In Which Peru...

...Is thrilled to be three!

2012-01-05T21:32:00.000-08:00

Seems fitting that in the final days of the year, Peru was preparing to do a big trick and shed all her two-ness...leaping towards three-dom. Santa reigned for the days leading up to Christmas and after that we talked of jelly bean birthday cakes and friends coming to celebrate. Uncle Dave paid us a nice long visit for the occasion and we whooped it up in style with Sean off work for over a week straight until the New Year. No wonder there are folks who just can't hack it and have to throw in the towel in exchange for Theraflu and Tylenol.

It might also seem happy and just to announce that this is the final post to Peru's blog. I've been contemplating an end to pursue personal projects. And, let's face it -- Peru's growing sophistication might not be suitable for the interwebs any longer. So, some things appear to have an end and I thank you for following her via this site for the last three years!

*I will keep folks up-to-date with pics and such through the wonders of email, so please contact me personally if you wish to be on this private list.

Decked out in a new tutu and baking apron, Peru makes moon dough pizzas for breakfast on Christmas morning.

Coloring and playing before breakfast out on her birthday.

Afterward, Sean, Dave, and I took Peru to the top of the Space Needle. OMG.

Blowing out candles at her birthday party soiree later in the day.

In seventh heaven... Peru strolls down the promenade in her new princess digs.

Kicking up her new high heels. Did I mention she got her first Barbie credit card??

Teetering with Uncle Dave, cowboy style on New Years Eve.

"Yeh KILLIN' me!"

...Walks through a winter wonderland.

2011-12-23T22:12:00.000-08:00

Today marked the first day of vacation! Mostly for Sean, really. Though, we commemorated together by packing up three tuna melts, a thermos of cocoa, and heading to the Olympic Manor -- a fancy neighborhood in Ballard where all of the 50's ranch-style homes are decorated to the hilt.

Poor Peru dutifully ate half of her tuna melt as we strolled, only so she could get her hands on a mug of cocoa and a candy cane. The latter was compliments of a street corner Santa collecting eats for a local food bank. It was a lucky break because we'd forgotten our $1.29 box of peppermint sticks in the trunk of the car and Peru was about ready to have a real breakdown.

Earlier in the day, we tried decorating a gingerbread house. I don't know if it was the pound of candy or my poor engineering but it crashed just a few minutes after we put it together. Ha! Probably, next year Sean will be the architect.

...Lets it snow.

2011-12-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

Peru and I bussed downtown, late last Friday afternoon to meet up with Pop -- to see his new office digs. On our way to collect him, we stopped at the Fairmount Hotel for a surprise! (Clue: Blanca is reunited with her species.) Peru was in heaven with all the bears. Heaven.

After walking a few blocks further downtown to pick up Sean, we rode the carousel at Westlake and then hurried over to watch it "snow" at the Pacific Place, where it does so each night through New Year's Eve promptly at 6 o'clock. Seemed like every restaurant downtown was packed by the time we were ready to eat so we caught our return public transit ride home, agreeing to stop off at our local Thai restaurant to share noodles and things.

The days in between now and then have unfortunately been filled with colds and the usual holidays bugs. But by yesterday morning, Peru recovered enough to invite friends over for gingerbread and sugar cookie decorating. These three 3-year olds were fabulous mess-makers! However, you can see below that artistic genius knows no bounds.

:: The Teddy Bear Suite at the Fairmont Hotel ::

:: Snow falls at six o'clock each night...at Pacific Place ::

:: Decorating cookies with Emmett & Karina ::

...Cheers on her Papa.

2011-12-16T11:34:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday morning (early, I might add!), Sean ran the 5k Jingle Bell Run. Peru and I accompanied him as far as we could, then met up at the finish line 45 minutes later!

While he dashed through the streets (and expressway) of downtown Seattle, we roamed about, discovering what we could of the festivities planned. Top Pot was handing out free doughnuts. Face painting and ornament decorating took place at the Elves Workshop. It was so chilly out that we had to warm up with a cocoa and by then, well... you can imagine our time was up.

The three of us gathered up for a late Irish breakfast (and coffee's) at Fado's, then headed back home to snuggle in for naps!

...Tests her memory.

2011-12-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

I signed Peru up for another study about memory at the University of Washington. The facilitator, Jeff, was a fellow Canadian, so I knew we be in good hands. Eh?

Peru and Jeff sat in a little room for about 15 minutes, with me behind a curtain. All of the games they played were shown by Jeff first, then Peru repeated. There were small intervals of coloring and then she'd show off her memory of the game.

In the end, we walked away with a beautiful coloring of a hedgehog and a small turtle Peru named "Wo-Wo". A fun departure from our usual recreation!

Jeff shows Peru how to play...

...and then Peru shows him her recollection.

Her hedgehog!

Picking out Wo-Wo, the turtle.

...Warms Uncle Dave's house.

2011-12-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

A visual snapshot of a recent trip to Portland and Uncle Dave's house. Dave was out fishing but we cozied up his house for the return. We also connected with Grandma Anderson, Grandpa Allen, and Auntie Jenn for dinner on the evening we arrived.

Five minutes after our arrival at Uncle Dave's house,
Peru found his coloring crayons and paper and got straight to work.

Dave left us fixings for party mix ...hooray!!
We made a big batch and baked it up nice, 'till the house smelled all warm and buttery.

Peru and I kept spying little guests around the house.
Well, lady bugs seem to be permanent tenants at Dave's. Good luck, I think.

Exploring downtown and on our way to find a bite of lunch.

Peru, Sean, and I waited half and hour to get a table at Kenny & Zuke's.
Well worth the wait though. Their pastrami is out of this world. And the potato salad is to die for.

Arriving back at the house from the playground.

Peru loves Dave's big red stool to sit on in the kitchen.

Magnets and drawings on the fridge are fun to revisit each time we are there.

...Goes driving with Olivia.

2011-12-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

Just the other day, our neighbor Olivia and her grandmother, Roselva (I hope I'm spelling that right), joined Peru and I for Free First Thursday at the Seattle Art Museum.

Roselva and I each speak a different language (she is from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Still, together we managed to navigate public transportation to our destination, wrangle our girls through the museum, and enjoy a picnic lunch. It's true that we spent much of our time lolly-gagging in different play rooms and visiting the restroom. (I certainly couldn't tell you about any of the exhibits.) But the girls had a goofy good time, drawing, building, pretend driving. Peru was sweet as a candied yam, holding onto Olivia's hand or chasing her down from time to time. She certainly is getting her cruise director skills down pat.

Bonus for me was getting my hands on Babelfish, a language translator for my phone. I was able to confirm that Roselva does indeed appreciate a good espresso, and that Olivia really does still need her afternoon naps.

...Hunts for chickens.

2011-11-30T15:20:00.001-08:00

Our favorite new cafe is Kaffeeklatsch. And, if I had to guess, I'd say Peru and I make it over for a visit about once a week, on average. Peru is more cosmopolitan at almost-three than I probably ever will be. Lately, her response when we're getting ready to leave is often, "Are we going to the cafe?"

Well, today we did. But not before taking the owner, Annette, up on her offer to swing by her house and say hello to her rooster and two hens. They were cooped up but that didn't stop us from feeding them a noodley snack and ogling their beauty for a few minutes.

After that, we were quite chilly. And, a warm-me-up was necessary. Of course, we had to report our findings to Annette, so off we marched to the Kaffeeklatsch.

Freakish find on our street corner.
Someone bothered to try and save this wretched Teletubby.
Peru thought he was "cute".

Another funny fire hydrant find.

One of Annette's sweet hens.

And, another.

Annette and Brian (in the back there) making pretzels for a group of preschoolers who were in the Kaffee shop today.

...Gives thanks.

2011-11-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

Wednesday afternoon, we set out for Grandma & Grandpa Carberry's to join them in celebrating Thanksgiving the following day. Sean got a wild hair, orchestrating an entire deconstructed dinner. In a fashion somewhat slower than the typical scarf-me-down-in-ten-minutes-flat... we ate, cooked, drank, and ate again, all afternoon -- all eleven of us, even though the pictures below don't rightfully prove it.

Cheers again -- Monika, Andy, Oma, Opa, Ingrid, Alex, Bob, Annie, Sean, and Peru!

The cook hard at work the night before.

Splaying and deboning that bird. Readying it for an herb & garlic rubdown, only to be wrapped back up in a layer of prosciutto and kitchen twine.

Keeping occupied until guests arrived.

Oma is presented with a felt flower from Peru.

Kitchen hugs!

Oops! Spilled milk.

Traipsing around the house in Grandma's shoes, spying a squirrel at the back door.

Concoctions were formed as we sat at the kitchen counter.

Grandpa is in disbelief at Peru's mixology skills.

A walk to the beach the next morning -- Grandma, Grandpa, Sean, Peru, and me.

Puzzling ladies complete another masterpiece.

