Atlanta

We just returned from our family trip to Atlanta and Missouri. We went because Emily had a meeting in Altanta, so thought it would be nice to have a brief family holiday too.

Here, Ilona takes some pictures of flowers, a brief walk from where we stayed in Atlanta

There were two parks nearby - this is the fire engine at Piedmont Park, which was more similar to Central Park (NYC) than Central Park Atlanta is to Central Park NYC.

Bluet and Ilona loved these swings that are all over Atlanta (or at least in the parks, and as you can see below, at the house we stayed in.

Eating Ice cream at the end of a long day

Ilona the rabbit

This is Central Park

Then we drove to Missouri........

Birthday Parties, Grandparents and DIY

This weekend was a busy one. On Friday Emily's parents flew in to town. We were worried for a while they wouldn't make it because of a winter storm warning that had closed all Houston schools, but apparently planes are hardier than kids. Anyway, Bluet was delighted to have visitors (her teacher, who babysat on Saturday, asked 'Where is Wayne' and Bluet said 'We lost him'). While they were here Bluet helped with a bit of DIY, played with playdoh and silly putty, and went for a walk in the park.

On Sunday she attended a Birthday party, the first time she has been to one where she knew the child, rather than us knowing the parents. They had a bouncy castle, which Bluet loved, and also one of these things to practise baseball

And last night Ilona slept for 9 hours, or something. 

Oh,and I saw my dream car. Twice

Raking leaves

This Saturday, Bluet helped me rake the leaves in the garden. She enjoyed me building 'towers' of leaves, which she would sometimes help transfer to bin bags (we haven't established a compost heap yet) and other times, she would throw over her head. She also enjoyed running around with the broom

Look! An arrow

Then on Sunday, we went for a walk to the park, where Bluet helped push Ilona in her pram. And then swung on the swings.

Whilst she was up in the sky she said:

"Is that a bird, Dadn"
"No, I think it's a plane"
"No, it's a bird, planes don't flap their wings"

After 50 more swings, we walked home.

This morning Bluet wanted to say goodbye to Ilona before she left the house, and kissed her goodbye on her sleeping head. However, whenever we ask Bluet

"Who's Ilona's Dadn?"
"Ilona doesn't have a Dadn"
"Who's Ilona's Mama?"
"Ilona doesn't have a Mama"
"Who's Bluet's sister?"
"Ilona"
"Who's Ilona's sister?"
"Ilona doesn't have a sister, only Bluet"

Happy Birthday Bluet!

"Bluet, is it your Birthday?"

"yes"

"How old are you?"

"Five"

Well those 2 4 years went fast

More to come from today later. Meanwhile, here are some more pictures from the weekend, including some ikea snaps, and Bluet playing with stones on the paths at a place called 'Discovery Park' in downtown Houston - a nice park marred somewhat by the clientel

Sunday

On Sunday before the big storm, Bluet and I headed to the park. I thought I'd let her run off a little into the trees and explore. Of course, she immediately found what I thought was a mole hill. As I started to explain what a mole hill was, she reached down to prod it, and I realised it was not a mole hill, but an ant hill. I had never seen such a thing. By this point her and my feet were covered in ants. Then they started to bite. I took Bluet's shoes off to brush off the nasty ants, and she was very brave and didn't cry, just said 'yucky'. Then the storm clouds rolled in and we headed home. So both Bluet and I learned about fire ants. They are not my favourite animal.

As it rained, Bluet discovered rainbows, from some stickers she has. She calls them 'wee-mows' and they may soon rival the moon for sheer excitement. Then later we went to the children's museum (a brisk 10 minute walk away), where Bluet learned to drive.

Off to find some fire ants

Back home, sheltering from the storm

Learning to drive

Playing with the water features at the Children's Museum

Today

After work, we went to the park and ate raisins and looked at aeroplanes