Calvin and Diogenes

 
I assume you all remember that old cartoon 'Calvin and Hobbes' - well, this just seems to strike a chord... The object of his affection is a stuffed dog courtesy of his great-grandma that we've named 'Diogenes' (it's a philosophy joke).
 

Why one ought not put frogs in the kitchen sink.

 
Dex and Grandma learning why one ought not put frogs in the kitchen sink!
 

Po!

 
Dex and his favorite toy: Po. And yes, he picked it out - Tara is convinced that it is because when he wears his red sweater, he looks a little like Po. 

Walkies

No, he's not walking yet, but he was inspired by Jan (who is 6 months older) to get behind his lawnmower and explore the world. And no, I didn't intervene in any of this. And yes, I did fail to keep the batteries charged in my video camera.

Genetically Gifted!

  When I took this picture, I was actually trying to get pictures of Dex walking with his lawn mower (see the next post for a video montage), but on closer inspection - I captured a genetic ability in action! Notice that his tongue here is actually upside down! It is his new concentration technique.
 

 
So we've got this mutant maple tree in our backyard that will not drop it's leaves. Yes, that's right. It is Dec. 9, there is 3 inches of snow on the ground, and this maple still has green leaves. You can't tell from this picture, but it is worth noting that there is not a single other three visible from the top of the hill in town (my office) that still has leaves - let alone green leaves!
The real question is, of course, how I'm going to rake leaves over the snow...
 

As the picture says:

 
Actually, I've had these for a while, but I don't like people to see them. But, as my fans will remember, I'm quite the ham. So, whenever there is a camera around, well, inhibitions are just a thing of the past.

On that note, last night, I discovered a fascinating new skill that drives my parents insane! As it turns out, when you have teeth, you can grind them together! Who knew? Hours of entertainment right there in your mouth! Amazing.
 

Shorty

 
All the shorties in the house say 'yeah'!
 

The Dilemma

 
Oh! Oh! I want so badly to climb into this bath, but I'm also a total ham and can't bear not posing for that camera! What to do? What to do? Oh me oh my!
 

Oy!

 Hey! You're here too!
 

Concentration

 
 

The little cannibal

 
Did I mention that Declan was teething?

In all honesty, here he is blowing raspberries while simultaneously biting - and did you notice that he has to get a tight hold to make it all work? 

Halloween!

 
(with a big shout-out to the McKenna Family for the attire)
 

New shoes are fabulous!

Dex in his new Lion outfit - with a big shout-out to Matt and Lori in Philly!

And look - here's a close-up. You can clearly see that there is a walk-way not 6 ft from the base. Just a little work to get over that girder, and then over the railing, and stairs the rest of the way... 

See! It looks doable! I'm not nearly as crazy as all of you think. 

Incidentally, if you couldn't tell, he's getting ready to wack me on the head with that tube. 

I know that I haven't posted in ages, but with the semester starting and the massive construction project, I just haven't been in the mood. Anyway, here are a couple of fresh pics of the ever-curious Declan. 

Gratuitous butt shot! 

Faith gave us this hippo hoodie, which is quickly becoming his favorite. It's even better when he chews on the towel so that only his nose and eyes are visible. 

Ines and Dex - we think Dex is trying to bite Ines, but it's close enough to a cuddle to count. 

Here are Ines and Penny, Jackie's twin sister.  

This is the beginning of the 'caravan', a rolling hour long entertainment and marketing extravaganza that preceeds the actual cyclists. 

The finish and grandstand. As you can see, the crowd is something like 20 people deep. 

The Tour de France! This is the Place de Concorde, and if you look closely, you'll see the silver broadcast building, from which our old friends Phil Liggit and Paul Sherwan comment on the race.