Simon's creature

Simon's Clocks and Volcanoes

Simon's obsession with clocks all started when Alice did a unit on time at school and brought home this clock.

Simon was immediately smitten, and started working on his own.  Many were completed, many were put in the recycling bin. Here is a sampling of his work:

He's also been very interested in volcanoes, since I got him a volcano book at the library.

Climbing, splashing and swinging in Durham

After my parents headed out, I took the kids to the Durham science museum for the day. They always have a blast there, and it was finally warm enough to play in the stream!

Sad goodbyes

On Saturday, my parents had to leave to go to Hilton Head as the next stage of their long vacation.  There was still time for one more building session, though.

Then some farewell photos.

Final fun day

Friday was the last full day of the grandparents' visit. Although this was their longest visit, it still flew by.

Once Alice got home from school, they took both kids in a final bike ride.

And they're back!

Simon was so happy to have his grandparents back on Thursday! And all to himself! (Since Alice had to go to school.)

Here come the new teeth!

Vocanov

Simon's latest interests include trying to sound out and write words. And volcanoes. He made this picture and wrote the word all by himself. (I think the last v is meant to be a w).  

We usually can't read what he writes, but he sure does work hard at it.

Where does the Easter Bunny live?

At supper tonight:

Simon: Mom, where does the Easter Bunny live?

Sera: That's a great question. I don't know.

Simon: Ask Google.

Alice: The Easter Bunny died and went to heaven and that's where he got interested in eggs.

Google: "The Easter Bunny lives in a secret undisclosed location."

Nap bench

Simon was hiding in the coat bench, but then ended up falling asleep in there right at nap time today. He took a full two hour nap in there. (I opened it up to make sure he would get plenty of fresh air while snoozing.)

Temporary Goodbye

I just love this picture. Look how much Simon adores his grandpa!

On Sunday, Nelson and Stana headed out for a little adventure down to New Bern for a few days. They would be back on Wednesday night so they could babysit Simon on Thursday and Friday when his daycare would be very inconveniently closed.

Rainy day

On Saturday, it rained all day. Zac and I took advantage of the grandparents and had another glorious (but soggy) day out without kids.

Here are some pictures from while we were out:

NC Botanical Garden

When Zac and I were out on our childless adventure last weekend, we passed a sign saying, "North Carolina Botanical Garden" in Chapel Hill, and I was like, "What? How have we never been there yet?"

So on Friday (although Zac had to go to work) I took the grandparents and kids there. It was great fun--with a nature play area, some beautiful gardens, and some interesting hiking trails. We did it all!