Dinner Conversation

Ace and Grandpa discuss the benefits of a diet rich in macaroni and cheese.

My Bike, the Trike

Check this beauty out -- the bike too. Chase takes a spin around the "gym" at school while Mommy attended her first parent-teacher conference.

Jailbreak

Much of the house was off limits as the rugs dried following this morning's professional cleaning (yeah!). So, Mommy and the Critter busted out to Little Monkey Bizness, where he locked himself up.

Here Comes the Batcar!

Chase and Mommy race the Batcar around while waiting for Daddy to come home.

Uh-Oh, Where'd It Go?

One of the many things Chase enjoys doing at the pool is blocking the water fountains then exclaiming the above question.

Super Elmo

Ace gets amped before the start of Sesame Street Live. Elmo inspires!

Climbing to New Heights

We explored a new playground today, which The Critter, who has become suddenly interested in climbing, greatly enjoyed. There are enough climbing structures at the "Dinosaur Park" to keep him busy for quite some time.

Marbulous

Mommy and the Little Engineer accompanied Daddy on a brief visit to SOAR today, where Chase checked out some of the cool toys he'll get to use when he comes here as a student in a few years.

Thankful

Although we miss our families back East we are so thankful for our family in Colorado, especially the Cassetta-Waxmans. Tonight, before we sat down to a delicious vegetarian feast, we were serenaded by Sam and Caleb's African beats.

Fall Lawn Chores, I Defeat You!

Ace made quick work of our yard tasks today. The shrubbery has bowed in submission.

Thanksoween? Hallogiving?

Six hours after school ended, Ace was still decked out in his Construction Worker costume as part of the Thanksgiving celebration at his school.

Running Amok

This is what happens when Mommy gets sick and leaves Daddy in charge for the day.

While Mommy tried to sleep off a fast-moving illness, the Critter got an unexpected Monday with his pop, who had little pop left in his step after a day of two-year-old activities.

Zootopia

Ace and Daddy had a typical trip to the zoo today: we rode on the carousel & the train, played in the termite cave, and (pictured here) dug in the sand box.

No animals were sighted during the visit.

Imitation

As Ace and Mommy read a bedtime book about kitties, they do their best hissing imitation.

After music class today, Ace took to the sky at the Turtle Park.

Location:Flying High

Little Reader

Late this afternoon, Ace declared he wanted to read and quickly emerged from his room with a favorite library book. He wanted no assistance, insisting that HE would read it. Which, of course, he did, embellishing the text with plenty of truck sounds.

On the Stairs

Ace and Jamey enjoy an afternoon racing cars down the slide at the Big Dipper park.

Hello Out There!

Chase calls to all of his friends at Lil Monkey Bizness this afternoon.

Block Heads

The three guys in the household pool their brainpower to build a pre-bedtime tower. It oozed testosterone.

Snuggle Buddies

Auntie Amanda's dream of snuggling with Ace came true today. This warm scene quickly turned into a fort making session -- Ace's dream come true.

Arts & Crafts

With Auntie Amanda in town for the weekend, a trip to Hobby Lobby was in order, which yielded a host of fun items, not the least of which was fresh Play-Doh. The exact nature of the item being sculpted in this photo needn't be revealed, but let's say it appealed to Ace's developing sense of potty humor...

Object Lesson

Chase and his music class buddies discuss the affect of Orange B food dye on children's behavior.

Keeping it Warm

Ace eagerly awaits the arrival of Auntie Amanda tomorrow night by warming up her bed. He may even leave that sweet bulldozer there for her to sleep with.

Sunny Day in America

The Little Engineer works on some projects as he basks in the warmth of his post election glee: Obama was reelected, Maine finally approved gay marriage, and -- hey! -- Colorado even legalized pot. What a country!

Presidential!

Ace thinks it's Wicked Awesome that Obama won reelection!

Books and Breakfast

Daddy delayed his trip to work this morning long enough to share a wonderful reading experience with the Critter.

Upon Closer Inspection

With daylight savings time upon us, we were out bright and early today, enjoying breakfast at Snooze and nearly two hours at Barnes & Noble, where Ace was particularly enthralled by this talking alphabet toy.

Road Work

Despite the beautiful trees and naturescapes offered by the Botanic Gardens, Ace chose to watch the excavation of the street below. Hopefully, Chase won't get Nature Deficit Disorder as a result of this ongoing fascination with all things construction.

Sweetie

Chase enjoys a sweet treat after music class.

Food Fight

The day after Halloween (and nearing the end of a hectic week) the family thought they'd sit down to a quiet family dinner.

Alas, Ace had his usual strong start and then we descended into the typical flinging of food and declarations of "I'm finished!"  Meanwhile, children in China are going hungry...