That’s the Truth, Duluth!

This PORTRAIT is superior.
This PORTRAIT is superior.

We decided to take a little trip on our long weekend for the Fourth of July.

Mommy booked a hotel in Duluth, Minnesota since we’d never been there before. It was the Holiday Inn and we had a pretty good view, even though it looked down over the parking lot.

Is that the Liftbridge?
Is that the Liftbridge?

Our trip was fun. Daddy goofed around with you while Mommy drove. You played your Nabi tablet much of the way and really couldn’t stand having your shoes on.

Daddy is a goof.
Daddy is a goof. (This picture is in reverse, by the way)
Who needs shoes to ride?
Who needs shoes to ride?

Our first night was pretty mellow. We just got to the room, had dinner and crashed. The king sized bed really agreed with you.

Zzzzzzzzzz...
Zzzzzzzzzz…

The next day (July 4th), we went to Canal Park.  We started by heading into a toy store that kept you interested for a while.  You also found some great fountains along the way and you practically begged mommy to let you get soaking wet in them.

Just Moosing around...
Just Moosing around…
Careful, mommy!
Careful, mommy!
Water was the theme of the day!
Water was the theme of the day!
MINE!
MINE!
I'll just get a LITTLE wet, mom. Promise...
I’ll just get a LITTLE wet, mom. Promise…

We walked around Lake Superior and you were pleased to get to run up and down the boardwalk. We also saw some big boats, a lighthouse, the Liftbridge in action and a sunken pier!

Lighthouse ahoy!
Lighthouse ahoy!
The Cribs in Lake Superior
The Cribs in Lake Superior

You were dying for pizza (as usual), so we stopped and had some for lunch.

Lemonade and Pizza? Perfect.
Lemonade and Pizza? Perfect.

Before your nap, we went swimming. As soon as you got your swim diaper on, you were ready to go, but we had to make sure you were appropriately dressed. You joked around and had a great time in the kiddy pool with Daddy. You even swam with him (a little bit) in the big pool.

Ready for the pool!
Ready for the pool!
WAAAATERRRRR
WAAAATERRRRR

Later that day, we went to Two Harbors to see what was there. It had a small train museum, but you got bored with it quickly and had a minor meltdown. We had to get you some food quickly, so we went back to a place called Tom’s Logging Camp. It was a much better distraction, since you got to see lots of things and the cafe (called “Tom’s Too”) was nice, cool and quiet.

I'd like a ticket to Ontario, please!
Where the dickens is that train?
Mommy is silly!
Mommy is silly!
Lantern? More like Antlern.
Lantern? More like Antlern.

Before we left, you mentioned that Vanna White was on vacation in Duluth. So when we got to the room that night, you decided you wanted to talk to here. Here’s the result:

A phone call from Miss Vanna.

Oh, Vanna, you are awesome!

The next day, we took you to the Lake Superior Zoo. It was fairly small, but you had a great time. You got to pet rabbits and goats. You saw a huge frog and turtle (not real ones) and you had the time of your life riding on a little “zoo train”. Even though it lasted less than ten minutes, you talked about it the rest of the day.

This zoo is for the birds!
This zoo is for the birds!
Peter? Is that you?
Peter? Is that you?
Ouch! This is hot!
Ouch! This is hot!
Nice cool frog eyes... ahhh.
Nice cool frog eyes… ahhh.
Halt there, train!
Halt there, train!
Just my speed.
Just my speed.
Faster, please! Again, please!
Faster, please! Again, please!

You also got to play on the zoo playground which had some really fun things to do.

Ahhh, the shade.
Ahhh, the shade.
Snaaaaaaaake!
Snaaaaaaaake!
Lady Bugs make the best carriages.
Lady Bugs make the best cars.

Taking the reigns at the LadyBug Rodeo.

Finally, we ate some Indian Food, which is perpetually one of your favorites.

On Saturday we packed up and left the hotel, but the fun didn’t end. We decided to go to the old railroad depot in Duluth where there was a great train museum.  You and mommy climbed on trains and marveled at them while daddy shot pictures. There were all sorts of steam engines, train cars and machinery, along with an entire depot of “stores” which were decorated to look the way they would in the late nineteenth century. By the time we were done there, you were all tired out and had your nap too early.