...Minds her stache.

2011-11-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

Silliness ensued for a short while with the few remaining pink mustaches from last Christmas.

...Goes on a sleigh ride.

2011-11-15T21:25:00.001-08:00

It's a little hard to believe that Santa's reindeer are already making appearances. But, I'm resigning myself to the fact that since Halloween's over that means, it's Christmas.

Peru and I learned about Dasher and Blitzen's arrival at Swanson's Nursery a few days ago. (Thank you, Sarah!) They were being accompanied by Curly the camel and Moe the miniature donkey. So, we made a date to meet Emmett, Karina, and Sarah this morning, frosty air on our heels. There were plenty of other things to keep us occupied after the novelty wore off. Sleighs, Christmas trees, playhouses. Unfortunately, I didn't catch any decent pictures of the indoor pond brimming with the biggest, hungriest looking koi you've ever seen!

In case you've got a hankering to see Santa's helpers, they'll be fed (apples, marshmallows, and white bread) daily at 10am and 4pm, now until Christmas. Hmm, maybe we'll have to return....

...Gets her hairs cut.

2011-11-06T17:52:00.000-08:00

Peru's nearly three and can you believe she's escaped a hair cut until now? Looking at the pictures of her sitting in the barber chair yesterday afternoon makes me realize what a MOP she'd been growing!

Peru cleaned up nicely with the help of the lovely and efficient Megan. Final touches were pigtails and a poof of glitter to top it off. (Well, we were heading to a birthday party.)

Wish I had a good post-cut pic but I'm sure you'll be satisfied in the very near future. Finally, here's a peek at the funny card The Kid's Club gave us before we left. It include a shot of Peru before the main event and a lock of her hair. Nice.

...Seeks treats.

2011-11-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Seems like the past week has been switched on high in anticipation of Halloween. On Sunday, Sean, Peru, and I did some pre-trick-or-treating and parading to the sounds of a big brass band at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill. And, last night, all of Peru's hopes culminated in none other than, our local grocery store!

Since I don't recall any of my own Halloweens taking place in the aisles of a supermarket, I was a little hesitant. But Central Market's creepy version of the holiday was perfectly pitched for little kids. Packed with line-ups for free hot dogs, bouncy houses, hay rides, and trick-or-treating stations, we scurried around for about an hour. Turned out Peru was most discerning about her treats. I watched her reach around offerings only to dig for her treat of choice: Dum dums. At least she knows what she likes.

The night ended up at our townhouses, with Peru knocking on a few familiar doors. With only two pieces of candy consumed, it was a parents dream -- but probably one of the last considering how many more All Hallows Eve's are yet to come.

At home, the day before Halloween, getting dressed up and excited!

The entertainment at Cal Anderson Park, on Sunday afternoon.

Two Dads -- Sean and John!
We met up with our friends, the Fahey's at Cal Anderson Park.
Then, we haunted Broadway for treats together.
(That's Wilder, on top of John's shoulders, eating a Tootsie Roll, wrapper and all.)

Taking a swing break to enjoy a Dum dum.

Halloween morning at the Library, making crafts after story time.

Standing in line at the Bouncy House at the Central Market on Halloween night.

Checking out the goods with Olivia, our neighbor whom we met up with at the store.

Central Market's very own Halloween cake.
It's hard to tell but this cake is as big as my dining room table.

Lighting our Jack-o-lanterns when we returned home... right before doing a final bit of trick-or-treating.

...Leaps 'n' lops.

2011-10-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

With a blustery Friday to deal with yesterday, Peru and I walked to the SGA before lunch for their indoor playground. In my earlier post about our visit to Grandpa B's, I don't think I mentioned how much jumping we did on his little indoor trampoline. But somehow it primed Peru or just upped the ante for bigger bouncing at the gym this time around. Peru pretty much stalked the trampolines, patiently waiting her turn for a chance to practice new moves. It's hard to catch shots of an almost-three-year-old jumping on a trampoline but here are a couple.

Starting to get pooped out, Peru switched to bars to practice monkey hangs.

Peru made it over the notorious ladder today!
She's been practicing for months but I secretly think it was about getting up the courage to step over the top.
The ladder's about 4 1/2 feet high, which is hard to tell from this picture.

Pooped out and ready to head home for lunch.

By the time we got home, both of us were hun-GREE! Peru ate an enormous lunch: a big bowl of pasta & capers, a couple pieces of salami, and all of the ingredients you see below in our concocted funny faces.

...Gets spooky.

2011-10-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

This morning, Peru and I drove to our friend Emmett's house. We were joined by Sarah and Karina for a crafty morning decorating pumpkins. The lot of us marched to the local grocery store, admiring the leaves and spooky houses along the way. When we returned, all three kids took their time pretty'ing up pumpkins before lunch. Only a few days left before Halloween!

One of the creepy houses we passed on our walk to get sugar pumpkins.

Collecting leaves in paper bags on the return.

Emmett peels off a sticker for his pumpkin.

Peru adds embellishments with a marker.

Karina admires her handiwork.

Three little pumpkins!

...Is on the road again.

2011-10-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

This particular road trip slid in just under the wire. Last Friday, Peru and I drove all the way to Spokane for a few day visit with Grandpa B (a.k.a. my Dad). Grandma Jo was all the way in Bali visiting her new granddaughter so, it was just us three. I say that we slid in just under the wire because we had perfect fall weather on the way there but by our return home, it was beginning to snow in Steven's Pass.

Our visit was low-key and perfect for enjoying each others company. Peru got lots of one-on-one time with Grandpa B, raking leaves, going for walks, and sharing meals together.

An obligatory stop to satisfy curiosity for the much written about Sultan Bakery in none other than Sultan, WA.
Seems like they specialize in mostly doughnuts and cheesy cakes. I don't know if I'd bother a second time though.

Fall colors along the State Route 2, our chosen path.

Stopping to play in Leavenworth.

Putting the leaves to bed in Grandpa B's backyard.

Rakin' em up.

A rainbow of balloons Grandpa blew up for Peru.

Sharing a snack after some hard work.

I caught Grandpa B raking leaves and Peru jumping into them on video.

On our way to the neighborhood playground...

...to get some jumps in.

On our return to Seattle, Peru and I stopped in Wenatchee for a visit with friends. Charlie and Jude made a stack of peanut butter & honey sandwiches which we took their park for a picnic. We were sad that Erica had to work and couldn't join us.

...Makes soup!

2011-10-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

Recently, at one of our Kaleidoscope play groups, we read Soup Day by Melissa Iwai. I think both Peru and I were so taken with the idea of making soup together, we rushed home to do just that. The fun thing about this book was the notion of cutting vegetables together -- me with my big knife, Peru with her little plastic knife. So, we picked up a box of plastic cutlery along with the vegetables needed and got straight to work.

There were...
onions, celery, and carrots cut into little squares,
more carrots, sliced like half moons,
potatoes diced into cubes,
mushrooms and zucchini (which Peru could cut because they were soft enough),
little pastas,
and parsley, minced into confetti.

We skipped the parts of the book where the Mom and daughter "make a city", read books, and tuck her pretend monster into bed. Instead, we jumped ahead to the part where Pop gets home and everyone sits down to slurp a warm bowl of soup.

...Meets a fireman.

2011-10-19T14:30:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe it was October 2009 that Peru and I got our first up close and personal look at the local firefighters and their fancy equipment. Fast forward two years and here we are again! Just last week, we had another chance to meet, talk, and even sing to the fire fighting men and women in our community. This time, we met at the Magnolia Library Branch with our friends, Emmett, Karina, and Sarah for Fireman Storytime.

Not all the kids had such a great time as Firefighter Sean suited up (mask and all) and proceeded to crawl around on the floor so they could get a ground level view of his gear. I even noticed a few tears around the room. Thank goodness, Peru kept her cool.

After all the excitement, Peru and I split for Discovery Park, just a couple minutes away from the library. We weathered a blustery picnic and then set out for a walk toward the South Meadow and bluff. Peru sported her new magnifying glass, examining leaves and bugs along the way. Somehow we had the fantastic luck of running into the very same firemen from storytime. They were doing some sort of training exercise along the trails next to a fire hydrant. It was fun to see them in action, sort of.

Find a long, bendy stick and hoola-hooping it around.

...Procures a pumpkin.

2011-10-16T11:20:00.000-07:00

Can it already be? Jack-o-lanterns must be carved shortly so that means...

Grandma and Grandpa Carberry joined Sean, Peru, and I with their mud-slinging boots to go hunt for pumpkins out at Craven Farm yesterday afternoon. Turned out to be beautiful, sunny, and not so muddy. And, somehow we evaded the sweet smells of kettle corn and overpriced build-your-own scarecrow kits to stay on course locating our own orange orbs. At one point, as we entered the Alice in Pumpkinland corn maze, Grandpa C. announced how ridiculous it was that we were "paying to get lost!" Eventually, we carted home a papa, mama, and baby pumpkin...now, each awaiting their chiseling as they sit on our front steps.

