airport's family day

The web post read, "Airport's Family Day promises planes, trucks, fun for a good cause" and it sure was!

Lucy had a great time with her cousins – she watched them jump around in the bouncy castles, she watched them climb on planes – and, finally joined them inside some of the biggest trucks!




Auntie Linda and Uncle Pfisch sure know how to show us a good time – thanks for a fun day!

Happy Birthday, Freddy!!

jump around birthday

Sawyer had his 3rd birthday party Pump It Up [the inflatable party zone]. It was basically a room full of different types of bouncy castles and slides. It looked like lots of fun and I couldn't wait to jump around w/Lucy and the kids. Lucy, however, preferred to ride around in the red, plastic, Little Tykes car.

After about an hour of jumping around [or sitting in the car as the case may be] it was time for cupcakes and ice cream. Lucy chose the seat right next to the birthday boy.

Then after the party, Lucy got to spend some quality time with her favorite baby, Hannah, while Sawyer took a nap. [I think Hannah might like Lucy too.]

For those of you who are interested here's the link for Pump it up - http://www.pumpitupparty.com [They have an adult room too!!]

beautiful spring day

Today was such a beautiful day that we decided to visit a playground.


Lucy loved running through the playground, swinging high up in the air, and playing on the bouncy-frog. After playing, we took a little walk along the river and "duck-hunted."

Really, we just looked for ducks – there were no guns involved.

sheepshearing festival revisited

We went to the Sheepshearing festival at Gore Place again this year. This time we rolled w/a much larger crew. Lucy met up with her cousins, Genna, and Vivi; as well as Max and Sebastian [and all their parents too]



Lucy really enjoyed watching the sheep shearing demonstrations, patting the bunnies, and she loved the big horses. She spent a bit of time listening to the the folk band that was playing some good ole Irish tunes. [Sebastian is still her favorite dance partner.]

Even though all the stuff was fun, I think everyone's favorite part was the kettle corn.

Happy Birthday, Sebastian!!

big sister practice

Lucy is going to be a big sister in October, so she has been practicing.

First, she "watched" Max while the adults were eating dinner. Then, she showed him the ropes around the microwave and puzzles.

A few days later, she went to visit baby Hannah while she was still brand new and in the hospital. She was very gentle with her and loved holding and feeding her.

I know Lucy will make a great big sister!

lucy and sebastian [bffs]

Lucy and Sebastian have had a lot of playtime together lately. First at Sebastian's house, then at Lucy's [where he stayed while his parents were out]. They were both showing off their dimples [though, Lucy's are not quite as obvious as Sebastian's].

If the pictures aren't cute enough, here's a little video of them in action [They had a great time playing with Lucy's vacuum cleaner and other toys while looping around the first floor, each at his/her own pace . . .

happy easter

We spent Easter at Lucy's Uncle Richard's house. Thankfully, this year, there were no bunny suits to be had. Just a pretty little dress that Lucy's Auntie Megan bought for her to wear.

Oh, and lots of candy-filled eggs to hunt. ["More eggs."]

another old friend

Lucy had a play-date with her friend, Gaby, today. Lucy had a great time filling Gaby's pockets with plastic cutlery and helping her "cook" in the microwave. Gaby was a good sport and went along with all of Lucy's antics.

Hopefully, we'll see Gaby again soon!

Lucy's and Gaby's Mommys have known each other since grammar school.

grampy's favorite

Lucy sings and dances w/Evelyn to one of Grampy's favorite songs . . .

terrible twos?

I don't think so . . .

Happy 2nd Birthday, Lucy Bee!

Yep, same shirt.

another successful party

Lucy celebrated her second birthday in style with her family. She enjoyed sitting with her cousins, at her little table, eating cupcakes and ice cream. A good time was had by all.

You may recognize the table as being the very same one enjoyed by her toys.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, . . .

What Do You See?


As read by Lucy.

while she sleeps

It appears Lucy's toys don't need her to have a good time. They had lots of fun playing with Lucy's Christmas presents, and even made themselves a nice snack.

let it snow

Merry Christmas!

