Learning a classic

We figured Chutes & Ladders is a time-honored way to teach Sylvie about taking turns, disappointment and frustration, etc.  She loves it - particularly when mom or dad hit a chute.

Mom hit a chute!

Helping Mom two ways

Sylvie is back in her "happy helper" phase.

She helps mom vacuum...

and she helps Mom make sweet treats, just like in the book!

Yes, she ate that whole thing...

Getting our just desserts

Sylvie and I are extremely appreciative of the fact that this is the kind of thing that Melissa just springs on us randomly, out of the blue of an ordinary Sunday night:

Syl handles the sprinkles

If we can't sled...

... well then darn it all...

Growing up fast

One of the plus sides to Syl getting a little older is every once in a while when I pull  out the camera, she defaults to "cooperate" rather than "resist." Today was such a day.

Jake O'Leary's Fifth

The setting for Jake's fifth birthday extravaganza was My Gym in Medfield.  Take note, parents: professional facilitators, exhaustion-inducing activities, no clean-up.

The Birthday Boy

Trampoline

Listening (Grampy: that's Jess Kane's granddaughter with her)

 Syl wasn't a fan of some of the most competitive games (she was among the youngest there). So the staff let her help dee-jay for a while.

Ball fight!

Story Time

Crazy Birthday Garb

"Is someone gonna help me OPEN this!!??"

The climbing wall was fun...

The zip line was even MORE fun. Sylvie made it to the other side, unscathed. More than at least one little girl could say...

Even "Darth Vader" made an appearance - though the Birthday Boy wasn't fooled for a second.

All the photos fit to print, by clicking here...

Go Pats!

Sylvie's Mom is a Redhead!

Holy Moly! Sylvie's mom came home from her "hair cut" yesterday sporting a sassy new look!

Sylvie and I are big fans. I never expected to be married to a Ginger!  Of course this has renewed Sylvie's interest in altering the color of her own locks... though she is more inclined toward the blue that Aunt Emily was sporting some months back.

Wondering where it was that Melissa's got it into her head to adopt an auburn hue? I have a theory...

Those shots were taken, by the way, just before we headed into Boston for a date night. When next you are in town, we highly recommend:

You may or may not wish to follow up dinner and jazz with a visit to the DeLux Cafe, a place high on nostalgia for us from our South End days, but perhaps not everyone's cup of beer.

Technology

They really did finally figure out how to make video games "good for you."  Sylvie's Nickolodeon Fit game actually gets her panting with exertion!

Balloon Fight!

Yup, got a new App...