Rainy day

This morning we tried Scramblers, an IHOP-type breakfast joint that's practically at the end of our street.  Madeline warmed up with a waffle at home and then ate several silver-dollar pancakes out, too.  And she enjoyed sipping milk through a straw.

Most of the rest of the day involved waiting out the rain indoors or running errands.  Among the errands, though, was an exciting one -- we picked up a potty chair for Madeline!  She was very excited and insisted on sitting on it in the store a few times before we could check out.  We doubt she'll be using it any time too soon, but she sure is interested.

Finally, just before bed, we went outside to check out the very bright moon.  Ooo.

Library and farm

Early this morning, Summer went into lab for a bit so Madeline and I hung out.  We watched out the kitchen window as migrating birds flocked to and from our neighbors' yard.

While I got dressed, she cavorted with Petey.

She also had three breakfasts: first, yogurt and a banana; second, a waffle and some pear pieces; third, scrambled eggs.  She must be growing.

When Summer came home, Madeline declared that she wanted to go for a walk in the stroller.  We took the opportunity to pay our first visit to the local library!

The library has puzzles ...

... books (and little tables and chairs for reading them) ...

... and a fun bucket!

Madeline had so much fun at the library that she was ready to nap right after we got home.

When she woke up, we drove to Ward's Berry Farm to meet friends Mark, Joci, and little Sam.  Don't be fooled by the farm's name -- Ward's is not just berries.  Indeed, the farm features goats ...

... and sheep ...

... and cows and chickens and rabbits.  Also, Madeline picked out a mini-pumpkin, and we took home some delicious tomatoes and late-season corn.  But before we left, Sam and Madeline posed happily on this child-sized bench:

We ate our corn and tomatoes for dinner with pasta.

Yum.

Cat toys

Nummy nummy

Last night's attempt at sleep was punctuated by several hours of unhappily-non-sleeping-Madeline time.  As a result, today for dinner the best we could muster was to order a pizza.  While we waited, Madeline feasted like a queen on milk, a banana, and some granola.

Nummy nummy.

After her snack but before the pizza, we went outside to look for the moon.  We didn't see the moon, but we did see squirrels chasing one another along the power lines.  "Squirrels run on wire!"

Then after Madeline had had a bath and been changed into her pajamas, we went outside to look for the moon again.  At first, the sky was too cloudy.  But we counted to ten, and by "five" the moon had peeked out from behind the clouds.  "Moon!  Maddie hold it?"  We had to tell her again that the moon is very big and very far away.

Perhaps Madeline will someday be drawn to astronomy.  The other day, though, when I was asking her what she wants to be when she grows up, she said "no" to scientist (and lawyer, of course); she said "yes" only to being a dancer.  I suppose there's no reason the moon can't inspire artistic expression just as well as scientific inquiry.

More moon

After dinner tonight, Madeline asked to go outside so she could see the moon. We obliged.

Sticks and moon

I took this picture out the kitchen window while I was making dinner.  Madeline and Summer were examining sticks.

Lately Madeline has been fixated on the moon.  "Maddie hold moon?  Moon in sky.  Moon broken.  Maddie fix moon?"

We don't know why she thinks the moon is broken...

Autumn Sunday

Today Madeline and I played and worked in the yard a bit.  We found worms.  Madeline was a little squeamish at first ...

... but eventually wanted to help them by moving them from patio pavement to dirt.

For most of the day, she was in a silly mood.

In the mid-afternoon, Summer went in to work.  In addition to playing at home, Madeline and I went for a walk around the neighborhood.  We took a break so she could sit on this big rock.

Then we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening just chilling out at home.

Another busy Saturday

Today was another busy Saturday!

We kicked it off with an early brunch at Olga's, where we ran into one of my coworkers.  Now that it's fall, the weather is more conducive to indoor eating.

Next stop was Lippitt Park.

Madeline blew off some steam on the playground before we shopped at the farmers market.

Then, after produce-shopping, she happily walked along the edge of the fountain.

That was enough excitement for the morning, and a nap followed.

Then this afternoon we attended a block party thrown by friend Meredith and her neighbors.  Madeline played with James ...

... and Lena ...

... and generally had a grand old time.

By the time we got home -- 6:30 or so -- she was already asking for bedtime.  But we did manage to squeeze in a few last moments of Saturday fun before heeding her call and heading upstairs to bed.

Crackers

This evening Madeline ate crackers as she awaited dinner.

This week has been busy! But now it is weekend.

Yesterday & today

Yesterday:

Today:

The best cure for concern

This morning, despite her new sweater and socks, Madeline was a little concerned about something or other.

The best cure for concern is waffles and peaches with a side of string cheese.

High five!

Sea Isle to Rhode Island

We kicked off yesterday morning with sticky buns from Mallon's, a Sunday morning tradition.  Madeline approved.

Then Madeline played with grandparents and uncle ...

... while Summer and I took a brief jaunt to Philadelphia.

After taking in a nail-biter of a game, we puttered our way back to Sea Isle for about three hours to pick up a fast-asleep Madeline; from there we kept up a better pace, making it home in just under five and a half hours.

Today, therefore, we were tired.  And I have very little voice after lots of excited shouting yesterday.  But Madeline got lots of sleep and had a good day today that ended with a fun bath.  "Maddie swimming in bath!"

Sea Isle City

Yesterday Madeline wore frog socks ...

... had her first gymnastics class, and went on a long drive.

Today she woke up in Sea Isle City.

Fun ensued.

Then came naptime, and then more fun.

And, finally, dinner.  Yum!