Whoa...
Whoa…
THIS WAY, MOM!
THIS WAY, MOM!
Toy trains
Toy trains
Let's shop here!
Let’s shop here!
Trains are so... zzzzzzzz.
Trains are so… zzzzzzzz.
Red, White & Blue mommy!
Mommy’s got your back!

We also went back to Canal Park for a bit and had some Vietnamese food which you seemed to like. We also went into a store called Spirit Bay which had some pretty crazy Native American stuff on the walls. You liked the buffalo the best.

IMG_6999

Buffalo head
Buffalo head

On the way home, daddy made yet ANOTHER stop at “The Fires of 1918 Museum” in Moose Lake, MN. It was a small exhibit run by a local historical society, but you’d pretty much had enough of musty smelling buildings with antiques in them. And to be honest, mommy probably had too.

Yes, daddy... this looks great. *yawn*
Yes, daddy… this looks great. *yawn*

We also decided to stop at a convenient outlet mall to get you some new shoes, since your tennies had caused tiny blisters on your toes.  She also got you some new overalls and clothes which look great!

You had another meltdown which could only be settled by having a sandwich at the outlet cafe which turned out to be surprisingly good. We got to eat on a big, soft couch while watching Disney movies and you had a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.

The rest of the trip went smoothly and we spent the final Sunday of our little break at home.

Proud to be your Daddy and Mommy

Why yes, I AM handsome.
Why yes, I AM handsome.

Today was the Pride Parade and Festival in Loring Park. So Mommy and Daddy, knowing how much you like butterflies (and lanterns) figured there would be plenty for you to see today. AND since we went last year and you had such a good time at the playground, we took you to the same one.

Let's investigate, shall we?
Let’s investigate, shall we?
The intrepid explorer surveys the ascent.
The intrepid explorer surveys the ascent.
I can see my house from here!
I can see my house from here!
If I START here, do you think anyone will notice?
If I START here, do you think anyone will notice?
Mommy has blue hair. And you love it!
Mommy has blue hair. And you love it!

It’s been a VERY busy month. Below are just some of the fun things we have done so far:

We spent LOTS of time at playgrounds and with sidewalk chalk. And why not? The weather is great!

Yarr. I be the scourge o' tha play yard.
Yarr. I be the scourge o’ tha play yard.
Not now. I'm spelling.
Not now. I’m spelling.
Nicely done mommy. Now watch this...
Nicely done mommy. Now watch this…
Wait, I NOT supposed to erase sidewalk chalk with my butt?
Wait, I NOT supposed to erase sidewalk chalk with my butt?

You and mommy went to Toddler Tuesday where you caught prizes at the “Kiddie Carnival”.

When in Minnesota
When in Minnesota
Aren't I supposed to release this toy?
Aren’t I supposed to release this toy?

We walked 3 miles, up and back our street while it was close for the “Open Streets” festival. We also at at World Street Kitchen TWICE because you liked it so much the first time.

Butterflies & Lanterns spotted, Captain!
Butterflies & Lanterns spotted, Captain!
ON YOUR LEFT!
ON YOUR LEFT!

And you’ve really started to act much more like a BIG boy. You’ve been sitting in booster seats more than high chairs and you even have tried (pretty successfully) drinking from an open topped cup.

Drinking like a BIG boy at the World Street Kitchen.
Drinking like a BIG boy at the World Street Kitchen.
BOOSTED!
BOOSTED!

You have enjoyed lounging around as well as playing. You really love your new travelling chair that Grandma Yeoman got you.

Living the dream.
Living the dream.
PERFECT!
PERFECT!

You also started a new game with daddy called “Kangaroo”, where you call it out and he has to jump three times. As you can see, it makes you VERY happy.

JUMP FOR ME MINION!
JUMP FOR ME MINION!

Most importantly, you’ve started reading like CRAZY and spelling things. So much that we got you TWO sets of magnetic letters. You entertained Daddy this weekend by spelling “hip hop” on your own…

I'm working on my novel...
I’m working on my novel…
It's a bunny rabbit thing. You wouldn't understand.
It’s a bunny rabbit thing. You wouldn’t understand.

