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Park, Ashley, and "Pumpkinanner" came over to celebrate Father's Day, where the moms cooked a perfect man-meal of steak and potatoes (both with cheese!) and we watched some baseball. Much love and thanks to both moms from us dads on our special day. In the process, after MANY attempts, we managed to get a picture of the cousins with Dad/Uncle Dude.

Oops.

I spoke too soon. I'm headed back to NYC well before the crack of dawn tomorrow. I'll be there for most of this week. Thomas should have some good blogging fodder, so look for posts from him.

He loves me!

I tuck Carter into bed most nights. After he gets in bed, I cover him with two blankets, put a pillow under his head, give him his water and say "Night, night. I love you, Carter". This week, Carter has started to respond by saying "Love you, Mama."

Sometimes small things make the greatest reward.

Weekend Compromise

We had a hard time deciding what to do this weekend. Should we go to a festival where we could drink outdoors and see some art, but where it would be very hot? Should we go to the neighborhood pool where we could cool off, but where it would be very crowded?

In the end, we opted for the private pool at our house. A wee bit smaller than the neighborhood pool, but where we could cool off, drink outdoors and see (sidewalk chalk) art without the crowds. And, okay, the pool itself was crowded - but only after Carter insisted that I join him in the water...

And after a dip in the pool, it was, of course, time for a little hot tub action...

Spring Training!

In light of the Braves recent losing streak, I though it best to think on happier times in baseball...like Spring Training, when even the Cubs have a chance to go all the way. Dad and Park have managed to wrangle great seats to Braves Spring Training in Orlando for the last many (5?) years and spend one glorious weekend going to Braves games at Disney's Wide World of Sports, Astros games at their spring park down the road, eating steak and Japanese hibachi and generally having much fun without me. This year, thanks to certain logistical fates stepping in (us moving to Atlanta, which is much closer to Orlando than either NYC or Chicago), I finally got to partake of the grand trip. Unfortunately, Park's new offspring kept him from going, but Nanner is better than even spring training. I feel, however, that the tradition was continued with no particular losses..and maybe even a few gains.

Foul/Home Run/Batting Practice Balls caught/recovered: 11

Previous record by Park: 4 (maybe 5)

"Hi, Park." (or Elizabeth or Donna or Ashley)

A jealous work colleague texted me "I hope a foul balls hits you in the ear." This is the return pix-text. (No baseballs or heads were injuring during the staging of this photo)

And we went to a brand new park, Space Coast Stadium, home of the Washington Nationals. While there is a "giant rocket" outside the gate as advertised, the statue of Casey at the Bat next to it was MUCH, MUCH taller.

Our Secret

This is how we grow Carter so big. It's amazing what a little Miracle Grow will do.

Pool!

The pools in our town opened on Memorial Day weekend, so we went for a dip!

European Carryall

Carter is constantly going through my purse and wallet, so my mom and I put a purse together for him last weekend. Did I say purse? I meant to say Murse. Or Man Bag. Or European Carryall. In any case, we got him a small bag and filled it with all kinds of things: keys, change, sunglasses, baseball cards, a comb, a compact, etc. It is an excellent distraction in the car or at a restaurant, and he also likes toting it around.

Carryall on the go.

Discovering the wonders within.

Ready to hit the town.

Almost Home - for 6 Weeks!

I've been in NYC for work all week, and now I'm sitting at the airport, anxiously awaiting my flight home. I'm particularly excited because this is my 23rd and final flight of the spring. I don't have a trip scheduled again until JULY! (Sure, something will more than likely come up at work, but I choose to ignore that possibility for the time being.) I haven't had 6 weeks off of traveling since... since... Wow. I don't think I've had 6 weeks without travel since last spring. I can't wait to soak up some Atlanta time!

Super Carter

There are no words for the amount of cuteness that Patrick & Kirstin brought to our house this weekend, both through the gift they brought Carter and the pictures they took of him in it. Take a look (and turn the sound up):

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com