Great beach weather this weekend.  It took a while to convince Hugo to keep his clothes on but after awhile, he (like Dash) was playing in the crashing waves.

Our little streaker (above) :)

Dash playing in the fountain at our local park

a few phone images...

A few images from my phone...including "nekkid" escape from the bath tub.

Why we can't leave Dash alone with a marker for more than two minutes.

"What?"

Yesterday's Quick Trip To Lake Welch

Yesterday we made a quick escape from the city up to Lake Welch Beach (45 mins North).  The boys had a great time in their own way... 

Dash took to the water like he owned it, not caring about its frigid temperature.  Hugo, on the other hand, took a little longer to get into things, deciding that he wanted to play in the sand instead of the water.  Then the rain came and we had to make a run for the car!  And as you can see below, our boys, if not belted down, take the opportunity to let us know that the back seat really isn't their style.

 

 

 

 

Enjoying an evening with our friends

As we slowly make progress unpacking our new place, we're at a point where the kids need to be OUT (because, although they are great at unpacking, they suck at putting stuff in it's proper place...let alone putting it away anywhere--well this isn't exactly true as Dash is starting to put blocks, toys, house keys "away" into trash cans around the apartment).

Anyway, last night.....our friend Z! to the rescue. Her and her children were available for a playdate where the kids played with water in a small pool, a sprinkler, colorful toys and the doorbell.  Hugo and Dash also nibbled on battered shrimp (more batter than shrimp I was told), spinach pinwheels, cheesy-pastry thingies, and pistachio ice cream--washing it down with watered down apple-juice.  

School Portrait Show

When we heard that a professional photographer was taking photographs of the kids at Hugo's school, Jen and I both knew we weren't going to miss it.  We were fairly confident that Hugo's photograph would be in there someplace--he's a good lookin' kid, after all--and sure enough, we found him, looking directly in the lens with this cute, quizzical look of assessment, wondering what was going on in front of him.  Or more likely, he knew what was going on and was perhaps talking to the camera, or to the photographer, telling her about his day so far.

Seeing this show was a bit emotional for me (and for Jen, too).  Not only to see our son on the wall, but to be surrounded by such wonderful portraits of children.  While it's true that "spectrum" kids struggle with communicating, I was moved most by the expression pouring out from the images in the show:  anger, frustration, sadness, indifference, curiosity, silliness, happiness, elation.  All these feelings and more were plain to see in the clothes they wore, the poses they selected and the looks on their faces.  The children were clearly present, aware, and in the moment.  The exhibit served as an affirmation that in many ways these children, our son included, are already "talking."

Although he can't know it yet, Jen and I couldn't be prouder of Hugo, nor happier with the school he attends, as they patiently help him to find his voice.  It's good to know that in the best way he can right now, to the best of his ability, he's already "speaking."

Our heartfelt thanks to artist, Elisabeth Kahane, Hugo's teachers, and the School.

 

Playing in Mommy's Closet

Playing in the new place

Some pics from yesterday morning.  Playing with toys (and my hats) in the new apartment.

Happy Birthday to A and G!

Happy 3rd Birthday to our friends!

We wanted to write and let you know that we had such a good time yesterday. The ball bin and bounce house freakin' rocked!  We also got to blow bubbles and ride bikes–awesome! And then the adults fed us enough cake and pizza to choke a pony.  When we got home, our parents told us they really had a good time, too.  Thank you, we look forward to your next birthday! 

Sincerely, 

Hugo and Dash 

 

And now for a little humor on a rainy day. . .

Hugo is the child who goes through the toddler phases.  Biting, hoarding, putting fingers in the wrong places, and now he's into his birthday suit.  We can't blame him.  It's been really humid the last couple weeks.  He may be on to something.

Moving Day

We're literally "movin' on up" to Upper Ditmars in the same neighborhood.  Packing was not easy with the little ones around but great friends like Gene, Jocelyn, Justus and Zsuzsi's crew made it all possible.  Rainy today, but with the help of movers we'll get through it.

A Romantic Dinner

The comedy that is our evening meal...

Thank You Mommy...

..for raising us, from the start, with love and kindness.  

Happy Mothers' Day - Hugo and Dashiel

My first big "ow-ie!"

Poor Dashiel slipped getting out of the pool at the Y yesterday and cut his chin badly.  He went to the hospital where he received 5 small stitches.  He was a real trooper through it all, made some nurse friends and only lost his squash when he had to be "papoosed"  for stitching. 

The comment I heard most was: "he's very strong."  Which is, of course, why he had to be wrapped up like a mummy-baby instead of held down while stitching.  He is after all a 17 kilo baby (37.5 lbs). One nurse wasn't impressed by this stat as she mentioned that her daughter was a big baby like Dash, and that she is currently 9-yrs-old and 5 feet tall ("her classmates think she's the teacher!). 

We got him home, he rested, and was his old, jaunty and reckless self.  Now we just have to make sure he doesn't bop or pick at his chin for a couple days - if you know Dash, you know that this wont be easy.

No, No, No!

Dash has had major attitude lately and while this video doesn't fully capture what a PUNK he can be... you get the idea.

Expect to see MORE VIDEOS!!! because Mommy recently got an iPhone.

The power of NO!!!!

A boys weekend

"Quality" time with daddy this weekend?

Recent Boy Videos

Bubble busters!

Happy feet!

Laughing Hugo

Just a cute pic.

April Park Visit and Other Photos

40 image slideshow.

The Book Wrestlers

Acting more and more like brothers every day :)