This Instagram says it all:  Hip Hop?

Oh yes… and you’re a Couch Knight and the King of Blankets:

And for my NEXT trick...
And for my NEXT trick…
SAFE FROM MONSTERS!
SAFE FROM MONSTERS!
The King of Blankets needs a throne.
The King of Blankets needs a throne.
The Blanket King holds court.
The Blanket King holds court.

All hail: THE KING

BOB the fish

Congratulations, Campbell! You’ve got your first pet: Bob the Blue Betta Fish.

It's BOB!
It’s BOB!

Mommy picked Bob up for you yesterday and you just went crazy for him. In fact, you insisted on telling him goodnight after your bath.

Hallo, Bob! Welcome to the family.
Hallo, Bob! Welcome to the family.

 

Chicago : Part Deux

Ready for the road
Ready for the road

We went to see our sick friend Kris on May 17th. It was a sad trip, because we don’t think Kris will be well, but you really enjoyed visiting old friends like Uncle Iggy (Igor Davila) and your biggest brother, Brandon. And you were a travel champion, this being your longest road trip.

The trip was a lot of fun.  For our first night’s rest, we stopped in a hotel called the Arrowhead Lodge which had a big, orange moose out front. In fact, all throughout the hotel there were lots of moose that held your attention. We stopped to eat at a restaurant called the Roadside Grille which had surprisingly good food, but also had a stuffed cougar and bear that left Mommy a little taken aback.

ORANGES MOOSE!
ORANGES MOOSE!
Sleep? I think not!
Sleep? I think not!
Not on the menu, I hope...
Not on the menu, I hope…

The second day we pushed through to Chicago and stayed with Brandon and Maureen, who you still adore. They let us stay in Maureen’s dad’s condo on Lake Shore Drive. Even though it was a very high floor, Daddy chilled out (he hates heights, you see) and we had a good time there. Though not thrilled to at first, you warmed up to your Pea Pod and slept there much of the night. When you awoke, nervously crying out, Mommy and Daddy brought you into bed and you snuggled in with us.

You got to visit the Lincoln Park Zoo again but this time you were old enough to call out all the animals, pick where you wanted to go and got a great floppy hat to keep the sun off your face.

Really? I HAVE to hold your hand?
Really? I HAVE to hold your hand?
Ah, the joys of a good bench.
Ah, the joys of a good bench.
And the baby bear said...
And the baby bear said…
Let's just live here, okay?
Let’s just live here, okay?
Yeah, I'm stylin'... AND profilin'
Yeah, I’m stylin’… AND profilin’

On Saturday you got to eat at Chicago Diner again. Mommy was very happy.

I'll be having the thing here which I can't pronounce...
I’ll be having the thing here which I can’t pronounce…

On Sunday afternoon we all played in a park (Wendt Playlot), where we met a lady that was playing the banjo. You enjoyed hearing her play.

Mommy Bear perches above...
Mommy Bear perches above…
Banjo, eh? I'm listening...
Banjo, eh? I’m listening…

Later that day, we visited Kris and all our old friends at Samantha Sanders and John Farbrother’s house. You go to meet a lot of people and kept up a good front, but by the end of the day we were all very tired. The best part of the day for you was getting to play with Levi, Kris’s Labrador retriever.

Bring those balls to me, beast! (Please?)
Bring those balls to me, beast! (Please?)

That night we drove to Indiana to stay in the Raddison, where you were very interested in the front lobby waterfall and pool. The next morning we all got up and had breakfast with Grandma and Grandpa (Yeoman).

Seriously, a waterfall?
Seriously, a waterfall?
Hey, look! Grandma and Grandpa!
Hey, look! Grandma and Grandpa!

After we left, we drove back to Chicago to see our friends Matt, Lisa and Piper (who you continued to call “Baby Piper” since she was only 8 months old). We saw some amazing things in the museum; stuffed animals, bones, giant elephant and bioluminescent creatures. You got tired fairly early, so we left to drive across Wisconsin. One more night of hotels kept you entertained and then we went back home.

Heh heh heh. Hippo poop!
Heh heh heh. Hippo poop!
BUTTONS!
BUTTONS!
Matt, Lisa and (baby) Piper
Matt, Lisa and (baby) Piper

You also got your first taste of Pizza Hut which you LOVED.

