Halloween is coming!

Time to brainstorm for our costumes!

Missed us?

Yup, we've been busy. 

We're just a couple of slave-drivers, forcing Henry to help with the housework.

We've had to do some serious thinking.

But there's been time for some fun, too.

And Gipper's working hard at training all of the Little People to sit still in their spots.

The Answer: Two Days.

The Question: How long does it take for Henry to get sick after starting Mom's Morning Out (part-time daycare M/T/T/F mornings)?

Yep, exactly 2 days. More like 6 total hours, to be precise. Henry began MMO this week (well, for us it's technically DMO) so that Dennis can start working part-time at the office. Today at lunch I noticed he was super hot and trying to get a head start on his nap. Temp=101.2. Dr. R. took a look at him and ordered a rapid strep test--bingo! So now he has to miss tomorrow for sure (contagious for 24 hrs after starting antibiotics). And daddy has to call in on his second day of work. Hopefully his boss will cut him some slack!

What I find hilarious is that this child walked/crawled/slid around my office every day for over a year, put every nasty thing he could find in his mouth (including my stethoscope when he can get it), practically licked the floor, and not once has he been really sick. 2 days with other kids his age and bam, he's down for the count. 

Hats off!

Or on, really. Henry really loves to run around wearing my old baseball cap. As in, once he has the hat perched on his head, he runs back and forth across the living room giggling his butt off like it's the most hilarious thing he's done all year. It is pretty funny actually.

Michael and Marie's Wedding

My brother Michael married his sweetheart Marie on July 12, 2008. They're already back from the honeymoon in California and moved in to their home in Charlottesville.

The complete Perry clan at the rehearsal dinner

Henry and Aunt Kelly shared a glass of wine.

"I'm pretty much adorable."

The Perry ladies at the reception--aren't we well-coordinated?

From left to right: me, Mom, Marie, Kelly

After all the festivities ended, Mom modeled her wedding dress for us.

It was a long and busy weekend.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Perry!

The Great American Balloon Race

On the Sunday of The Great American Brass Band Festival, (site here)

we attended the hot-air balloon race. 

We were really close to the balloons as they took off!

Henry was duly impressed.

He even brought his Bee-bo along for the fun.

Brusha brusha brusha

Don't be fooled, there's more chewing the toothbrush

than tooth-cleaning getting done.

We visited the Fort Harrod Beef Festival

No pictures from that, but we did hit the park afterwards. Henry did not like the swings, but he seemed to enjoy the mulch. 

"Seriously, Mom, it is hot out here!"

"I'm hitting the road!"

A Boy's First Haircut

Don't be fooled by the initial appearance of calm...

...it didn't last long.

Everyone survived! I felt bad for Mike the barber,

but he bravely hung in there the whole time!

A month behind

I was interrupted while trying to post some pictures from Cousin Zoey's visit:

Not sure how they feel about each other.

Wow, Grandpop sure can move!

And no one's visit to the Chatham house

is complete without a photo of someone eating!

What is there to do in Connecticut? Part Three

Sunday morning we snuggled in bed for a bit.

They never let me do this at home!

We also visited Mark Twain's house in Hartford. It was a decent tour, but Henry was not happy to be carried, and of course the house is not air-conditioned! By the time we took the above photo (after the tour), he had passed out.

What is there to do in Connecticut? Part Deux

On Saturday we drove to Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, to see some ships being restored and eat lobster. It was a really nice day.

Here you can see evidence of two of Henry's head injuries which were sustained on the trip: above his right eyebrow, and (less visible) the left upper temple. The boy is not phased by much.

Daddy's hat is fun, but it's kinda smelly!

So I found Momma's wallet, but where's the cash?

Dana (the groom) and Dennis later that night at the wedding reception.

Somebody's Momma and Daddy might have had a little too much fun at that wedding reception. 

What is there to do in Connecticut?

Mere and Doodah met us in Hartford for a Memorial Day weekend full of fun and sightseeing. Our college friend Dana got married, too (the real reason for the trip). And I know everyone wants to see some pictures from our adventures, right? Right!

Well, since apparently there isn't much to do in Connecticut, we drove to Boston on Friday.

First stop, George Washington Statue in the Boston Public Garden. Daddy only thought he could escape!

So far, Henry's really enjoying himself. 

What fun is a trip to New England without visiting some famous dead guys? Here's Sam Adams' gravesite. All day Doodah kept asking, "But where's the beer?" any time we saw a reference to Sam Adams. It was hi-larious. Really.

Yup, I'm pretty much adorable.

Henry's favorite part of the day was our stop at the Boston Commons. Just one more chance for him to push the stroller!

The newest members of our household

Clothilde and Dieter

(Stupid Sock Creatures)

"Where is your briefcase, Dieter?"

"I don't know, and I can't find my tie either!"

Gardeninin'

This gardening thing isn't so hard!

Just throw some dirt around.

Then you water it really well.

Back to the dirt, mom!

A few laps around the yard, then we'll be done for the day.