We arrived! Peru signing up to be a fan on Facebook.

Three pumpkin heads.

Argg...pumpkin-headed pirates.

Ahoy! The pumpkin-pirate ship's about to set sail.

Steering the pirate ship.

One bite make you bigger. One bite makes you small.
We all hold our breath entering the Alice in Pumpkinland corn maze.

Which way? Hither or yonder....

Peru chases Grandma. Or, is Grandma really trying to escape??

3 for $1 -- the pumpkin sling!

Sean finds his pumpkin.

Peru finds her baby pumpkin.

Peru hitches a ride back to the weighing station.

Grandpa and Peru take a break together.

...Has a field day.

2011-10-11T22:25:00.000-07:00

Any rainy day is grounds to hop a bus and invent your own field trip around town. Our destination: the downtown Seattle Public Library. It's free, warm, dry, and filled with adventures 'round every corner.

This day was no exception. Peru's favorite was The Red Room. Mine, too.

Giant-sized, paper mache version of Carol, from Where The Wild Things Are.

Taking the Yellow elevator up, up, up.

Oooh. Arriving at The Red Room...

...and in some places, fushia walls.

Enormous globes are fun to spin.

From the 10th Floor, looking down at the City Courthouse.

We liked watching the groundsman mow perfect rows in the lawn.

Peru was given a pencil and paper at the cafe,...

...and charged with creating a picture for the lady behind the counter.

Walking back, we passed a fantastic Versace window display.

And finally, we wait for a return bus home.

...Goes for the gold.

2011-10-10T22:10:00.000-07:00

Peru and I have made cookies a couple of times recently.

1) For our guests (Sarah and Emmett) who joined us for lunch recently after playing at the gym together. Peru was a most excellent hostess that day, I keep telling everyone.

2) For a very nice man at Recycled Cycles (David) who fixed Peru's tricycle. It's true -- after nearly a month of being tricked by hardware, manuals, and telephone tech support, I could not fix her trike and turned to the professionals.

Regardless of the reason we periodically make a batch of cookies, Peru always takes full advantage of tasting, licking, and sneaking any ingredients or combination of such. The finale is always a stab at cleaning the beaters.

...Goes mobile.

2011-10-09T21:47:00.000-07:00

The Making of Mobile.

Step 1: Find a good box or vessel to collect items.

Step 2: Pause, to make a wish.

Step 3: Spy something delectable.

Step 4: Little berries are a good addition, for extra color of course.

Step 5: Stop, giggle, and plan your next move.

Step 6: Wash up all found objects...a necessary part of the ritual.

Step 7: Tie up your findings with pretty string. Ta da!

...Revels in her ruby red slippers.

2011-10-08T20:46:00.000-07:00

After another successful week of panty-wearing, Sean decided to award Peru with a special treat. We let her pick out something that she liked so, given her current shoe fetish, you can imagine what sort of store we ended up at....

Peru was pleased as punch to pick out her very first pair of ruby red slippers. Likewise, Sean and I craftily rubbed our hands together in unison, recognizing the opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Thus, began our coercion for Peru to dress up as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz for Halloween instead of Provincial Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I'm telling you, no costume exists for this latter character, save a homespun version. And, I'm no seamstress.

Well, our deed wasn't too evil given the fact that Dorothy and Provincial Belle both wear blue dresses with white pinafores. Sean and I sealed the deal Wednesday evening with a special late-night viewing of The Wizard of Oz. The Tin Man was Peru's favorite and now we have a whole new cast of characters to talk about.

...Suits up and sets out.

2011-09-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

The first big rainy day here was pretty exciting. Even the pair of snubbed yellow slicker overalls that have hung in the hallway since Spring were happily put on this morning. Peru and I both suited up to breathe in the fresh morning rain while she triked and I drank my morning cup of coffee on the front steps.

In the following days, Peru's been collecting acorns, pine cones, leaves, and such. It's quite a process. Collecting, washing, organizing. Taking each of them out to scrutinize and identify. Putting them back again. Makes me wonder if toys aren't overrated?

...Wants statues.

2011-09-23T21:44:00.000-07:00

I thought at some time, one future date, I would look back on this moment and laugh. That's why I even bothered to snap a picture. Although, that was not my initial reaction when I discovered Peru coloring all over her arms with marker. At least they weren't permanent markers.

Peru told me she was making statues on her arms. As it turned out, she meant tattoos.

...Rides the bus.

2011-09-22T21:33:00.000-07:00

Peru and I registered for a Not-Back-to-School Days at the beginning of summer through the Children's Museum in Everett. And after waiting all this time, I had high hopes that we'd be bouncing around on a big yellow school bus that day (because that's sure how the ad made it sound).

As it turned out we rode a regular 'ole red and grey city bus. Us and twenty other kids and parents, along with the normal city riff raff. The tour did come complete with a stop at the Everett Transit station, puppet show, puzzle crafts, and at the end...each kid got their very own Matchbox version of the City of Everett transit bus. How cool?

Don't get me wrong, even though it wasn't the big yellow bus, we still had a good time. After bumping around the city, we gathered back at the museum for all the aforementioned activities, plus and extra romp on the rooftop playground. Did I mention that we arranged to do the tour with Peru's friends Emmett and Karina? So afterward, we all lunched together at Sarah (their nanny's) house.

Meeting with the new sculptures outside the Children's Museum in downtown Everett.

Here comes the No. 25 Bus!!!

Somehow they arranged for a train to steam in just as we arrived at the Everett Transit Station.

Cool gold inlaid ships on the floor of the station.

Karina and Emmett, probably pondering when our return bus was going to arrive.

Turned out, Karina was a schedule snatcher.

Peru's very own miniature Everett City bus... I know!!

Xylophones on the rooftop playground.

And, a dunebuggy ride. (Peru always insists on driving.)

Look! There's even a stegosaurus up there!!

...Sees a slough.

2011-09-18T20:48:00.000-07:00

I read about the Mercer Slough Nature Park recently in one of the bazillion parenting newsletters I'm signed up for.... This adventure, however, like many of the listed to-do's was not a dud. In fact, this series of Bellevue trails turned out to provide a full day's worth of adventures with berry farms, picnics, cool bridges, critters, and even magnifying glasses. The education center was a good starting point, as it turned out. They outfitted us with a wetlands backpack filled with plant and bug identification charts, binoculars, activity sheets, and the most exciting part, a pocket magnifying glass! A definite return, perhaps when the leaves have made their full metamorphosis.

Getting an up close peek at some of the plant life.

Everything was inspected...

...and admired.

We sat on a bench at the water's edge and had a talk about holes and their inhabitants found in nature. (There was a hole beneath our very resting spot.) Peru needed to inspect it once again with her magnifying glass.

A pretty view from the bridge.

Wishing flowers on the trail!

Apples, too but these were NOT for eating!

...Digs out her sweaters.

2011-09-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

Seems like, true to the calendar, Autumn is ready to switch on -- right at the Equinox, this year. Which translates to: time to shut the windows that have been propped open for the last three months, time to dig out that hidden box of sweaters in the garage, and time to dream about baking a first batch of cinnamon-y granola.

It's not time yet, however, to give up trips to the beach! All you need is an extra layer of clothing. You can even dip your feet in the water if you're prepared to also wear a few goosebumps. Which is what we did a couple of days ago.

Peru and I met up with friends, Emmett, Karina, and Sarah at Golden Gardens for PB&J's and a bit of digging in the sand. Emmett performed daring jumps off a beach log, inflicting a big lump on his forehead. Karina sweetly shared her alphabet cookies with all. And, Peru insisted on digging big holes to bury their feet. Needless to say, we all went home with dirty, salty toes and with a little extra sand in our hair.

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Peru and I stayed on for a little longer to play at the Pirate Playground.

Since we're at the end of Summer, why not reminisce a minute for those warmer days? (And a chance to post a few missed pictures.) Back on Labor Day weekend, while Sean and I shared a grown-up birthday getaway, Peru stayed with Grandma & Grandpa Carberry. (We bow to them.)

Spazzing out at the sprayground at Wright Park in Tacoma, WA.

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On the front lawn, before Sean & I left, we played for the afternoon.

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...Elaborates.

2011-09-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

It's funny how a memory can evolve when kids have a say in it. For instance, about a year ago, my Dad started out being referred to as Grandpoppy. Peru and I spent time with him on trips out to Spokane and we've had a couple of return visits, too. The most recent encounter landed just before the long Labor Day holiday weekend. By the time he arrived with Grandma Jo, Grandpoppy had somehow morphed into Grandpa "B", which I kind of like. It's reminiscent of the Fantastic Mister B, a character in Coraline, one of Peru's and my favorite movies. There's no rhyme or reason to the B. Still, it stands.

