Bubba

I got to have my favorite 3 year old over for the day yesterday. Jen thinks I was doing her a favor by watching him for her. Truth is I had a blast being with Caleb! Bubba is a delightful boy. He was such a trooper as I dragged him all over Upper Montgomery County driving carpools, running errands, going to doctor's appointments, cross country practice, a quick visit with Elise at the office, and more. We were actually home a couple of times during the day and of course I made time to stop at the toy store.





I told him I would take him to buy a toy. He said, "Mzzs. Maze I don't need any toys. I have toys at my house." Except that he changed his mind once he saw this Robot Hand claw thing that he called "tweezers." Those are mighty big tweezers, Bub.

Lessee how these tweezers work in Elmo's mouth.



He was a bit unsure of Spiderman at first.....

but eventually decided he was an OK dude.

So when we were actually home for a bit he wanted to watch a movie. "Mzzs. Maze? Can you watch dis movie with me cuz it's kinda scawey." Sure Bubba! "I need this pillow on my lap for the scawey part when da tiger comes."

When the movie got scarier, the pillow got thicker. :)



I think one of his favorite things to do at my house is play with skateboards. (Remember I don't have a lot of little kid toys anymore.) He talked about riding skateboards the whole time we were driving all over the place. "When we get back to your house can we ride skateboards and THEN watch a movie? Maybe we can watch a movie and THEN ride skateboards."

Bubba, you can come ride skateboards at my house any time you want. Please?

Tradition

"Tradition: a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting."

The fall begins a number of traditions in our family. (The Hartnett's understand.) If you are a parent, you know the importance that "tradition" holds in the lives of your kids. One of them is to take a drive through the country on a Sunday in October and ride across the Potomac River on White's Ferry and have lunch in Leesburg. I've captured it on film for the past 10 years. This time I got a few shots of Elise capturing it all on camera.

On the ferry, in the rear view mirror:

"Pray without ceasing..."

Please keep praying for this sweet little girl. Sarah Brewer continues to require a significant amount of medical care and attention. She is a strong girl and holds up amazingly well under it all, but it takes a toll on her and on her parents. Dave and Jen are two of my heroes for the way they have trusted in God and cried out to their Savior for strength and grace to face each day. They live these verses:

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Weekend in Philly

We went to Philadelphia last weekend with Dre and Becca to see the final NATS game against the Phillies. Never mind that the NATS were out of contention long ago; we just wanted to take a road trip and the K's were up for the task. Dre's iPhone directed us north. Apparently mapquest is obsolete now. Who'd have known? (Just follow the purple line, Dre.)

We stayed at a hotel that was originally the Annex to City Hall built in 1926 now beautifully refurbished.

Based on a recommedation from a friend we had dinner at The Fork Restaurant. Really cool place. Amazing food. Fantastic company. :)

After dinner we walked around Philly together. Let me just say that these two have got to win the prize for "Most Endearing Couple." (Just made up that category and they win it hands down.) They are so warm, friendly, funny, godly, and they clearly are crazy about each other. What a joy it was to be with them!





For breakfast Sunday before the game we ate at the Down Home Diner at the Reading Terminal Market. This was one of Rachael Ray's picks on "$40 A Day."





Of course the Market, filled with meat markets, local produce stands, Amish goods, quirky used bookstores, etc was a great place for pictures. Have you ever bought mushrooms for $25 a pound? Or porcini for $48 a pound???! I think I've got that growing under my deck in the backyard!

















Despite the fact that it POURED rain both driving to and from Philly, the rain stopped while we were at the ballpark. Fortunately for us the Phillies had clinched the division title the night before. The fans were not as eager to, uh, well, let's just say they didn't quite live up to their motto as the "City of Brotherly Love" to the NATS fans who'd attended the game on Saturday. They only laughed mockingly and sneered at us. At least there was no pushing or shoving or attacking our car.

Christoph is pretty sure it was because of Dre's presence. Thanks, Dre. :)





The bullpens are stacked at the Phillies Stadium. Christoph took this picture below. You can see both pitchers releasing the ball simultaneously. Great shot, Christoph!



Dre and Bec, we had a blast being with you last weekend! Thanks for coming with us and making for such a fun trip. And THANK YOU for driving through the torrential downpours, Dre!

Word. :)