers in particular were not available on the night in question.

Pictured here are Emma, Jack, Annie, and Ellie in the foreground...Caroline and Shane are huddled on the platform next to the slide eating dinner. Alec was here, as well. Not sure where he was at this particular time.

EDIT: (Thanks, Esbee. You've earned an overdue re-invite to a future backyard occasion. Alec is, indeed, behind Emma in this pic. I totally missed him!)