Fun on the Equinox with Captain Lobster

Per the previous post, it was gorgeous in Hoboken yesterday. Dry, sunny, clear and warm. Once Luke finally accepted his shorts-clad fate, we headed out on a morning excursion to see the geese and ducks, who have returned from their southern winters, and to go to a park.

Luke was excited to get to take his new soccer ball out for some real throwing and kicking (last weekend's torrential rains & high winds prevented this from happening)

He climbed all over the jungle gym.

And went down the slide (the observant will note that his scraped up shin may lend credence to his "no shorts" assertions)

He is noted for his dismounts from the slide (action photo courtesy of Daddy)

After his nap, we intended to head out to the light rail for a "choo choo" ride, but Luke decided he'd rather go to another park and for a walk...so we wound our way up to the Stevens Tech campus and their lookout high above the Hudson. Luke was fixated on the canon

His recent carousel experiences had him convinced he was "riding" it

Daddy stopped talking about the physics of canon firings in the 18th century long enough to pose for the Picture of the Week (tm)

All of the crazy fresh air and sunshine had us all ready for dinner, so we tried a new waterfront restaurant - where Luke showed off his barback skills

Ensuring a clean dining surface for his pizza

"I cleeeeean it."

Tidiness and decorum were abandoned, however, upon the arrival of his food. He was telling Mommy that the pizza goes "here"

Then he told Daddy

It wouldn't be The First Warm Day without a frozen treat for dessert! And lucky for us, Rita's was giving out free Italian ice (though Luke called it "ice cream")! We started him out with classic cherry

He tried some of Mommy's black cherry & vanilla custard combo, too

He carried the damn cup all 14 blocks home, refusing to admit defeat - even after we dumped out 1/2 of it). He would not get into his bubble bath until he took another lap

Forcing it

Its watery, cherry-chunked remains, spoon en route to mouth

Finally done with his "ice cream," clean, and snuggled, he fell asleep with his hobo's assortment of treasures. The stuffed friends stay the same (Cisco the dog, big monkey, Daniel the lovey, and Cookie Monster), but the books rotate. The balls are a new addition, as is the blanket, which he has rediscovered just in time for summer

Spring Has Sprung

It's 70+ degrees in Hoboken, but Luke is not quite ready to give up his winter gear. We have twice had to dissuade him from donning his winter jacket (even Toddler Whisperer Ms Keli had to let him learn the hard way on that one), and he was not a fan of putting on some shorts this morning.

Clearly, we are the meanest parents EVER.

Cooking with Luke: Don't Make A Mess

After Luke had so much fun making muffins with Daddy, and after he really enjoyed making banana bread at school, Luke and Daddy continued their cooking streak this past (rainy rainy) weekend. Their biggest project was to make granola bars (or, in Luke's parlance, "gro bars") from scratch.

He was really into this project.



I love how he thinks he's getting away with sneaking a taste...again and again.



And finally...pat pat pat

Lukey Gloverhands

The other night, Luke was "washing dishes" in his kitchen. When it was time for dinner, he insisted on leaving his gloves on. I guess he didn't want dishpan hands?

"I Cook"

Luke has recently developed an eagerness to help Mommy and Daddy in the kitchen. This past Sunday, Luke got to advance from a mere spectator or occasional stirrer to Daddy's sous chef!

A project was selected

While Daddy prepared the kitchen, Luke was given the task of putting the muffin papers in the pan

He took it very seriously

He was ready to cook!

He whisked the eggs

Check out this action photo

He watched Daddy add the dry ingredients

And took over with the stirring like a pro!

Daddy showed him how to put the batter into the cups...

"Luke do it."

Ready for the oven!

Ding! They're ready!

Yay for muffins!

Luke is ready to eat the muffins

He finally gets one......is it good?

YES! Yes it is!

He even shared with Cookie Monster

The End

Super Sunday Super Traditions Super Cute

Long before Luke came along, Mom & Dad had some Super Bowl traditions in place. Big Sandwiches are purchased from Lisa's Deli, dip is made, and many snacks and beverages are enjoyed. 2010 was the year that Luke could join us in our revelry.

He mightily enjoyed the pregame shows of patriotism




He REALLY enjoyed kick-off




And he really, really, REALLLLLY enjoyed his very own Big Sandwich!*




*You might be saying, "hey, isnt' that a BIG SANDWICH for a little boy?" To be fair, we requested the smaller, "hard roll" option, but they gave us the full hero in error. No matter, he ate 1/2 of that bad boy, as you can see in the clip above.

2009 -->2010

Mom, Dad, and Luke decided to spend New Year's with their bffs in Beantown.

While Paige, Paul, Fran, and Mer did their best to keep up with this crazy kids, the weekend mostly looked like this

But also lots of this

And healthy doses of this (I mean, seriously, HOW CUTE?)

New England did not disappoint and delivered some snow for us - and Luke even went out & played in it! (for approximately 10 minutes)

I think Carmen gave him her best come hither look...

...and a winning smile. He's talked a lot about "Baby Carrrrrmen" and "Cheeeeah" since we got home. And "Aunt Fran. Mer. Carmen Mama! Mama? Carmen?"

And sorry, Aunties, she's a Phanatic now!

Happy New Year, everyone!