We four, Grandpa B, Grandma Jo, Peru, and I (minus a working Papa) roamed about the city for a couple of days together. I was glad to see Peru get to spend more time with her Grandpoppy.

Our little Albert Davis Park

The color: purple.
The place: the little park across the street.

Enjoying a breather.

Fountains are tricky contraptions.

At Golden Gardens

Mountain of sea anemones.

Tide pooling.

Lots of neato finds.

After the beach, we stopped at the Lockspot Cafe for a fish 'n' chip lunch. Grandpa B's cinnamon candies kinda took the cake.

Smashed to shards inside the wrapper and dumped out on a menu, the little candies are fun to pick up with your forefinger.

At Annie's Playground

The tube slide seems smaller.

Teetering with Grandpa B.

Quiet time

Peru listening to Grandpa B read Enemy Pie.

Last Day

A final romp at the playground.

Here's a kinda creepy ending tribute to Coraline, the movie.

(If you want to know how we made these pics, visit the website!)

Apatonia.
A flower Peru designed and named.

Tamoumiame.
A second creation by you-know-who.

...Theatricizes on Thursday.

2011-08-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

And I don't meant that in just the exaggerated way in which Peru tends to play. For some reason, drama seemed to be the underlying, unintended theme of our day: a performance by The Harmonica Pocket at the library in the morning, trikes and dress-ups at home throughout the day, and an open air screening of Beauty and the Beast in the evening. We got home so late that I didn't even have time to post an entry. Well, here's a recap, in picture format.

*As I write this evening, we have finally been reunited with Papa! We'll all be catching up in the morning...

Trikes in the driveway

Outdoor summer movies

Peru eyeballed Belle (a.k.a. Beauty!) in the audience and agreed a picture would be a good idea... up until the time that Belle came over. Then, the freeze-up! I love how Peru's pretending to be so NOT interested.

...Waits on Wednesday.

2011-08-17T21:25:00.000-07:00

Wednesday...

...is hump day. Peru and I are half way through our week together. She wants to know when it's going to be Friday.

Today, however, we had a lunch date with our friends Emmett and Karina. But first, we rendezvoused at our Wednesday activity (Kaleidescope) to play and have circle time, sing the fire truck song, and make a group sized spider web. (I don't know where the facilitator, Francesca finds her ideas but I love her!) Afterward, we caravanned over to Emmett's house for tortellini and a chance to play together. Emmett owns enough Duplos, puzzles, and trains so that virtually no sharing confrontations occurred. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.... During lunch, all three kids covered themselves ear to ear with marinara sauce. (Of course, I had to dress Peru in mostly white!) And, for dessert, Peru and I shared the Rice Krispie treats we made together when we got up today.

Sneaking a mouthful of marshmallows.

Licking the spoon. It's mandatory.

This morning, after our baking adventure, Peru and I headed upstairs to get dressed. Have I mentioned that she recently got her own full length mirror? I figured since she's been so into dress-ups, seeing her full self was kind necessary. It's also a source of entertainment when you have funny faces you have to show off. Or, when you just want to avoid getting dressed.

...Takes over Tuesday.

2011-08-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

Tuesday...

... started too early. It was a good thing I had formulated a plan the night before.

We did make it to the Olympic Sculpture Park, by around 9:30am.
Four hours from the time that we were up but by then, I was already beginning to lose track.

Breakfast ended up being eaten on the go.
Even when compliance with breakfast wishes is achieved, this does not guarantee success in the eating department.

Nap time commenced on the car ride home.
The daring maneuver of transferring a sleeping kid was triumphantly managed, thereby creating a relieving 2-hour break.

Despite our slightly off morning, Peru & I found a few grins along the trails while taking in some art. I showed her the big ships, three sets of eyeballs, a fountain, and giant ampersand. She sniffed at flowers, mucked in the water, flung rocks in the waves, and covered her ears with each of the 27 trains that steamed by during our three hour tour.

This afternoon, after a good rest and a break, we repaired her injured sock monster on a stick (now minus a stick), cracked open and tasted a coconut, collected a new stack of library books, and finally began our paper mache maracas project. Geez, rereading that makes me tired all over again.

Well, tomorrow is our week-long awaited lunch date with friends Emmett and Karina. Peru told me as I was tucking her in tonight that she would be leaving Blanca home for the affair because she would not share her best bear friend. "Blanca is mine, mine, mine." (All this after reading The Mine-o-saur at bedtime.) I expect we'll be having good breakfast conversation...

The Big Ships

Eyeballs. One of three pair.

Who wouldn't want to hug an eyeball?

Stopping to smell the Queen Anne's Lace, which Peru deemed very nice.

Small light posts can wear hats, too.

Dipping into an O pool of water.

...Markets on Monday.

2011-08-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

Monday...

...is Day One in a Five Day installation. Pop is gone on business and Peru and I have the week ahead to ourselves. Just for kicks, we made a calendar, with each day visually represented so we can cross them off as we go.

Monday is typically our marketing day. Which is to say, we pick up groceries at the supermarket. I just like this new reference that we picked up in Pig Pig Grows Up. (A book about quite a large, grown-up pig who wants to be treated like a baby until one day, he has a life changing event. I won't give it away, in a case you want to read it yourself.) Anyway, we did our marketing, including a weekly pow-wow with the culinary demo guy, who Peru has lovingly named Charlie Sample. His first name is Charlie and he does give us samples of whatever recipe he's whipping up that day.

By late afternoon, I decided that since schedules were out the window, we should dine al fresco. So, Carkeek Park it was. Fish, beets, and tomatoes. Then the fish slide, teeter-totter-ma-gig, and whirly slide. Followed by throwing rocks in the water at the beach. Wrapped up with an expedition through the woods to get a peek at a few of the newest sculpture art pieces.

We didn't make it home until 15 minutes before eight. A quick scrub down in the tub and three stories later, Peru is tucked into bed. Tomorrow, she wants to go back to the sculpture park. I know of an even better one and will surprise her in the morning!

...Upgrades.

2011-08-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

The countdown is complete. Ten days ago, we promised Peru that if she could show us her climbing-out-of-bed skills for ten days in a row, we'd turn her bed into a BIG GIRL bed. Because, in case you didn't know, this is the road she's been on (and off again) for several weeks now. And this is exactly how it went down. In a few cases, Peru does not cuss around.

True, the last few mornings Sean and I have received more, shall we say, in your face wake up calls. Mind you, Peru is not rude about it. First she'll announce something sweet like, "I just gave Mama a kiss". Or, "I'm snuggling with Papa". Dosed with ample sugar, of course. However, not too long after she follows up with "...now it's time to go make oatmealio".

So, this morning was the big morning. Prison bars were removed and replaced by a nice scalloped ledge. And, I can report that as of 2:48pm, her first nap (in said big bed) has successfully commenced. We'll see how the rest of this coming week goes down...

The other high point to our week was a visit from Grandma Anderson. She arrived just in time for Girlz Nite on Friday. (Sean had a basketball game to attend.) So, us three girls tried our luck at kite flying and pool-wading before a promised evening of movies and treats. The Rescuers Down Under was a little too scary for one member of the audience so we swapped it out for The Fantastic Mr. Fox (which I insist is perfectly kid-friendly, though a lot of the jokes do drift overhead).

Saturday morning, we all grabbed our hiking shoes and drove to Federation Forest (at the base of Mt Rainier) for what turned out to be a splendid hike. There were a few boggy areas and downed trees to negotiate as we hugged the floor of the riverbed, about 3 miles each way. Hard not to appreciate the mossy, lush, totally dense forest. We weren't able to reach the end of the trail (a hobbit hole, and the name of that portion of the trail) because of a large downed tree but still, it was surely worth the trek. My Mom had a good time identifying plants and Peru was in heaven with the array of walking sticks at her fingertips.

Girlz Nite

Federation Forest

(Old Naches, Wind-in-the-Woods, and Hobbit trails)

..Rides the Yepp.

2011-07-31T15:45:00.000-07:00

You could say that this weekend's adventures were born out of last weekend's dreams. However, that's not to say that we didn't do anything last Sunday... rather, we revisited and elaborated the second time around.

Last weekend: On foot at Bothell Landing.
Sean and I attempted to placate Peru with a trip to the playground before hitting Flower World to shop for plants. As it turns out, Peru entertains herself pretty well these days in the face of boring adult errands. She ended up riding one of the long, flat carts around the nursery in search of a pretty plant for her bedroom. She settled on a begonia which she named Bus.

"Skip to my Lou, my darling..."

Sean and Peru explore the landing, heading towards the footbridge and the Sammamish River Trail.

We passed a few locals on the trail, harvesting crawdiddy's out of the Sammamish River.

Sharing a freshly gathered leaf bouquet.

This weekend: A bike ride to Chateau Ste Michelle.

