All-Star Jam

Charlie played in his league's all star game tonight. This is the first year that players have to be voted onto the All-Star Team. In the prior years, every child plays in an "all-star" game. He was one of four boys from his team to play. The National Team ended up winning by one run in the 9th inning! The game was 3-1/2 hours long! Way to go, Charlie!

Bawk!

Sam was playing dress-up this morning. When it was time to head over to the roller-rink for the last homeschool skate of the year, he decided to leave his costume on. He was perfect for the chicken dance!

It gets a little bit worse before it gets better

You should see the other guy

Today at church Sam gave himself a black eye. He was running on a trailer bed, tripped and smashed up his face a bit. My mom says Sam has a perpetual head injury, and she's right! I can't remember the last time he didn't have a scratch, bruise, or goose egg somewhere on his head or face.

Whenever Mary wears this particular outfit, we call her the kitty princess. Because it is covered in cats, with crowns. We're clever that way. Sometimes the nickname lingers for a day or two after, even when the clothes are in the hamper. Today as we were walking into church, Scott called Mary the kitty princess. Sam said, "No. Today she's the Buddy Guy baby".

It's pretty easy, being green

Mary, my dad and I checked out the Green Festival today (the boys had baseball). We took public transportation, donated some books, and brought our own water. Naughty Mary used disposable diapers, though.


Grandpa met Greg Palast, and thankfully we weren't tased. We saw all sorts of interesting things. I was impressed that even the plastic cups for samples were compostable (made from corn!). In a nutshell, though, it was like the auto show of the eco-world. Even among people who proclaim, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle", there were a whole lot of wares being touted. It was nice to be down at Navy Pier - the weather was perfect!

Here's Mary in the Grand Ballroom listening to this guy.

Cooking Class

Tonight Charlie made stuffed shells with a recipe from The Everything Kids Cookbook. Sam helped a little with the stuffing, but otherwise it was a one man show.

They were really tasty!

Birthday - Part 2

We celebrated Charlie's birthday today, along with Mother's Day, with our extended family. It was also sort of a coming out party for Mary. Several people hadn't seen her since before her surgery. We all enjoyed the time together.

Strike a Pose

Charlie participated in The Greenhouse's Living Wax Museum tonight. Last year, he portrayed Louis VII of France, along with two sisters (one played Eleanor of Aquitaine, the other Henry II of England). They based their scene on the cover of this book.

This year, the little girl who played Eleanor, asked Charlie if he had any plans for the wax museum. When he told her no, she answered, "Good. 'Cause I need a man!"

Caitlyn wanted to portray a scene from Phoebe the Spy, a fictional account of Phoebe Fraunces, housekeeper to George Washington and undercover spy. Here, she saves the first president from eating poisoned food.

Charlie was just the man for the job!

Not A Belly Itcher

We watched Charlie's game tonight. He pitched really well. It was cold, though, so Mary and I stayed for just 3 innings. We only have about 20 games left this season (not counting Sam's)!

Fish Stories

Charlie, Scott and my Dad just returned from their annual fishing trip to Arkansas. This was their 4th year. My dad has a good friend, Gene, who retired down there. They spend the drive down listening to books on tape and the blues. They get up before the sun and head out in Gene's fishing boat for the morning. Gene's friend, Dorothy, makes them delicious homemade pies and ice cream. It really is a sort of "man's dream-come-true". Next year, Sam will be old enough to go, too. I'm so glad for this time Charlie gets with both his dad and his grandpa. But I'm even more grateful for the chance for Scott and my dad to hang out. My dad has just three daughters, and I never once got the feeling growing up that he wished for a son. But it's obvious from Scott and my dad's relationship that he would have really enjoyed one sooner. (Scott once told me that he considers my dad his best friend). When they returned this time, my dad gave me a big hug and said, "Thanks for giving me grandsons". You're welcome, Dad :)


Here's Charlie (and Gene) with the hybrid striped bass he caught. It weighed more than Mary!