Are You Serious?

Connor is eating lunch that includes strawberries and vanilla ice cream. First of all, I was shocked that he ate strawberries. I didn't know he liked them.
I took the opportunity to explain that products made from milk are called "dairy." "Some cows are raised for meat, and others are raised for dairy..." I trailed off.
He paused from his feast, turned and looked at me. "Are you serious?" he asked.
My two-year old just asked me if I was serious.

Plus Two Years

Liam and Connor Babies

Flashback --- 7 Weeks

Came across this while searching through old photos for pictures of Walter ... c'mon, say "Awwww." Little Connor.

Summer School 2008

Especially in July when both parents were engaged in "extended year program" responsibilities, Connor occasionally spent a day on site observing summer school operations. It was a good experience for him. He loves going to schools (well, except his, on some days).


(photo credit MTC summer intern)

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

Connor's current book/video obsession is Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Beware: this tune may be highly annoying/addictive, so view at your own risk.

Chopstick

Connor is getting ready for bed. He finished brushing his teeth, came to me and said, "I put chopstick on my lips." And handed me a tube of chapstick.

"I Do All My Own Stunts"

Connor, Carlos, and Sofia

Connor with second cousins several weeks ago on Mobile Bay

Bonk Bed

I just found out, Connor thinks he sleeps in a bonk bed, because if you jump on it, you'll *bonk* your head. "It can hurt you," he told me seriously, more than once.

Only Three More Weeks ...

of Connor is Two! Below, Connor-in-Training, back in July, at Ella's birthday celebration.

Auntie Shane

Today we met friends in downtown Memphis for a tour of the Gibson Guitar Factory and Museum. Once there, we learned that one must be at least five years old for the tour, during which you see actual guitars being made. So we settled for lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe on Beale Street- yummy food and terrific company! Unfortunately the camera was in the car so this is the only picture from our outing.

Pool Party

Friday evening splash

the Builder

On the way back from the beach we stopped at the outlet mall in Foley. Connor spent nearly the entire time here (with Bob the Builder). He became very possessive of this spot and would not leave lest another child desire to claim it. His instincts were on target, as I observed it to be something of a child magnet, for both boys and girls.

Gulf Shores

Cheese!

Relaxing

Connor on "vacation" (do small children take vacations? do small children need vacations?)

Fairhope Pier

Click here to view the pier via webcam.

Fairhopers Community Park

We discovered a nice playground in Fairhope, right in town beside the K-1 school. The fence above features scenes depicting Fairhope's history. Cute.

I've been going to Fairhope practically my whole life, and never realized that it was founded as a "socialist experiment." From the City of Fairhope's website (pardon the history lesson, I just can't help sharing):

Fairhope began as a dream in the minds of a group of individuals who were seeking their own special utopia. The first Single-Tax colonists (so called because of their belief in the economic theories of Henry George, who advocated no taxes other than a single land tax), looked at land throughout the South and Midwest before settling in 1894 on a high bluff overlooking Mobile Bay. According to legend, one of the group said the new colony had a fair hope of success, and the community of Fairhope was born. Based on a spirit of cooperative individualism, the Single Tax Colony attracted supporters and financial backers from around the country, drawing an eclectic assemblage of industrious, creative, and free-thinking people to Fairhope.

The city of Fairhope was established with around 500 residents in 1908, taking over responsibility for all municipal services. In the 1930s, the city became the caretaker of Fairhope's greatest assets, the beachfront park, the park lands on the bluff above the beach, Henry George Park, Knoll Park, and the quarter-mile long pier, all gifts of the Single Tax Colony, which continues to have an active presence in the city to this day.

Avent Park Revisited

After visiting with George and company, Connor was treated to a romp at the park before dinner. Wish this pic was a bit more of a close-up, but I suppose it's nice with the playground as backdrop.

In Oxford I like taking him to Avent Park and in Jackson, Laurel Park (where we never fail to run into Mandy and Hayden).

Here's a babier Connor nearly a year ago in the same swing. (Last summer it was Elmo sandals, this summer Lightning McQueen crocs.)