First Day of Summer (Vacation)

Technically, it's still Spring. But Saturday was the first day of Elizabeth's summer vacation, and we made the most of it, dining al fresco in the driveway on the recently repaired (by me, at Barb's behest, in preparation for the block party) patio furniture. Our neighbor Brian passed by, walking his dog, and let us know that we reminded him of the families he'd recently strolled by in Amsterdam (he's quite the traveler, this guy).

Barb made pizza, we drank red wine, the weather was beautiful. At the risk of heresy, I defy heaven to construct a nicer day.

A Luxurious Father's Day

The ladies have treated me as a king today: I slept in until 8:30 or so, then got a wonderful breakfast in bed, and copious gifts both handmade and store-bought. I got to eat my breakfast in utter peace while reading my book, and enjoyed every delicious morsel and minute of it.

Today is also the 4th Annual Block Party here on 51st Ave. Weather is not ideal -- it's cool and there's intermittent rain -- but we've to a pavilion up and the protection of the neighbor's huge maple, so I think we'll be all right. And all of the fathers on the block can raise a soda or beer and drink each other's health.

Edible Flowers

Here is Suzanne eating what I'm pretty sure is a nasturtium. (She wasn't crazy about the taste, but I was proud of her for trying.)

Pets!

About a week ago, Barb and Suzanne bought a little five gallon aquarium to accommodate Elizabeth's kindergarten classroom guppies. Today we got the guppies, and now the seal has been broken. Pets are a thing.

Next up: pony.

Girls at Play

Here are the girls trading Pokémon cards with the neighbor boy, Reed. And playing Headbanz with Lily and Kai.