Grandma and Grandpa Carberry dusted off their bikes and joined us at our previous weeks' origins (Bothell Landing) with the intention to ride Eastbound toward wine country. Turned out that Chateau Ste Michelle was our looping point, purely out of necessity for a stop and snack. Playgrounds and pit stops helped Peru keep it together on the way back. And, true to form, she passed out just minutes away from the end of the trail. Indeed, her upgraded Bobike-turn-Yepp is the cadillac of rides. (Thank you, Uncle Dave!)

Setting out on the Sammamish River Trail.

Our pit stop at the winery.

Another break, Grandma and Peru ascend the stairs to her bedroom at the tippy top of the playground.

Contemplating the view.

Sean's artistic eye.

Two hot and tired ladies and one passed out Peru.

The days in between...

Throughout the meatier, middle part of the week, Peru and I took full advantage of the Seattle Public Library offerings and public wading pools. We cooked a few dinners together and even baked an apple pie Friday afternoon (inspired by the book Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie). It should also go without saying that each day was filled with dress-ups and a certain level of fanciness.

Today, after a fit of Sunday morning lolligagging, we broke down and stopped off at the Home Depot to purchase a full-length mirror. Now, Peru will be able to admire her fashionable ensembles in the privacy of her own bedroom.

Channeling Uncle Dan, maybe...

Scrubbing radishes for dinner.

Reading Clifford The Big Red Dog with Pop at the cafe.

...Finishes a project.

2011-07-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

Part II

(...of In Which Peru Makes a banner.)

If you can't be a little fancy in the morning, well then, ...just when is a good time? Why wait for that holiday party when Friday morning oatmeal and brown sugar is here!

This morning we had just cause. Peru and I needed to finish up our surprise banner for Papa. After he left, that is. And, adorned in her best evening wear and clip-cloppy shoes, Peru got straight down to the business of cutting. An hour later, with the letters P - A - P - A cut out and fancy cakes all trimmed up, it was just de rigeur, gluing and stringing. There were a few final impromptu decisions such as peony petals and boingy spiral whirly gigs. But aside from that we strung up our beautiful banner.

(Did I mention it was inspired by episodes 1506 & 1507 of Mister Rogers Neighborhood where King Friday throws a fancy picnic for his subjects? Well, he did. And, in the process, friends learn about the pitfalls of being bossy. And, also about the mistakes people make sometimes, like forgetting something important. It just happens but it can be forgiven.)

Hard at work, Peru is adding stickers.

Our fancy cake paper, with labels included.

Peony petals.

Final touches.

A close-up of the letter P.

Hallelujah! I think we're done.

Peru breaks for Bing cherries...

The grand finale! Pop arrives, we blind fold him, and Peru leads him to our masterpiece...

...Makes a banner.

2011-07-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

Part I

The day started out drizzly, eating oatmeal and discussing what we should do first. Peru almost always suggests 'lets go to the park!' This morning, I was one step ahead, anticipating and motivating. Well, the dewy playground weather turned into a side trip to the University Bookstore, which always promises an AWESOME kids section...which then turned into another trip to the downstairs section -- a FABULOUS art supply store. Peru and I decided on a fresh supply of watercolor paper, fancy cake wrapping paper, and two kinds of stickers: princesses and stars. And thus, our banner for Papa was born.

Here's the progress we've made so far today. It's a secret surprise so, don't say anything!

Hard at work.

Erg! Trying to open the watercolors is frustrating.

Yay! It's looking good so far.

A little earlier, at the playground...

A rogue birdie pirate, found in the wood chips.

...Is a lady.

2011-07-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Peru is currently under the spell of fancy dresses, big girl shoes, and lip stuff. I may have been able to wrangle a pair of pants on her once or twice in the last couple of weeks. Still, one can have many adventures in a skirt!

Pirates are abound.

The city of Everett had it's very own Jetty Days recently, where surly pirates stormed the beach in search of booty. Peru and I missed the loot but ran into a few gnarly lookin' fellas on the ferry ride back. (They were actually quite kind -- one of them gave us his business card.)

Prances in water.


While Sean got his hair cut one Saturday, Peru and I stopped in at the Wooden Boat Festival on South Lake Union. It was one of our hotter days so far, therefore no pants were required.

The Zodiac -- at the Wooden Boat Festival, of course.

Puzzles her Oma.

An afternoon visit with Oma (and Grandma & Grandpa, as it were). Sean and Opa were out kayaking so we invented our own fun and games back at the ranch. Peru has apparently inherited the 'puzzler' gene and enjoyed fixing the pieces over and over again with Oma.

Contemplates cowboys.

Should she be a cowgirl or a lady???

Makes thunderstorms.

Jumping and stomping on the merry-go-round for Grandma Anderson, making great storm noises.

Two ladies, sittin' a spell at the playground.

Learns the turn-around.

Peru and I have been tricycling a lot the past few days. She may well have mastered that devilish round-about.

However, if you don't slowww down on curves, accidents happen.... Peru insisted that I document the evidence. She ripped the face off her monkey baid-aid just for the occasion.

...Does not get eaten by wolves.

2011-07-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes you feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? Well, this time, upon returning from our own vacation, that didn't happen! Sean, Peru, and I got back a couple days ago from our Mount Hood cabin trip and although in some ways it was like transporting daily life from Seattle to the woods with the addition of a couple of tense family moments, it was still free of the errands, phone calls, and emails. And I think, in the end, we genuinely enjoyed each others company.

True, bedtime was more challenging. (Wolves were hungrily smacking their chops outside in the woods.) Car rides were long. ("My seat belt is TOO tight!") There were no shoes in the cabin. (Every pair of shoes was tried on precisely 27 times daily and paraded through the house.) Playgrounds were 20 miles away. (Even though nature was supposed to be our playground, jungle gyms and slides were still periodic musts for Peru.)

Mid-way through the week, Sean got a 24-hour bug, my neck cramped up on one side, and I'm sure Peru was scowling at our demands that she finish each bite of her dinner on the count of three. Still, one afternoon, my story is that, perhaps I saved the vacation. Stealing Peru away so Sean could rest, us girls headed in for a very regular afternoon of playgrounds, pizza, and a movie. It might have been just the brief encounter with extreme normalcy and quietude we all needed. After that, were able to resume hiking and late nights, including a couple fires and marshmallow roasts.

By the last day of our trip, we had a pleasant visit from Uncle Dave and Jenny. It was probably the nicest of afternoons because of their company. Dave brought salmon. Jenny brought trashy magazines. We all barbequed, played by the river, and stayed up into the dark around a fire, burning marshmallows. Remnants of our mid-week crisis had apparently vanished leaving us with only sunnier, warmer bodies to return home.

The little bridge crossing Zig Zag River to our Stuga.

The owners included an ingenious touch -- a firepit built into the patio, disguised as a manhole!

After returning from a local ukelele performance by Nanna Banana, Peru found the perfect place for her smiley face memorabilia.

Day Two of 'The Shiner' (minus the marshmallow-stache). One of about a dozen accidents that have happened recently. I think Peru was proud of it though because she kept asking me to show her pictures of the shiner. (Don't feel bad Uncle Dave. Spinning is a risky sport.)

We were duped out of picking our own, but still managed to score a half flat of local strawberries.

One of the hikes we did with Peru to Hidden Lake, where we even encountered a little snow. The lake was more of a marsh really.

At our destination, Hidden Lake! You can see the waters' edge to the right of Sean.

It seems that Peru's converted to naturalism. Most days it's "I wanna go naked!" Instead of posting her entirely nudie shots, here's one where she and Sean danced to Bolero one magical afternoon.

Stopping to watch the Zig Zag River, the pay off, and posing in the woods. This was an easy 1/2 mile hike that Peru love, loved.

We met up with Uncle Dave and Jenny at Fantasyland Playground in Sandy, OR.

Down the path from the cabin, by the river, Peru hangs out with Uncle Dave and Jenny.

On our way back north, we stopped at Hood River Lavender Farm.

Heading home, a last afternoon at Washington Park in Wenatchee, WA. A stop in on old friends, Charlie, Erica, and their son Jude.

A last slide.

...Seeks silence.

2011-06-14T19:33:00.000-07:00

On Friday, it's Dads & Daughters night at the Key Arena. Event: The Seattle Storm. Sean will be taking Peru to her very first basketball game and big stadium event, for that matter. Thus, we agreed that due to Peru's historic obsession over noises, combined with the fact that it would regardless, be a loud venue, earmaphones would be required. This is, at least, what Peru instantly referred to them as. Her earmaphones. Think whispermaphone in Dr. Suess' The Lorax.

Alas, her "ear protectors" arrived in the mail last Friday afternoon, hours before attending our friend, Linda's photography show in the University District. I wasn't sure if she'd like them or hate them. But as it turned out, she LOVED them. Exhibiting her adoration, she insisted on traveling and hobnobbing in them the rest of the evening. We did get her to take them off periodically during dinner. Since then, they've found their way into her backpack behind the bedroom door. But I know they're about to emerge again soon!

