Cape Expectations Management

We decided to set the bar low for our first family camping adventure, so we chose Cape Disappointment State Park as our destination.

Of course, it turned out to be a lovely spot, and after a few initial meltdowns, we all adjusted to our new environment with aplomb.



This wasn't exactly roughing it. Instead of a tent, we had our own luxurious yurt, complete with bunk beds and even a little electricity on tap. Miles immediately took to his new surroundings, declaring it "My yurt!" He was also pleased by the arrival of his friend Connor, whose burgeoning bicycling skills dazzled everyone.

Miles and Leo both had their first encounters with the Pacific Ocean itself (as opposed to its various appendages). We all left feeling excited about future camping adventures, and especially more yurts!

Apples-to-Apples Comparison

We're enjoying our latest iPod:

(Leo on 5/8/2009)

Now, for comparison purposes, here's the previous model:

(Miles on 5/31/2007)

The Action Painter

When Miles sat down the other night with a box of markers and a sheet of construction paper, a long-dormant artistic side emerged with a vengeance.

This work is from his "Red" period.

To the critics who say, "My child could paint that!" we say, "Yes, he probably could."

Miles quickly established himself as an acolyte of the "Action Painting" style.

This dual portrait, entitled "Mommy and Daddy", will be auctioned at Sotheby's next month.

March of Dimes Walk

For the second straight year, the Falvy family joined the March of Dimes Walk along Seattle's waterfront.

This time, however, we were bringing not one but two healthy kids to the table. For this good fortune, we had superb medical care to thank. But we knew from last year's experience that many of the marchers would be doing so in honor of kids who were not so fortunate. So the walk can be a joyous, poignant and melancholy event at the same time.

For Miles, however, the bliss was unmitigated as he saw the giant fire engine cranes that greeted marchers arriving outside of the starting point at Qwest Field.

Leo was taking it all in for the first time.

We saw many friends from last year, including Shannon and Owen from our PEPS group.

Then it was off to the Alaskan Way Viaduct, which had been thoughtfully cleared of traffic for our convenience.

We had one of the heavier vehicles on the road.

All was well until the return leg, when we decided to let Miles stretch his legs for a bit.

He had no intention of going with the flow. Instead, he insisted on exploring puddles in the shoulder and scaling the guard rail. When these pleasures were denied to him, he unleashed a rush-hour worthy meltdown.

These antics consumed so much time that we actually finished last -- yes, LAST -- among the thousands of marchers. Of course, it was not a race. Still, you know you've finished last when the police escort is bumping up against your heels, and the band gives you a nice fanfare because your arrival means they can finally go home.

Leo was appalled. We'll do better next year.

Catching Up With Mr. Miles (April Edition)

Before April was done, Miles had accumulated a fine collection of trucks and diggers, his own library card, a fire truck bed, some pizza, a sand table, and a bit of a green thumb in the backyard.