WOG OF A KIND

Just because....

DOODLE OF A KIND

Another mom at The Wog's swimming class told me yesterday that she's been watching The Doodle play at the beach all week, and he is the exclusive reason she wants another child. We think he's pretty special, too.

Nail polish on his arm, courtesy of The Wog:


The new, deliberate pout:


This is a reaction of sheer delight when he spots his Daddy coming home from work.

WOGSTIC OVERTONES

Portland band Rustic Overtones played at Cranmore, so the Vaillant family (along with all of the Mount Washington Valley, apparently) turned up to check out the show.

The Doodle kept wondering off. It was a constant game of "Where's Waldo?"


The Wog shows off her face/hand painting. Three little girls had set up a booth; the tips jar was labeled "The Pony Fund."


The Doodle looks busy. What is he up to?


This:


The Wog and Lily agree that it is best to play Leapster accompanied by live music:



The Doodle's grand exit:

THE VAILLANTS TAKE STORYLAND

Our usual approach to Storyland is "Divide and Conquer" but the four of us made it there together over the weekend.

The Wog was a bit more comfortable up there than The Doodle was:



Nothing but love for The Scarecrow. (Apparently, he is only the stuff of grown-up nightmares.)


The Doodle is not a fan of The Turtle Twirl, so The Wog and her father enjoyed a solo excursion:


It's not a trip to Storyland without ice cream!




Defensive Ice Cream Eating is an important skill in the Vaillant household:


How Marc reacts when Cinderella announces that "Storyland is now closed:"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MADISON!

The Wog attended a pool party in honor of her friend Madison. I had my hands pretty full during the whole pool party part, but the cupcake decorating period gave me a little break for a few quick pictures!








In lieu of gifts, thoughtful Maddie requested items from the local humane society's wishlist. This was a particularly meaningful thing for us to help celebrate Piggy's humble, homeless beginnings. (In further homage to her "golden" years, we picked from the list a 16-pack of paper towels!)

THE DOODLE AND THE GIANT PEACH

The Wog started her swimming lessons at the lake this morning, and The Doodle enjoyed the opportunity to play in the sand and surf, and to feast on a giant peach!

Heading in from a successful lesson:



The Doodle and his peach:




Hunting for polliwogs. Alone...


...and with new friends!


Enjoying a rare moment of stillness:


Then on her way!


She had the lake all to herself on a beautiful morning.


The Doodle struts his stuff:


A polliwog and her polliwog:

YO GABBA DOODLE

LILY OCEAN IS 5!

The Wog was delighted to help celebrate her friend Lily's birthday on Sunday. It was quite a fete--with face-painting, balloon animals and a skate ramp! (Okay, the skate ramp wasn't for the kids, but still...)

The Doodle enjoyed his little friend, sweet Marley.

Marley points out The Doodle's belly button, and he takes interest!

Up close and personal!

Lily hugs The Wog after opening her Narnia-themed gift.

Waiting on cake!

It was really beautiful. And a very serious matter, if you go by The Wog's face:

It's hard to know who liked the ramp more--The Doodle or The Doodle's father.

It also functions as a slide!

Not only beautiful, but tasty, too!

An aerial view of a great party!

Marc takes a turn holding the delightful, delicious Pearl:

Magic wand party favors were a hit:

Swinging with Annabelle:

Good friends:

The Doodle was all tuckered out by party's end.

Happy Birthday, amazing Lily!