Waiting for a bite to eat before the show.

Giving Linda kisses at her photography show.

Back on again... and keeping the noise to a minimum.

Darn. Peru forgot her earmaphones this morning but we went to the park anyway.

...Samples our wares.

2011-06-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

This evening, our first container-gardening-radish was eyeballed, harvested, and sliced into three dime-sized discs. Peru, Sean, and I each took a miniature moment to savor what is yet to come. Although it's not what I'd call a crop, we do have several pots and buckets on the deck and in the garden filled with radishes that are almost ready for the plucking!

...Peeks and plays.

2011-06-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

One of Peru's favorite library books these days is called Holes and Peeks by Ann Jonas. It's about a little kid who is coming to terms with dark holes she's afraid of (toilets, drains, etc.) but how it's much better when she can make her own peek holes.

I decided to do something similar: a peep hole which reveals twenty-four hours of doing nothing in particular with Peru but which maybe, in the end, turns out to look like a little something.

...Kicks up her heels.

2011-05-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Peru received a phone call from two admirers. Grandma and Grandpa Carberry agreed to brave holiday weekend traffic in hopes of joining us for a bit of open air music and merriment...and probably in anticipation of a few hugs and kisses, too.

NW Folk Life Festival took place over the Memorial Day holiday at the Seattle Center. Since Peru hasn't yet had the pleasure of a full fledged festival furnished with hippies, hoola-hoopers, stilt-walkers, jugglers, and tent food, we knew the experience was mandatory. Almost six full hours after we arrived (and no festival t-shirt to show for it!) we'd filled our daily quota of blues, ska, and soul, including a couple bad covers. We consumed adequate amounts of falafel, gyros, ice cream, and elephant ears. Peru managed a thorough soaking in a courtyard wading pool. The five of us strolled circles around the grounds so many times that, in the end we just had to plop ourselves down on a nearby stage lawn. Peru had given up entirely and snuggled beneath a blanket in her muffled stroller.

There's only so much cotton candy and curly fries I care to look at each year. But I have a feeling Peru just started developing a taste for this kind of affair.

Shoulders rides give you a better view of the crowd.

Surveying the scene with a smile.

Scruffy roadside jugglers.

For some reason, she just wanted plain vanilla.

Square dancing is contagious.

Sun hats also make good water buckets.

A fountain view.

...Grows a cream cheese-stache.

2011-05-28T16:05:00.000-07:00

So, we're officially in the stage of "Mama, take a picture of this!" How can one deny such an eager model? Of course, not all photo ops are this staged but is fun to have a willing participant once in awhile.

An early morning grocery run, before all our breakfasts. So, we shared a bagel & cream cheese before hitting the aisles.

Two days back, Peru and I had a new adventure, Kelsey Creek Farm on the east side of Lake Washington. It's 150 or so acres of natural trails, wetlands, farm, etc. with Kelsey Creek running through it, of course. So, that meant lots of small bridges to cross, which is always fun for playing Poohsticks or something. There was a good covered picnicking spot, playground, and the farm itself! We saw no less than pigs, horses, cows, goats, geese, hens, roosters, bunnies, and sheep. It doesn't get much better than this on a sunny afternoon. After our lunch, we piggy back packed through the shady trails enjoying the watery sounds of the creek. All of this sent Peru promptly to dreamland as she simultaneously insisted she was not tired.

I'll give you one guess who this eye belongs to.

Collecting pine cones and leaves.

Finally, a perfect peek at unposed Peru in repose.

...Voices her concerns.

2011-05-21T23:16:00.000-07:00

Scissors are way grown up. You can never have enough sidewalk chalk. It never gets boring to bury your feet in the sand. And, lunch always tastes better on the back porch -- a few of the simple pleasures Peru and I shared this past week.

We also had the luxury of a few slow, sunny afternoons with lots of chances to talk about emerging topics like how sharing is not always easy, the monsters who may live in the closet, and why it's hard to sleep in the dark. So, in addition, I was reminded of matters that can be worrisome when you're small.

Making masks (a.k.a. vehicle for using scissors)

Testing out new sidewalk chalk

Sandy beaches & tide pools

A porch picnic

...Has feelings.

2011-05-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I asked Peru to show me how she looks when she feels mad? tired? excited? and so on. These were her answers.

Mad.

Tired.

Freaked out!!!

Crying.

Excited!

Sad.

And, cheesy, as always.

...Makes a picture.

2011-05-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Sure, half the paint ended up on Peru, but isn't that the point of discovering such tactile adventures? We embarked on a serious collage for Uncle Dave before a recent trip to Portland. I think he liked the results.

...Finds tulips.

2011-05-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Peru and I have recently come into a bit of good luck in the weather department!

Earth Day

Friday, April 22nd

At Dr. Maze's Farm, us girls celebrated our Big Grandmother with a bunch of other parents and kids. Digging for worms, visiting with animals, singing songs, and a hay ride, too.

Catch & release! Peru dug for worms in a big kiddie pool filled with dirt and earth's excavators. We stapled them shut inside of little wax paper cups, then strung 'round the neck for the journey home. Thankfully, our squirmy friends made it back to Seattle and are probably happily munching in the front garden.

Hiram M. Chittendon Locks

Our new friends, Corina and Emmett, invited us to the Locks. Vessels came and went, which was fascinating to watch. The fish ladder was neat, too although we didn't see any fishies. We parted ways at lunchtime, but Peru and I stayed on for a picnic in the gardens.

Surveying the scene with our friends, Corina and Emmett.

Big view of the layout of the Locks.

Alphabet soup was perfect for lunch on this chilly but sunny day.

Pretty flowers in the English Gardens at the Locks.

Tulip Festival

Peru and I made it just under the wire on the second to last day of the Skagit Tulip Festival! Can you believe it? Given the fact that our first attempt with Uncle Dan was a bust, I thought we owed it to ourselves to give it one last shot.

A special tulip!

Peru was excited to recite the names of each tulips.

The beginning of the end. Peru couldn't keep away from the mud puddles. Dumb mama for not sliding her rain boots on.

Henrietta, Peru's finger puppet friend, stayed snuggled in her jacket until... peek-a-boo! She must come out!

...Opens doors.

2011-04-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

New skills have been acquired. And, they must be made known to all.
(This one is especially for you, Grandma Georgia!)

...Collects sunshine.

2011-04-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain, go away

come again another day

Peru and I
wanna go play!

I know you're dying to hear about what we've been up to this week. Well, we're making the most of the breaks in the clouds and spots of sunshine, that's what! No big stories but here are a few snapshots....

Golden Gardens: A morning at the beach

Digging in the sand next to the water

A seasoned scooper buries mama's feet.

Baloo steers his boat through the sandy Stick Canal.


Me 'n' mama.

Kaffeeklatch: Killing a rainy afternoon

Magnadoodles are magic! Peru's just discovered them.

Warming up, watching the Lake City traffic float by.

Filling the pastry bag for Rice Krispy jelly bean muffins.

Greenlake: Playgrounds and FREE SCOOP DAY!

Way to go Peru! She swings after all.

We followed a little family of ducks on our walk up 'round the lake towards Ben & Jerry's where they were celebrating Free Scoop Day.

Just a scoop of chocolate, please.

And, don't forget the cone!

Albert Davis Park: A tricycle ride away

It's getting light enough now that we can all head outside to the park after dinner.

Collecting objects.

A sweet ending to a long day.

...Is a real kid.

2011-04-07T20:47:00.000-07:00

It's official. Peru is not a baby anymore! She can hold onto all of the railings while walking up the stairs at home. Tonight, she figured out that she was tall enough to reach the light switches. And to trump that, her favorite food is now... treats. This is pretty much the way I remember it when I was a kid.

The Treat Man (a.k.a. Uncle Dan)

Yeah, it's not really fair that Grandma Anderson supplied all the goodies, had Uncles Dave & Dan transport them, and then didn't get hardly any credit. But this is how it went down. It's true. Last Saturday, one of those plastic bags with handles, jammed with every imaginable sweet, miraculously traveled with the Uncles, up I-5 in Dave's big red truck and into the hands of candy-goblin Peru. Chocolate covered marshmallows, chocolate covered Rice Krispy treats, caramel dipped apples, gummy worms. Uh, it's kinda obscene but it also Grandma's specialty to concoct such kiddie fantasies. Somehow, Uncle Dan got most all of the credit and was referred to as The Treat Man for the remainder of his stay.

Before (or rather, at the beginning of said treats)

Towards the end

Ice Cream

For two days straight last weekend, Peru kept dropping hints that she really, REALLY wanted to make ice cream with Pop. On Friday night, Sean found Peru's bubbles (shaped like a vanilla ice cream cone) and two letter I flashcards (also displaying ice cream cones) strategically placed next to his alarm clock. It was crystal clear what he was expected to do. The result was four 1-quart containers in the freezer. Contents: chocolate-chocolate-chip and vanilla-chocolate-chip. Accompanied by sugar cones, of course. True, we were having the Uncles come to visit and figured the supply would be depleted, no problem. Still, I'm scratching my head now that one and a half quarts remain.

