Flying Wallendas at Spencer Fair

Our first family fair! This was every bit as good as the McHenry County Fair I remember as a kid, in fact better, because there were elephants and the Flying Wallendas. There was livestock and 4-H shows, a petting zoo, rides, games, and cousins!! Since Sasha was performing with the Wallendas, Zoe was there with her mom and we showed up to find Alex and Wendy too. Elliot again almost burst with excitement, Samantha was her smiley self, and when we previewed all the food on a stick offered, Ben proclaimed he was gonna really hurt himself eating.

Samantha's first Merry-Go-Round above. And showing her lil' Democrat side below with Auntie Wendy.


Next stop, face painting.


Zoe and Elliot had the same kitty face.



Alex opted for the Sun tattoo instead of kitty face.


Kitty face was no match for corn dog face, twist cone face, Pot Roast Sundae face, fudge face, fried dough face, Gobbler potato face, or frozen lemonade face.


We arrived early for front row of the show. It was packed by the time it started. Below, we are looking up at the Wallendas.

That is Sasha in front on the high wire.


Below is Elliot's first real pony ride.

And first pick a ducky prize.

Alex models his first real ball and chain - won from swinging the hammer.


Okay, maybe I have been accused of packing too much stuff into one measly weekend, but after the Spencer Fair (the whole way home, Samantha slept and Elliot crashed through her nap and suffered the effects of massive sugar withdrawal - good thing she was strapped in her car seat - It was like a scene from a Promises rehab check-in day). The next day, we set out to St. Anthony's Feast in the North End. More food and carnival games - this was superior to making dinner. The girls played on the swings in the park by the harbor (or more accurately, the Pahk by the Hobbah).


What mom doesn't love to see her 2 year old commandeer a semi-automatic water rifle? At least Daddy won her "Husky" below (still on our literal naming scheme. Hey, it works for us.)

Bye Bye St. Anthony's Feast. And don't worry, Samantha is with us in all the places, she is just strapped to my chest while we take pictures.

Harvard Square Patch of Peet's Grass

Another Saturday afternoon in the neighborhood. Ellie's obsession with all sunscreen continues. We had a little down time while waiting for Ben's hair cut before going to dinner at Wagamama. This little frolic on the grass is very indicative of many of our outings. 1) Apply Sunscreen.

2. Negotiate a game of Ring Around Rosy with Daddy.

3. Get tossed around and fly through the air.

4. Chase Daddy all around the square (see Elliot in hot pursuit back there).

5. Wipe out chasing Daddy, who does not see you fall. Roll in dirt crying for a "teether" and band aid before getting up...mad that your dress is all dirty. (Hey Alice, recognize the adorable dress??)

Balloons in the Common

Once again "on vacation" in our own town, we set out a few weeks ago to play in the Boston Common. Why not get a balloon from the scary balloon clowns while there? We've never done it before. We asked for a simple flower. They cannot charge you for the balloons, so they tell you to donate whatever you think is fair. Apparently $5 is VERY fair, and merits an additional crown to go with your elaborate tulip, which our particular clown insisted we wait for. Glad we did. Elliot loved it. Again, in spite of all the faces she makes to the contrary.





What's up with my European tourist husband in the dark socks and shorts?


And I wonder where Elliot gets her serious inquisitive scowly face? (Click on the pic to see she and I in the same expression).

This is us at the Frog pond before the balloons. What kind of kid activity is it if the pond does not open until NOON on Sunday? We are already back home ready for naps by NOON.

What's up at our House?

Y'all are going to have to make up your own comments to these. If you noticed, I batch posted a lot of pictures today and if I take any more time to explain it all to you, I might need to find a new line of work. Sooo, comment away.