Saaaaay... this is tasty pizza.
Saaaaay… this is tasty pizza.
PIZZA HUT FTW!
PIZZA HUT FTW!
Tastier and tastier…

Things you say recently:

  • “That’s the rule. Mommy teaches me that”
  • “Listen to the drop on dubstep. Daddy talks about that”
  • You sing your ABCs with amazing precision and pitch.
  • You are reading like CRAZY. You read the book “Blue Hat, Green Hat” on first opening and knew all but ONE word.
"Daddy talks 'bout that"
“Daddy talks ’bout that”

Swing Batta Batta

Pre-game excitement
Pre-game excitement

Last night you went to your SECOND ever baseball game, but you were really ready for it. You asked about it during dinner and were upset when we didn’t park exactly near the stadium; I think you thought we’d changed our minds but no chance.

Nice seats, dad.
Nice seats, dad.

You got to eat a huge pretzel, sit in your own seat, wear daddy’s hat (which you seemed to like a lot), walk around with daddy and then see the huge “Target Puppy” known as Bullseye.

MINE! It's MINE!
MINE! It’s MINE!
King of the Pretzel
King of the Pretzel
Swing Batta Batta Batta
Swing Batta Batta Batta
Sneaking off for a picture
Sneaking off for a picture

You even got your picture with T.C., the big bear mascot for the Twins. What made it even better was our team, the White Sox, won the game. Well done, our little good luck charm!

High five with a bear? Are you mental?
High five with a bear? Are you mental?
Do I smell bear on your breath?
Do I smell bear on your breath?
T.C. and C.H.
T.C. and C.H.
White Sox rule(d)!
White Sox rule(d)!

 

Your newest accomplishment? You’ve gone number TWO on the potty two days in a row! You’re on the path to UNDIES!

Reading

Tonight you decided to read daddy a book. Excuse the drooling… we think it’s just because you may have allergies.

And when asked what you’re reading you not only tell us “Potty”, but you give the author’s name… Leslie Patricelli.

Also this week you told mommy to “wait for drop on Deadmau5 dubstep. Daddy talks ’bout that” and after snorting gleefully you told Daddy “you’ve got boogers”.

Spring, Part II

The chill musical stylings of Campbell B.
The chill musical stylings of Campbell B.

As promised, we went to the park today. You got to climb over things and, even though it made daddy nervous, up the jungle gym to where the slide is. You aren’t much for sliding, but seem to really like climbing.

Afterwards, we went to have lunch at Turtle Bread and look at a house mommy was interested in. Tonight you will take daddy to the airport and I’m SURE when he returns you’ll be getting some Delta pretzels. 😉

I GOT THIS!
I GOT THIS!
Chillin with your juice (but daddy's sunglasses)
Chillin with your juice (but daddy’s sunglasses)

SPRING!

IMG_5466

It’s been so cold that you haven’t had the chance to get outside. And since you were sick, we’ve curtailed your play time a little. But have no fear, Campbell Batman is here!

I'm Batman!
I’m Batman!

Today you and Mommy met Daddy at the Common Roots Cafe, where we had our afternoon snack, then came home to play outside!

See? And all without a laser level.
See? And all without a laser level.
So about this Messy MacGee character we discussed...
So about this Messy MacGee character we discussed…
And if I keep digging, treasure?
And if I keep digging, treasure?
Green? Spring? Yeah, makes sense.
Green? Spring? Yeah, makes sense.
Yes. Better. It matches my cape.
Yes. Better. It matches my cape.
Enough kickball! PINE CONES!
Enough kickball! PINE CONES!

You tried to sit in every chair,  collected pine cones,  kicked a ball with mommy and had a great time. You even went sans pants while you played with Legos because it was naturally warm in the house.

Pants free Legos = Warm Weather
Pants free Legos = Warm Weather

Since Daddy will be in London next week, we’re going to the park tomorrow, so you’ll have a chance to stretch those quickly growing legs.