We've had our first few snowfalls of the season. During this first one, Lucy was excited to put on her new snowgear and play outside. Thank you, GrandMa!

santa shy

Lucy hasn't made it to see a living Santa yet this year – after last year's fiasco, we are a little Santa-shy. [Can you blame us?]

To be honest, I see nothing wrong in telling Outside Plastic Santa what we want for Christmas – he's not scary . . . and has a North Pole connection, right?

cookies and milk

Lucy made her first trip to a family farm. My college roommate's family has a little "farm" with lots of cute animals. While we were there, Lucy fed cookies to Sylvester, the cow and Amma, the llama. We also saw another llama, a donkey [Marnie's donkey, if truth be told], some turkeys, chickens, roosters, ducks, and geese. Lucy had a great time seeing them all, but especially enjoyed meeting her new friend, Marnie.

Marnie introduced Lucy to all the animals and showed her some of the snowmen in her grandmother's collection. Lucy had a great time playing with Marnie and would follow her all around the house when she left the room.

Hope we get back to the farm and see Marnie again real soon!

come on, get happy

A number of years ago, I bought myself a Partridge Family Bus ornament that plays their theme song. While I always smiled whenever anyone hit the door to make it play, I now have a cute little image to associate with it and can chuckle too. Lucy loves dancing to it! Honestly, if we play it once, we play it fifteen times.

As you'll notice, she just recently discovered the joy of the sunglasses as well.

the irresistible power of jax

Well, it appears that we've had a little, unwanted guest running around the house. You'd think with 2 cats it would not be a problem, however . . . there was a mouse.

I had suspected it for a few days with the way the cats were running around like nut-cakes and Cleo constantly in pounce mode. [In my mind I chalked it up to chasing spiders, until . . . ] I saw a little mouse dart out from under the vanity and grab a Cheerio that Lucy had dropped a few minutes earlier.

That evening, Rob went out and picked up some live-catch traps. [To be honest, I wasn't really expecting it to work so quickly, especially w/all the dropped snacks around.] Anyhoo, he decided to set it up straight-away. The trap suggested using peanut butter. Since we had none, Rob said, "Let's try Jax – no one can resist Jax." [except maybe Richard, that is]. So he put one in [even though I tried to suggest waiting another day and getting the peanut butter].

Lo and behold, last night after a bit of a scuffle, the trap did what the cats could not – it caught the mouse. Actually, I think Mr. Red was a part of the scuffle. Perhaps it was part draw of the Jax and part fear of that big, red cat that got the mouse into the trap. Either way he was caught and set free this morning outdoors.

I've been watching MammaKitty hanging out near the release spot . . . Godspeed little mouse.

"people, let me tell you 'bout my best friend,

he's a one boy cuddly toy, my up, my down, my pride and joy." . . .

For whatever reason, Lucy has really taken to this plastic, light-up snowman [Sans the electrical parts, of course]. She lugs him everywhere, dresses him in her old clothes, and even insists on having him in her crib with her. [unFortunately, there is not enough room in her crib, so Plastic Snowman spends nap/bedtime on the stool next to her crib where she can still see him.]

If you were old enough in the '70s to remember The Courtship of Eddie's Father, you'll recognize the lyrics from "Best Friend", by Harry Nilsson

the snowman

I came across this little video I had taken the other day of Lucy and Plastic Snowman. Since I haven't posted any video in a while, I thought I'd share this one [pictures really don't show how much she enjoys Plastic Snowman.]

how lovely are thy branches

Once we finished the outside of the house, it was time to decorate the inside.

Lucy was a great asset picking out the tree, bringing it in, setting it in the stand, lighting it, and hanging the ornaments. [You'll notice she was careful not to over-exert herself while putting on the ornaments. Slow and steady, Lucy . . . ]

Lucy takes the tree care very seriously and has become the water nazi. It seems that she is determined that the tree not get thirsty. Twice a day, she grabs the measuring cup and announces, "water" at which time she brings the cup to the kitchen and stands next to the sink. She then follows Mommy to the tree and back to the faucet ensuring the tree is adequately watered.