Bubbles

Another thing. Peru no longer just spits on the wand when trying to blow bubbles...she softly, gently blows.

Sandbox

You always see babies sitting in the sandbox, tossing toys about, grabbing from each other, even eating the sand. But now that she's a little older, Peru is more into organizing the sand (she told me today), along with the shovels and pails. A very tedious job, don't you think?

Outgrown clothes

I had to pull it out for one last try-on. The outfit that Oma made Peru last year. I just had to see if there was a chance it might still fit, given all the chilly mornings and evenings we've had lately. Certainly, it would not fit next Spring. She humored me for all of about 3 minutes and then demanded to "play runaround naked".

*Despite what awful parents you must now think we are, the above sugary debauchery only lasted the weekend. I've mostly submitted to what can happen when friends or relatives come to visit.

...Springs up her step.

2011-03-31T16:20:00.000-07:00

The big sickness has passed. Come hell or high water, we're getting out of the house to enjoy some of the periodic Spring sun rays. (Even if it means to also make frequent stops in cafes to warm up.)

Carkeek Park
Last week Sean was still away on business. Peru and I tried to make the most of it, deeming each day 'girlz day'. Wednesday was sunny, so we packed a picnic lunch of asparagus & couscous and headed to Carkeek Park. A trip to the windy beach after our eats and we heard train whistles blow. (They seem to gather here, passing through every five minutes.) Rushing back up the stairs, to the top of the big green metal foot bridge, we caught view of the mass rushing beneath us. Back on the lawn we were hypnotized by a hippie girl dressed from head to toe in varying shades of green as she hula'd three or four hoops at a time. As we watched, Peru and I assembled a necklace together -- she handed me her pick of beads while I strung it on.

Ballard Locks
By Friday, our luck continued with sunny mornings. It was an exciting day, too because Peru and I would be driving to the airport towards dinner time to pick up her Pop. (A back-up parent in sight!) With jackets and sunglasses, we wandered the trail along the Locks for half an hour and, more luck -- a waters' edge cafe! We warmed up for a few seconds and then walked back down the stairs toward the trail again, noticing (and taking a moment to smell) hyacinth that had just bloomed.

Pike Place Market
I don't normally make practice of plunging myself in the pits of tourism hell, but a couple days ago I really needed canela for a black bean soup. There's a mercado I know of in the market but it would be a calculated risk to enter. We picnicked in the front seat of the car (exciting new territory for Peru!) and then carefully made our way up to the scene. Well, I guess it wasn't that bad, being a grey and drizzly weekday. I got my canela and then decided to let Peru have a look-see. Heading down one of the alleys, we found ourselves mesmerized by the 'gum wall'. It's hard not to find yourself transfixed by all that drippy colorful goo stuck to the walls. Passing the big fish-throwing counter, we had to stop for a minute and awe at the giant bronze pig. Of course, there were no less than 17 tourists trying to jam themselves on top to 'ride the pig' so no pictures there. But with just as much excitement, Peru faithfully followed the hoove'd trail along the sidewalk... until she decided it was time for a cafe. What two-year old, I ask, knows that the best (a.k.a. worst) and most sickening sweet hot cocoas can always be found in places like this? The kids cocoa at Seattle's Best Coffee included no less than the following ingredients: whipped cream, white chocolate shavings, drizzles of melted chocolate, a chocolate stir stick, and oh yeah, a bit of actual hot cocoa 'neath it all. It's probably time we switch to tea.

...Makes new friends.

2011-03-22T20:31:00.000-07:00

I wonder how it can be that our house is sick yet again. This must be the fifth time since last October. And, coinciding with Sean's business trip to San Francisco.

Egads, as my Mom would say. Well, it's officially Spring now and that better mean leaving behind all this disease and pestilence!

Since last Wednesday, we have watched The Little Mermaid, A Bug's Life, and Toy Story. Also, oodles of episodes of Blues Clues and Dora The Explorer. I'm getting comfort food-ed out. We're running out of Kleenex. But every once in awhile, we leave for some fresh air and manage to brighten our attitudes. Yesterday was no exception.

Since my wedding ring had just finished being re-sized, Peru and I ferry'ed across the Sound to pick it up. Monday's are quite dull in downtown Poulsbo but after completing the 3-minute errand, we found a savory bowl of turkey noodle soup, sandwich, and toast with jam. (The owner must have badly wanted to see this two-year old smeared with blackberry preserves.) Sluys Poulsbo Bakery kept tempting us, being tucked right between the jewelers and our lunching spot. Passing by for the third time, I agreed to let Peru pick out the beloved neon yellow smiley face cookie she'd been eyeballing. They had frownie faced ones, too (which she pondered) but thankfully, in the end, she decided it was a good mood kind of day.

In the final stretch home, we had the most excellent luck. Truly, how often does one pass by a full-fledged corner lot zoo!? Even if it is plastic and resides in a real estate parking lot ...is it possible to NOT stop and show off the animals to your kid?

It is not. And so yes, we did!

...Gets her bakery on.

2011-03-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Neither Peru nor I can believe it's true! We've recently become host to new a German bakery, right in our very own backyard. Kaffeeklatsch. We stumbled upon it last week while doing a few errands before I prepared to head out of town. How could I say 'no' to a loaf of fresh Sunflower Sourdough Rye bread that would keep my little family cozy in my absence?

Well, at the beginning of this week, Peru and I marched right back for a better look. This time, staying for a good hour or more, we sipped chamomile tea and shared a fairly authentic pretzel (served only with butter, thank you very much!)

I was pleased that the bakery's kitchen was wide open for public viewing. Peru was happy with a kids play area complete with books, puzzles, and kid-sized baking pans and utensils. There was also a full-sized wall turned magna-chalkboard. Letters and numbers are becoming her favorite things to examine and play with now. *Last night we manufactured O's and P's and X's using Playdough.

Rearranging letters on the chalkboard, or rather, picking out her ingredients.

Pouring out the alphabet muffin batter.

Getting ready for the oven.

A quick 10 second baking ought to be just right.

Filling the piping bag with imaginary frosting.

Letters really do make the best kind of muffins.

...Visits with Uncle Dan.

2011-03-13T20:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks. Potty training continues. We celebrated Sean's 36th birthday. Uncle Dan returned to the United States from Laos and paid us a visit. And, Peru has turned into chatterbox extraordinaire. Her favorite adage to any story or statement lately: "I'm cracking myself up!" With the utmost enthusiasm.

Here are a few pictorial highlights...

Climbing ladders at the Seattle Gymnastics Club while Uncle Dan spots her. They have an 'indoor playground' each weekday for toddlers.

Peru hasn't made it over the ladder yet but each visit she gets a little closer.

Hula-hooping with her ankles?

Peru gets her turns at running the length of the trampoline. The "jumper" was a big boy, around 5yrs, who really did do big jumps, always smashing into the padded wall at the end of the trampoline.


On our way to an adventure....

Elevators count as an adventure. But it's not so fun when you end up in the parking garage!

...Gets skills.

2011-02-25T22:30:00.000-08:00

If I could continue acquiring new abilities at the rate Peru currently seems to be doing so, I'd be churning out beautiful drawings like Picasso or chopping vegetables like Jacques Pepin.

Within the last couple weeks, Peru has learned how to: do somersaults and the splits, use scissors without stabbing herself, and build airplanes with Duplos. She's saying goodbye to diapers and hello to grown-up back packs and public potty's. I've noticed she's determined to snap and unsnap, button, and unzip everything, not to mention fling herself good distances using our furniture. In her free time, she's mastered the fine art of applying glitter lip gloss, lotions, and can probably clip her own nails when I'm not looking.

She knows that Sean understands she can sometimes be shy, that Grandma and Grandpa Carberry think she's a rascal, and yesterday morning, over oatmealio breakfast, I learned that "yellow makes [her] mellow". Tonight, during another of our 30 minute sessions in the bathroom, I was updated with the news that "Papa is the right kind of man for her". Finally, I am happy to report that she now tells us daily that she loves us. How can you beat that?

This is what Peru thinks a rascal looks like.

Airplane assembly in the kitchen.

Test driving our new Deuter III kid carrier. Hard to say why she felt compelled to place the potty right in front.

Did you know bibs have snap and Velcro enclosures?

Couches are bouncy.

The purple ball is now an outside ball.

...Plays doctor.

2011-02-15T14:51:00.000-08:00

We got pounded by rain and swept up by the wind last night. There was even rumbly thunder and a flash of lightning. I figured today would be rainy and even at three in the morning, I was formulating plans for how to spend our day indoors.

Well, we do have a membership to the Imagine Kids Museum in Everett. After a couple poached eggs, toast, coffee, and juice, we split north and arrived shortly after the museum opened.