New accomplishments:

  • It’s almost gotten impossible to keep up with your new words. You can read about fifty or so sight words. And you know all of your ABCs including singing the song in the right notes.
  • You now make some pretty sophisticated jokes for your age, making puns from words and laughing about them (calling your protective “whale” cover on the faucet the “Whale of Fortune” and the diaper pail a “Diaper Peel”). However, you also think the word “poot” is funny and you try to do that on command. So we suppose it all balances out.

Songs you can’t get enough of ( & credit for who influenced you):

  • Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones (mommy)
  • Thunderstruck by AC/DC (mommy & daddy)
  • Skyfall Theme by Adele (daddy)
  • London Calling by the Clash (daddy)
  • Little Red Caboose by Buckwheat Zydeco (mommy)
  • Sufi Bhakti by Debashish Batacharya (daddy)
  • Pretty much anything by Beethoven (mommy)
  • Pretty much anything by Deadmau5 (daddy)
  • Gangnam Style & Gentleman by Psy (daddy, to mommy’s chagrin)

Slushy Weekend

Have I shown you "Blue Steel" yet?
Have I shown you “Blue Steel” yet?

This weekend was very wet and cold. Not something we expected for the middle of April, so we had to keep our outdoor fun pretty light.

On Saturday Daddy had a portfolio event where he helped artists do better work. When it was done, he came home to get you and mommy so we could go downtown for dinner. We ate at a new place called the American Burger Bar because they had the shortest wait of the restaurants around us and they also served a veggie burger. You amazed us as you read signs in the restaurant and were a complete gentleman. Good thing, because it was a VERY small dining room. We walked around a little in the Skyway then made it an early night.

Boots of the three bears no doubt.
Boots of the three bears no doubt.

Sunday was worse weather, but it didn’t stop us from having a great time. We took you to Turtle Bread Company and had yummy soup while outside it snowed. You were such an impressive eater, even using your fork to eat lentils without spilling a drop.

I'm practicing this look for the back cover of my novel.
I’m practicing this look for the back cover of my novel.
Lentils... approved!
Lentils… approved!

Then the highlight of our day; another great trip to Wild Rumpus, your favorite bookstore. It had been a while since we went there and this time you were unstoppable. You spun book racks, chased the chicken that lives there, watched the kitties eat and learned what sound a dove makes.

One of the few "stuffed" animals there.
One of the few “stuffed” animals there.

In fact, your “coos” were so good, we called Uncle Chad and Aunt Am so you could do it for them over FaceTime. You also got FIVE new books. Some more Sandra Boynton ones (which you really like) and a counting book with your absolute favorite thing in the world; butterflies!

Easter and a trip to the Science Museum

Happy Easter, you styling folk.
Happy Easter, you styling folk.

Easter morning was something special, because as soon as you got up, you got to scavenge the house for Easter eggs. Your Easter basket contained treats from the Easter Bunny and some things from your Grandma Yeoman. The eggs you found all over the house contained candy, some money and yes, even some Delta pretzels! Once you discovered there was loot in them, you didn’t hesitate to do whatever it took to crack them open

One for raiding, the other for collecting
One for raiding, the other for collecting
What's all this then?
What’s all this then?
I've found another!
I’ve found another!

As soon as the egg hunting was done, we spent the morning at the Science Museum of Minnesota. You had a really good time. You got to play with puzzles,  see dinosaur bones, run around like crazy and push practically every button in the place.

A meat eater, you say?
A meat eater, you say?
Levitation isn't magic. It's SCIENCE!
Levitation isn’t magic. It’s SCIENCE!
Toddler? I am the TOPPLER!
Toddler? I am the TOPPLER!
Hmmm. My super strength isn't working on this massive chain.
Hmmm. My super strength isn’t working on this massive chain.

You also made a new sloth pal and were a little annoyed when I wouldn’t let you take him out of his “habitat”.

And I shall call you "Slothy"
And I shall call you “Slothy”
No one should notice that I didn't come in with these...
No one should notice that I didn’t come in with these…

Once finished with the museum, we grabbed at bite at the Wild Onion in St. Paul, where you did a great job eating a grilled cheese without cutting it up first. You also got a new nickname (Messy MacGee) which you thought was hilarious as mommy cleaned you up.

Messy Magee?! Brilliant!
Messy MacGee?! Brilliant!