Still looking good, Lucy.

deck the halls

Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we can set our sights towards Christmas.

The weather was perfect for being outdoors, so we figured why not get it done? Lucy was very helpful putting up the outdoor decorations and lights. She even brought out her new best friend, Plastic Snowman, to help out as well.

Like how she put herself in the mix? Too bad we can't keep her out all the time — she really does tie it all together.

Gobble. Gobble. Gobble.

Happy Thanksgiving!


Mommy traced Lucy's hand and she colored it in.

the double

Is there really such a thing as too many binks?

If one is good, two has to be better, right?

trick-or-treating

Lucy had a blast trick-or-treating last night. This was her first official trick-or-treat where she walked up to neighbors' doors and received candy.

She loved everything about Halloween [except maybe for sharing her candy with the other trick-or-treaters]. Lucy especially enjoyed marching up and down our front walk pointing out all the pumpkins, skeletons, and scotch tape she saw to her grandparents.

Looking forward to next year . . .

trick-or-treat

Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday, Max!

this is NOT a pumpkin

. . . this is a jack-o-lantern!

Lucy was very helpful — she cleaned out her pumpkin and drew on it the picture she wanted carved [it was one she had seen in a book]. Mommy wielded the knife.

Lucy's is the stemless one in the middle.

the great pumpkin

We took Lucy pumpkin picking today. We tried to go to Lookout Farm but they had already sold out of pumpkins. [Well, actually, they still had a few left sitting on hay bales, but what fun is that??] Fortunately, on the way there, we spotted the Hills Congregational Church's annual charity Pumpkin Patch Sale! What a find that was — we all had a great time choosing our pumpkins. Lucy even picked out her own pumpkin and stuck to her guns when I suggested she find one that had a stem – she would not be swayed. [We bought her that stemless pumpkin.]

Lucy also enjoyed the wagon-ride as I pulled her [and our three pumpkins] all around the "pumpkin patch."

Finding great pumpkins and giving a little something back — isn't that what Halloween is all about?

a costume party

Lucy's friend Max had a costume party to celebrate his first birthday. All the kids [and most of the grown-ups] were in costume. Everyone looked great! Max was a monkey, his cousins were a Power Ranger and a baby bunny; and Lucy, of course, was a bee.

Max got some really great toys for his birthday and Lucy was not shy about trying them out. She particularly enjoyed the little, red, ride-on car and challenged Max for a ride. Poor Max — doesn't even get to play with his own presents at his birthday party . . .

Just wait, Max, you'll be bigger than Lucy soon enough . . .

poisonous?

This is not a poisonous mushroom.

How do I know? Well, Lucy was kind enough to taste it and require a call to the Poison Control Center. I emailed them this picture and they confirmed it was not going to kill her or make her sick . . . phew.

Nice to know we don't have deadly fungi growing in the yard.

it's pajama time

The weather is starting to get colder and that means good bye old-shorty-pajamas, and hello new-cozy-pajamas!

Lucy has 2 new pairs that she particularly enjoys - one holiday festive, and one froggy.


Lucy sure is feeling sassy in her new pumpkin pajamas.

fun fall festivities

We got a nice group together [Lucy, Genna, Vivi, Henry, Max, Sawyer, Astrid, and their parents] and went apple picking the other day. [I think with this group, as many apples were eaten as were picked.] The weather that day couldn't have been more beautiful. [Though I must say, I would have preferred a little nip in the air – it seemed a little strange apple picking in shorts and t-shirts.]

Being as warm as it was, it did make the ice cream treat seem a bit more appropriate, and it was most enjoyable.

turn the beat around

. . . love to hear percussion

look out herb ritts

Lucy loves having her picture taken, and it seems, taking your picture too — smile.

a visit from nino

Lucy's Padrino, Jerry, came to visit this weekend. Since Lucy hasn't seen him for over a year [he lives in Texas], she was as usual, a little slow to warm up.

