artist at work

Luke has been reading this lovely book about two hamsters, Max and Mo, who live in an art room at school. One day, Max and Mo make apple prints. So, one Saturday morning recently, Luke and I made apple prints, too. We had a blast making art in our pajamas, and Mama then had a lot of fun cleaning up (seriously!). Next time, I think we'll keep our art projects in the kitchen, which is a bit easier location for washing up. Here's a 1 minute video of the artist at work.

musings from the back seat

Luke [seated in his car seat, musing on his future]: When I am, maybe, 30 years old, I am going to get my son.
Mama: Just a son, or will you have a daughter too?
Luke: A daughter, too. But before I get my son and my daughter, I am going to meet lots and lots and lots of girls. No, I am going to meet ladies. And I am going to ask each one their name, and I am going to find out which one is the sweetest one. Then I will ask her to marry me. And then I will get my son and my daughter.

wordless wednesday

old married couple

On Tuesdays, Luke is at home with his long-time nanny, Jackie, and his best friend, Sophia. Sophia and Luke met at the playground when they were about 1 year old, and Sophia immediately took to Luke. He was indifferent, but happy to let her adore him. As things turned out, Sophia and Luke ended up in the same preschool (the first one, which wasn't a great fit for either of them), and that's how I met Sophia's mom and we strategized to keep the two kids together and get them into a new school. Now, after more than a year of sharing a nanny, hanging out at each other's houses, and going to school together, they are fast friends. Only, the nearly four-year-old concept of friendship is like an old married couple that loves to bicker, but can also be incredibly sweet. Witness some of the exchanges from this morning:

Jackie: Sophia, I need to brush your hair.
Luke: Jackie! Let me do it. Sophia, can I brush your hair? I'm really gentle!
Sophia nods, and Luke brushes her hair, carefully going up and down with the brush, thereby creating some massive tangles!

Luke: Hey, Sophia! Let's play! Let's jump on the beanbag!
Sophia: Not now, Luke! I'm reading ...
Luke starts jumping, trying to get her attention, and Sophia studiously ignores him.

Luke: (singing) pokerface, pokerface, pokerface ....
Sophia: I am NOT a pokerface!

There are endless complaints about one another to the nearest adult (Anne! Luke isn't listening to my words!), yet they follow one another from room to room. They know what tweaks each other and delights in doing it. Luke pretends to poke or push, and Sophia will squeal with complaints. Sophia will ignore Luke until he's just about boiling with frustration.

Kidlets. I love 'em.

muir woods

Luke's school is closed this week, and Jean-Max is taking over to cover the gaps in childcare. Today (Monday) and Wednesday will be "Dada and Luke" days. Today, the boys are hiking at Muir Woods, and I just got this sweet little message that they're having "so much fun." Look at my boy with his impossibly long legs ...!