Luckily, our visit was completely smooth sailing. I had forgotten this, but they have a separate section for babies and toddlers, and Sylvie took one look at all of the toys and other kids and took off like a shot without even looking back. There were dolls and a play kitchen and books and climbing structures and a train table, etc., etc. She *loved* it there. She held her own with the big kids, even giving a boy the evil eye and refusing to let go when he tried to snatch her train. After about an hour there, we decided to check out a Three Little Pigs play they were putting on in the theater downstairs. Despite the bare-bones set and slightly confused volunteer child actors, all three babies sat riveted for the entire 20-minute set. It was awesome. We were totally inspired to check out this place together sometime soon. Who knew babies like the theater?!

We concluded our trip with pizza for all (I love that we’re getting to the point where our kids can eat real food), and a fun ride back home on the train. And the best part? Sylvie wore herself out so completely, that she napped for an entire hour! Woo-hoo!

Check this place OUT!

Cookin' up a little somethin'

Quack, quack!

Claire loved this burger! It went with her everywhere.

I really get to drive this thing?

Well, would you look at us!

We tried really hard to get a group shot, and this was the best we could do!

Hmmm, will one be enough?

Nope. Definitely going to need at least two.

3?!

Nope, four is definitely where it's at!

Woo-hoo!

Look ma, no hands!

The end of a great playdate. Thanks for all of the pushes, ladies!

However, sometimes even a scavenger needs to purge the excess, and this was one of those times. We held our own packrat extravaganza on May 1st with our buddy Andrew, and we managed to fill our backyard with a bonanza of stuff we didn’t even remember we had. For four hours, we hung out back there with Sylvie, and she gawked in fascination as people were streaming in, asking us how much things were, and giving her little smiles and waves.

The sale was over at 2:00, but we were having such a good time hanging out in the backyard that we decided to keep the party going with an “Everything’s a dollar fire sale.” We invited our friends Nancy, Chi-Yun, and Luke over, had some beers, and sat back as the babies scampered about the treasure-strewn lawn. At the end of the day, we had a nice relaxing time, came out about $200 richer and a lot lighter. We may just do it again in June!

Hey, Luke!

Stuff, strangers, sun, and now my buddy Luke, too?! This day rocks!

Dun-dun...

...dun-dun...

...dun-dun...

...smile attack!

Gotta go check out how much junk is left!

The remnants of the fire sale (I *may* have reclaimed the giant fan)

We spent the next few hours hanging out in the backyard, trying out her new outdoor toys (thanks for the climber and the boat, Sarah!). She loved opening and closing the door to her climbing structure, honking the horn on her boat, and she especially loved getting zipped around the lawn in her little red car. She _stood up_ for half of the ride and I found myself wondering where, exactly, her threshold for fear might be. This kid is a serious daredevil! I realized that morning that, while all of our varied outings and field trips are cool and fun for both of us, our little overall’d bumpkin is honestly just as excited gnawing on a blade of grass and watching daddy mow the lawn. So, hooray for backyard season, too!

I like my new overalls, mom!

Wow, check out all this fun stuff out here!

This stuff tickles!

What's he doing?

Open, shut. Open, shut. Open, shut.

Now this thing is cool!

Vrooom!

Captain Handsome

No reason at all for this picture except gratuitous pouty-lipped cuteness

Oh, and we didn’t have any way to take pictures, so these shots are courtesy of Chi-Yun and his awesome camera. Thanks!

This place is great!

Did I mention I like it here?

Having a "ball" with Luke

Luke and me enjoying a little peek-a-boo

Hula-hoopin'

Why is our yoga ball in the basement again?

piggyback rides!