Crazy hair, clams, Nanny & Pop Pop, "graduation"

Last week, we did Madeline's hair in interesting ways.  Interesting for me is a pony tail.

Interesting for Summer is four pony tails!

Last Thursday, Summer and I took off the afternoon and took a clamming class!  (Credit for the photo goes to Rhode Island Sea Grant.)

We brought back about 40 clams.  Madeline was impressed.

And she did her part to take care of them.

On Friday, Nanny and Pop Pop came to visit!

Nanny brought up Sleepy Kitten, a book that was once read to her, that she used to read to me, and that Madeline very much enjoyed as well.

The two of them enjoyed reading other books as well.

We took a brief jaunt out to the library ...

... and then returned to spend the afternoon in the yard.

Nanny and Pop Pop brought steaks for me to grill!  Oliver enjoyed his t-bone.

Then in the morning, we went out for a fathers day brunch at Olga's.

And after brunch, we visited the Gordon School.

Nanny and Pop Pop had to take off from there but we stuck around for a bit to explore the grounds.

These days, Oliver really enjoys clapping -- whether with his hands or puzzle pieces or other random objects.

And on Tuesday, Oliver turned ten months old!

He's getting very big.

We feel it's important to note that even though he's happy most of the time ...

... occasionally he's not.

Meanwhile, Madeline is looking downright grown-up these days.

In fact, today was her preschool "graduation."  She got dressed up ...

... and contemplated this momentous occasion.

At a lovely ceremony that included some musical numbers from Madeline and her classmates, she received her "diploma" ...

... and a frozen yogurt tube.

It's been quite a wild last couple weeks.

Grandparents & uncle, Connecticut friends & beach, Fisherville Brook

Last weekend ...

... we stopped by the farmers market and hung out with some friends ...

... and while we were there, Grandma Susy, Grandpa John, and (surprise!) Uncle Alex appeared at our house!

Madeline was excited to show them Frozen -- she likes to cuddle up during the scary parts.

Together we made a strawberry rhubarb pie, which Madeline also found exciting.

On Sunday morning, I ran a 5k at Roger Williams Park.  There was fun stuff for kiddos there.

And have fun the kiddos did (or so I'm told).

After I finished, we wandered back across the park.

After that, there was lots of reading:

(And there was a much beloved coffee cup acquired in the car.)

Then there was some playing outside.

And after that was more reading.

All in all, it was a lovely visit.

The next few days passed as weekdays do.

Then we spent yesterday in Connnecticut visiting Lauren, Dan, and baby Emily.

Given two dogs, our human company, the beach ...

... and this kiddie pool ...

... Madeline was in heaven!  (As were the rest of us.)

The kiddie pool, though, was a particularly big hit.

On a foray down to the beach, we found many interesting shells -- crabs in particular.

The babies enjoyed the beach, too.

All in all, it was a lovely visit!

Then today, we took a short hike at Fisherville Brook.

Oliver enjoyed himself -- we thought he'd sleep, but he was too busy taking in his surroundings.

Madeline started out strong ...

... but grew hungry and grumpy when she dropped a bunch of her snacks into the dirt.

Still, Fisherville Brook is a beautiful place ...

... and on the way home, we got food.  So happiness was restored.