• Conversations with Mr. SP: Logic

    Sarah has been camping in the badlands of North Dakota for the last week with her grandmother, Auntie Dot, Uncle Don, some cousins, and a troop of horses.  A few days ago Mr. Sneaky Pants and I were sitting at the table outside on the deck, and he looked at…

  • Fourth of July Festivities

    Our Fourth of July day started off early with a walk halfway down the street to a bike decorating party at a neighbor's house.  If you are a regular reader, you might recall that each year our neighborhood blocks our street off from one end to the other, and all…

  • A Tall Ship

    The Banana, Mr. Sneaky Pants and I went down to the canal this afternoon to see if we could spot any pirates aboard this tall, historic sailing vessel that came into port to celebrate Independence Day.  At one point it had all of its sails open in the crisp east…

  • Possibilities

    This little guy has BIG plans that involve sleeping in his tent in the backyard tonight with a pillow, sleeping bag, a stack of books and a flashlight.  He's especially excited to listen for croaking frogs.   The Banana set up her own tent right next door to her big…

  • Post Company Fruit Snack

    Yesterday evening we were excited to have Auntie Amy Iowa and Uncle Bryan stop by.  Their three daughters and Sarah are all off to the Badlands of North Dakota to ride horses with Auntie Dot, Gramma Kathy and Uncle Don, so Auntie Amy Iowa and Uncle Bryan stopped by on…

  • Vintage Fisher Price Goes Digital

    A few weeks ago Mr. SP found this vintage Fisher Price toy camera at our neighbor's garage sale.  He spent 75 cents, his own three quarters, and brought it home.  In comparison to his own real digital camera (eight years old and 1.1 pegapixels) the toy camera lost its luster…

  • Writing a Letter to Great Grandma McGinty

    It is a steadfast truth that everything is made better with a large supply of colorful stickers.  The Banana loves to stash a collection of treasures into her backpack and pretend she is going important places, like school, or perhaps on a vacation.  

  • For Only 50 Cents

    The thrifting fairies were with me last Friday.  Not only did I snatch up some great kids clothes, but I also found some great storage cubes and this terrific geoboard.  The geoboard was only 50 cents, and in perfect condition, plus it came with colorful, artistic rubber bands.  I was…

  • Ya Ya Celebrates a Half Birthday

    For her half birthday, Sarah requested playtime with her friend from up the street, and cut out sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles.  When she told me about the cookies, I said, "Really?"  I don't think I've made cut out sugar cookies for years and years.  I love making cookies,…