A Round of Applause for Literal Lucy

A few nights ago, Mary was reading to Lucy and me, and came upon the word "applause." She hesitated, and I helped her sound it out. Unsure whether she knew of the word, I asked if she knew its definition.

Mary proudly said, "Yes, it means clapping."

And Lucy piped up, "And this is a round of applause," as she clapped her hands together repeatedly and moved them in around in a circle shape in front of her little body.

"As they say in the west... "

"Let's ride!"

This was one of my dad's favorite phrases to prod us along when we were kids. And I find myself repeating it often these days.

And ride we did! We had a super-fast, way-too-short journey to visit California pals for a birthday party, a much-anticipated baby shower, swimming adventures, soon-to-be-adopted-new-daughter-photo gazing, some consulting work chatter, and even horseback riding. How I wish we could have stayed for weeks and weeks in order to see all of our friends. But our brief trip was jam-packed with joy.

Hard to decide which is more intoxicating....those grape clusters or this amazing cluster of kiddos.

Unlike their California pals who swim like fishes (literally!), the girls were quite unskilled in the pool. But, they immensely enjoyed the learning curve! Lucy got to lead Otto from the ring back to the barn. Imagine somebody telling you that you've won a million bucks, and then perhaps you can relate to Lucy's level of joy at this task. Mary loved the tradition of starting the day with laptops.
The girls and their pal Katherine in matching outfits, courtesy of our dear Elizabeth. They were peas in a pod, picking right up where they left off last summer.

The girls loved brushing beautiful Otto.
Lucy's perma-grin lasted for her entire ride. She was smitten by the experience.
Gentle-giant Otto with little Lucky Lu.
Mary and Otto had a mutual understanding: she would sit still as long as he would!
And finally, Lucy on the plane ride home. Pure exhaustion from days of excitement! Many, many thanks to our pals....we miss you (again!) already!

Strategy

A few days ago, I noticed Lucy sucking her thumb. She's never been a thumb-sucker, so the sight surprised me but I didn't say anything. The following day, I saw her doing it again, very intentionally focusing on the act even. I asked what was up.

Lucy: "I'm sucking my thumb."
Me: "Yes, you are. Why?"
Lucy: "Because we have a dentist appointment this week."
Me: "And do you think the dentist is going to be happy about you sucking your thumb?"
Lucy: "No, but don't worry. I'm going to stop tomorrow. Then I will get to tell the dentist that I sucked my thumb, and then I quit, so that I get the same special prize Mary got when she quit when she was four!"

I was stunned by Lucy's wit, reasoning skills, and strategy. All at the ripe old age of just-turned-four. TAG classes in our future? I think perhaps. Poker? Certainly.

Sibling Rivalry

Last week, as I was changing the sheets, I found a very small folded note under Lucy's pillow. I opened it and read: "Dear Lucy, You are rotten. I am not rotten. You are. Love, Mary." I have no idea what specific action sparked this note, but am guessing it's Mary's passive-aggressive retaliation to Lucy calling her rotten at some point in the week.

And so the sibling rivalry begins. I have to change the sheets again today, and I must admit, I'm a little afraid to check under Lucy's pillow again. At least the note included, "Love, Mary," right? Right?? Oh, nevermind. . .

From mountains to waves, we'll follow the sun

Just as the Beatles sang in their famous tune, we have been following the sun.

First, we enjoyed a fabulous sunny weekend in Bend-- complete with the famous pet parade, Pilot Butte fireworks, swimming pool adventures, and of course amazing alfresco meals on the patio overlooking the Bahrman's new putting green. A relaxing respite for sure.

We returned home on Monday briefly to re-pack our bags and depart for the beach. Even though the hotel owners recounted drizzle and fog over the 4th of July weekend, when we arrrived the weather was the nicest that the coast has seen all year. It was 85 on Tuesday, and 91 on Wednesday at Cannon Beach. Which, as anyone who has dipped so much as a toe in the frigid northern Pacific knows, is the perfect temperature for frolicking in the waves. Or at least dipping a toe in without getting frostbite. Every single one of us enjoyed our beach getaway.

And now, after following the sun from the mountains to the ocean, it appears to be chasing us! Today is supposed to break the 100-degree mark here in Portland. Oh, the irony.

What a HOOT!!

Our Lucy is four. And she couldn't be a happier, more delightful child. We're celebrating today with our grandparents. Happy birthday to our darling little Lucy, who is even brighter than the bright sparkling sunshine we are blessed with today.

Summer Sunshine

At long last, summer has arrived in Portland. We now busier than busy playing at the park, swinging on our frontyard swing, and splashing in the kiddie pool (yes, it's only 75 degrees, but that seems unbearably HOT to two little girls who have been subjected to 55 degrees & rain for months).

Summer, we love you. Please stick around.