Just a hodge-podge of happenings over the last week or so, to catch you up:
1. A Sandy Sabbath: Last Friday we went to New Smyrna Beach for our weekly day of rest. Since Pete works on the weekends, Friday has become our family day. We were giddy in the sunshine --- the sand and surf were working their magic on us. Even Noah appeared braver than usual, charging into the water to splash and hunt for "treasure" (shells). We are planning to head back on Tuesday, weather-permitting, since Pete will have just finished up a particularly busy work-week. This is when I absolutely adore Florida.
2. A Good Read: I love when I am in the homestretch of a good book --- that bittersweet recognition that a story, and the experience of reading it, is drawing to a close. Growing up I devoured books like chocolate cake --- in massive, crumbly mouthfuls --- but since college, my pace has slowed to about one a month. So the closing chapter is gratifying on multiple levels; a major one being the feeling that I have actually finished something. I just scoured the last page of So Brave, Young, and Handsome, a cowboy story set in the Old West by my new favorite writer, Leif Enger. If you have yet to read his Peace Like a River, run --- don't walk --- to your nearest bookstore or library. It is remarkable. So Brave is good --- entertaining, lyrical, and coated with the gritty, captivating allure of the Wild West --- but it is no match for Peace. We will give Leif a break, though... Peace is probably one of those once in a lifetime achievements.
3. Noah's Department of Motor Vehicles: It has become almost comical how Noah cannot leave the house without fewer than four cars, trucks, or trains tucked in his chubby little arms. The other day, when I took him for a walk in his stroller, he actually propped his Thomas train under his chin so he could snack on Goldfish without surrendering his prize. Since his Thomas collection is limited to two engines, he has taken to creating his own makeshift trains (note the lineup on the windowsill):
He has also taken to parking his cars beside his chair before climbing up to eat breakfast:
Which makes me laugh out loud.
4. Rainy Days: This week has been a gray, drizzly one, pocketed with sunshine. It's actually a welcome change. Our yard was beginning to look like a sandbox sporting a bad comb-over of hearty weeds. When it rains, I don't feel guilty for keeping Noah inside, and I used the time to organize my linen closet and turn over Noah's wardrobe (he is now in 2T and 3T clothing... Where did my baby go?).
5. Mall-Walking: So what else do you do on a rainy day? Walk the mall, of course. This morning we went to the Mall at Millenia for some window shopping and lunch at the food court. The mall features a large, open atrium with elevated screens projecting images of wildlife, natural wonders, and ads for the Cheesecake Factory. Noah was captivated by the fish footage, shouting "Nemo! Nemo!" (or "E-mo!" to be more precise). The natural light was so nice filtering down through the glass ceiling that I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures, which I post here for the grandparents:
(I am telling you, it is rare to find Noah without train in hand. Dad, like his shirt?)
And so there you have it --- nothing too noteworthy, just a smattering of scenes from our daily life. The kind of miscellany I want to remember. And now, when you come over, you can ask to see my linen closet.