As with everyone, we wanted to send Jerry home with his commemorative Lucy photo. Getting their picture together before he left, however, was not as easy as it should have been. We rounded up the troops and got ready for the photo shoot. Only trouble with that - Lucy was all wound-up and thought it would be much more fun to run back and forth from Jerry to me, pausing barely long enough for me to snap a picture.

I actually think the ones I did capture are pretty funny. And yes, I did finally manage to get a cute one of Lucy and Jerry together . . . it's on it's way, Jerry.

two for tea

The summer really is the time for meeting new friends. Lucy finally met Madison, after hearing all about her for the last 14 months. [And I must say, Madison was just as adorable and as fun as promised.]

Lucy and Madison had a great time together — they paraded around the house, had a snack at the fancy new table and chairs Kristen bought Lucy [thank you, Kristen, we love them!], went for a walk, played at the playground, and even had a nice frozen yogurt treat before having to call it for nap time and go home.

Word on the street is that Madison, like Lucy, usually has play-dates with boys. As a result, she was not used to Lucy's affectionate ways — you guessed it, Madison was treated to lots of hugs and kisses. She found it a little scary at first, but by the end of the visit, Madison was leaning her head in to receive them.

Hopefully, it won't be another 14 months before we see Madison
again . . .

i love babies

Lucy [and her Mommy] met Annie for the first time today. Annie is about 8 weeks old and just as cute as a button — Lucy thought so too.

Lucy really took to Annie — she brought 2 babies with her and gave one to Annie to play with [purple baby just sort of laid on top of Annie's legs — but really, it is the thought that counts, isn't it?].

Later on, Lucy kept checking on Annie, while she was napping in the other room. Then, when Annie lost her binky, Lucy would put it back in her mouth. Lucy also showered Annie with lots of kisses — and when she couldn't kiss her face, she'd kiss her toes.

I can just imagine the fun they'll have together once Annie is a little more interactive.

a visit to hampton beach

It's tradition — every summer, we spend a day at Hampton Beach. [OK, well, maybe this tradition started for us last year — after a 25-year hiatus — but it was Lucy's first summer after all, so why not start it up again?]

This year, Lucy met a new, cute-little-friend, Molly, who is just 1 month younger than her — they really hit it off. They built castles, walked in the water, read magazines, and shared lots of hugs and kisses.

Looking forward to seeing you again next year, Molly!

a year and a half

I know it's the old cliché - "Where does the time go?" But, really, where does the time go?

Lucy turned 18 months old on July 21. [Yes, I know, I missed the date . . . but it's posted now - isn't that really what matters?] It's hard to believe she has been a part of our lives for that long [though, honestly, I can't remember a time before Lucy].

Anyhoo, I thought it would be fun to see a then-and-now photo, just to see how much she's really changed and grown in the past year. Below is a picture of her at 6 and 18 months:


I think she still looks the same, but with more, lighter hair; she's a bit taller; and she looks more like a little girl than a baby these days. [Oh, and that shirt isn't fitting as well, either.]

my name is lucy

Lucy has directed her first video. I turned the viewfinder around so she could see what she was filming – mainly herself. She figured out how to stop and start recording. So, she really had control over the shots. [Maybe a future career at MTV?]

Bravo, Ms. Bee!



You can see the music version at her regular movie site.

story time

Lucy shares with us the story of Up and Down. Be sure to stay for the epilogue . . . I added it especially for you, Auntie Megan

pretty in pictures

Lucy Bee, self-portrait

walk on

Lucy's latest video installment* . . . enjoy.

For those of you who are interested, here is what the scrolling text at the end says:

Aww . . . Nice hugs for Mr. Bear.

This video was taken of Lucy in May of 2007.

[Yes, that is the same t-shirt she has posed in every month since birth. You may have noticed, it's starting to shrink . . . ]

*As usual, you can see the extended version w/music on Lucy's video site.

got that boogie fever

Soul Train, here she comes . . .