First stop, the rooftop playground!

Test driving a dune buggy car.

Their train station is well equipped. We spent a good half hour examining crossings, bridges, stop and go stations. I even caught Peru trying to figure out the positive / negative forces of magnets on the train cars.

There was only one meltdown midway through our visit. We had to move the car after our 90 minute space expired. I thought poor Peru was never going to stop sobbing, nearly throwing herself on the street as I coaxed her into the car to relocate. Negotiating with a two-year old really is a fine art.

We made it back inside and, after snacks and potty breaks, found the art studio.

We must get ourselves a pair of kid scissors. Peru is fascinated and determined to figure out their function. Notice her mouth dropped in sheer concentration? I could barely keep myself from giggling.

Listening to her heartbeat in the Wildlife Clinic. Peru also tended to an ailing eagle and bathed a band-aided otter.

Our trip home was the first where she made it the entire way without crashing out asleep in the back. We'll see what the rest of the afternoon holds. There's always the library, or it might be fun squishing a meatloaf together for dinner.

...Buys a pair of sunglasses.

2011-02-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

If you want, you could call a new pair of sunglasses the catalyst for a long walk on a sunny day. Or, you could say Peru and I were suffering from a moderate case of cabin fever. Yesterday, after several days of grumpiness and tantrums (colds persist), it finally occurred to me that we should leave the house!

Even though we weren't top drawer, I felt this was mandatory -- more so for my state of mind. So, we made our pit stop at Target for the sunglasses, then drove west to Discovery Park. It's such a huge park and having an adventure there every day of the week is entirely possible. Layered up, geared up, and psyched up, we took our time, meandering uphill toward the meadow and bluff overlooking Shilshole Bay and the Puget Sound. Along the way we:

Counted five airplanes, three sewer covers, one long strip of tar stitching the road together, and one maintenance crew planting trees.
Heard numerous trains tooting off in the distance. Peru told me..."it sounds just like at Uncle Dave's house."
Walked sideways, backward, and waved at our long shadows.
Ate cheese, grapes, mini-Nilla wafers, and swigged Limeade.
Hugged trees. I couldn't believe Peru suggested this! It must've been from reading The Giving Tree so many times.

We also counted six wooden slats and bolts which held our bench together, then had a long discussion about how getting a sliver can really hurt like the Dickens! We put our heads together to figure out why planes looked so small up there in the sky. The half moon, we decided, was pale white during the day but it switched on yellow at night. And, the sun keeps following us for some reason....

I adore watching Peru make these observations. If I had to say, $5.99 for the sunglasses was well worth it for the discoveries made!

...Returns to the garden.

2011-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, we found ourselves tending to a feverish, snotty-nosed, stuffy-headed Peru. (I'm starting to wonder how many colds in a season are normal!?) After a couple of days lazy'ing around on the couch watching endless episodes of Dora The Explorer and one run of The Jungle Book, cabin fever set in. The cure: drive south to Kubotu Gardens... to stretch our legs!

It's been almost a year since our first visit, just Peru and I. And, although there wasn't much yet in bloom, save a few witch hazel trees, cyclamen, and one shrub whose name eludes me (see picture below), we three managed to enjoy our adventure outdoors for a couple hours Sunday afternoon.

For some silly reason, I insisted on schlepping a sleeping Peru around in the stroller for the first little while. Pretty ridiculous considering the mostly narrow, gravely trails. It didn't last long though. After 20 minutes of snoozing she awoke and insisted on being out. No point in continuing with this extra piece of equipment so I dropped it back in the car. We were free!

The best part of this garden really is the maze of secret thru-ways and skinny, steep bridges...which we happily discovered on foot. I was sure there was a huge, knotty, old Japanese tree around some corner. And, we circled the perimeters two or three times over in pursuit, deciphering plants along the way before Peru suggested it was time for hot cocoa and marshmallows. So much for that tree. Maybe we'll find it next time.

As it turned out, we were cured! It felt okay to return home again and curl up with Peter Pan and hot chocolate.

Can anyone tell me the name of this shrub? With its small, shiny green leaves, dark purple berries, and miniature white flowers, the smell is just intoxicating!

...Is an architect.

2011-02-08T09:10:00.000-08:00

Duplos are king in our house lately. Peru, Sean, and I can frequently be found sprawled out on the living room floor constructing multi-level, high-rise, super structures. Sometimes on wheels! Often, Grover, Cookie Monster, or tea parties find themselves integrated into the mix.

...Signs up for a winter trek.

2011-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Technically, I signed Peru up for Winter Wonderland Tots Trek class but she did all the arm flapping, foraging, and digging around in the woods.

I spied a flier for this class recently while out on a hike in Discovery Park. We're always looking for inexpensive, fun activities and this surely fit the bill. The two of us showed up yesterday morning, lunch packed, and bundled tightly for the chilly air. We were one of six other mom-dad-kid couples, with the exception of a set of twins. (Thank goodness there's only one Peru!) Our guide, Sue, gave us a quick taxidermy tour of the woodland animals, led us through the hokey-pokey (to get us warmed up), and then we were off!

And, here's where the arm flapping comes in. Sue was the perfect guide, asking the kids to each fluff their tales, crook their beaks, and flap their arms in hopes of summoning each creature we were in search of as the dozen of us trailed through the woods. We didn't find much other than a few worms and mole mounds... but our imaginations more than made up for the lack of activity in the forest.

On the drive back home, Peru and I opted for an impromptu walk around Greenlake. We'd already eaten lunch after class so, bellies full, we high-tailed it for the playground first after which we strolled the lakes' perimeter.

Conjuring her inner bird, Peru flaps her hinges.

Building a squirrel's nest.

The finished product, adorned with a plush version of our grey, fluffy-tailed friend.

"Did someone say they found a worm!?"

Yes, there are boats even on the playground at Greenlake!

Neat mosaic art in the sidewalks surrounding the playground.

Every outing has a snack break...

I think these are hellebore in bloom...we discovered them around the lake's edge. Can you believe?

...Goes on an expedition.

2011-02-02T08:54:00.001-08:00

After recently reading The Last Basselope, Peru, Sean, and I agreed an expedition was due. This past Sunday morning, we popped up early, scarfed down french toast, and drove up to Meadowdale Beach Park in Lynnwood.

The three of us scoped it out a few weeks ago, meaning to hike that day but dark skies were already opening up when we arrived. With Peru passed out in her car seat, we agreed to bag it for another day.

But this Sunday was beautiful, crisp, and a perfect day for our expedition -- Opus-style. (...if you've ever read our story.) The hike was labeled as "moderate to strenuous", a 400-something foot drop to the beach. And, while I had my reservations (i.e., Peru making it back up) we went at it anyway. She made it to the floor of the gulch and all the way down to the beach on her own steam, about a mile and a quarter. Not bad. (The trek back up was another story.) Highlights were: the beach, discovering that train tracks ran along the beach, and seeing a train pass through.

After about half an hour on the beach, our hands and noses cold and Peru wearing out, we turned around for the return trip. Whilst Peru slumbered in her Papa's arms on the way back, we discussed our future Spring and Summer filled with hiking and, oh yeah, our future kid backpack.

On the train heading down through the gulch.

It was chilly enough that Peru decided to warm her hands inside of her pockets.

Exploring the beach. (Peru started her own shell collection that day.)

Passenger train!

Pondering the number 3. Weird...we just found it laying there on the beach.

...Is a traveling gal.

2011-01-31T20:43:00.000-08:00


Making Valentines in our freshly re-purposed studio cum office cum guest room.

A hot chocolate pit stop at Monica's Cafe in Silverdale on the way to visit Grandma Carberry at work. Incidentally, I was also dropping Peru off for the weekend with Grandma & Grandpa C. so that Sean & I could enjoy an entire "date weekend"! We are SO lucky.

In the hot seat at Grandma Carberry's office. Peru received an honorary Fire Chief badge and peppermint drops. Minty drool followed.

Road trip! We spent this last week trekking up and down the I-5 corridor to visit my own aging Grandmother (bless her soul) and terrorized Uncle Dave in the process.

In Uncle Dave's kitchen.

Refueling with a mozzarella stick. (I love how chill she looks hanging out with her cheese.) Two-years-old's don't sit still long ... time for more stomping and climbing at the little park around the corner from Uncle Dave's house.

One of our walks around the neighborhood included insane swinging stints on the way back, the whole time Peru yelling, "Do it again, Uncle Dave!"

A refreshing walk through Grandma Anderson's neighborhood after a grilled sandwich for lunch. Peru's voice just progressively got louder and louder. I don't know, but it might have been the M&M covered marshmallow on a pretzel stick. This Grandma always seems to have sweets up her sleeve!

Making friends with the garden hose in Uncle Dave's back yard.

Trying to take her tricycle for a walk, Peru gently leads it by the handlebars.