Monday, June 8, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Lucasisms
Reading the tram station map in Amsterdam around midnight after our Italian feast, desperate to help his parents find their way back to the hotel. (shown above)
"My ears are tired."
On the tram, finally on our way home.
"Those are cool socks (you) have there Daddy. Can I touch them?"
"Yummy, Indeed!"
Commenting on day-old oatmeal I was feeding him in the tub.
"I want a cookie."
Today, in a flash, this morphed into a blood-curdling, gut wrenching, "I NEED another cookEEEEEEEE!!!!" (They were organic, whole-wheat crackers.)
"I want a lollipop."
He now says this every time we see Martin. And we see him often. It's kind of embarrassing. Today was the first time one has not emerged from his bag. I plan to make him zucchini bread before we leave.
"Ummmm (intense contemplation)....Nope!"
"Actualleeeeeee..............Nope!"
This is how he politely declines anything that is requested of him.
"I not sure."
He's a bit uncertain about this one. But he likes it and offers it as a considerate alternative to "no."
Monday, June 1, 2009
Final Countdown
The timer has been set. We are leaving for the UK on June 10th and will visit our family there until June 20th. Then back to Atlanta!
Must say there is an air of apprehension around here. How will we part from the City of a Hundred Spires? (perhaps with a couple of real estate magazines tucked under arm)
Outside our tall open window, vibrant people are chatting over a barely-touched beer. One of the girls sporadically sings opera (and sings it well.) I am watery eyed after saying a last naschledenon to the housekeeper (who, BTW, could be a perfect 36-26-36 model and yoga instructor on the side.)
It's just a regular day and Lucas and I have already gone to a large and beautiful English-style garden that is rich with history, culture and peacocks. You should hear Lucas's impression. It's hilarious and spot on! Some sort of mystery fruit grows there on large vines - a cross between an avocado and a fig. Any guesses?
This morning's agenda also included apple streudel and a cappuccino at a patio table while horses trotted by pulling carriages. (Though I much prefer the traditional honey cake - wait until you try it.) Then we walked through the old town square and wound down a narrow cobbled-stoned street to a "Bric-and-Brac" store and played with the antique cars and trains offered to us by the shop owner.
Next we found ourselves in Anagram, a cozy bookshop, reading children's books. (Embarking on A Thousand Splendid Suns is not alleviating my wistful state of mind.) On our way home, we picked up sandwiches from the bakery and ate them on the curb.
All of this before nap time!
The beauty and character of Prague can not be exaggerated. Knowing its shadowed communist history I had this strange idea of a Gotham-like city with the occasional beautiful building. No, there is not a square inch in this city that is not a feast for the eyes and soul.
But I am looking forward to our Gardenia bushes blooming back home - there's nothing like sitting half naked on a warm, breezy Atlanta night and drinking in their scent.
And most of all, I'm looking forward to four very special Grandparents. Toddlers will be toddlers, even in Prague. Example: Lucas just picked up a random coffee cup and is currently chugging the murky black remnants. I need a vacation!
Must say there is an air of apprehension around here. How will we part from the City of a Hundred Spires? (perhaps with a couple of real estate magazines tucked under arm)
Outside our tall open window, vibrant people are chatting over a barely-touched beer. One of the girls sporadically sings opera (and sings it well.) I am watery eyed after saying a last naschledenon to the housekeeper (who, BTW, could be a perfect 36-26-36 model and yoga instructor on the side.)
It's just a regular day and Lucas and I have already gone to a large and beautiful English-style garden that is rich with history, culture and peacocks. You should hear Lucas's impression. It's hilarious and spot on! Some sort of mystery fruit grows there on large vines - a cross between an avocado and a fig. Any guesses?
This morning's agenda also included apple streudel and a cappuccino at a patio table while horses trotted by pulling carriages. (Though I much prefer the traditional honey cake - wait until you try it.) Then we walked through the old town square and wound down a narrow cobbled-stoned street to a "Bric-and-Brac" store and played with the antique cars and trains offered to us by the shop owner.
Next we found ourselves in Anagram, a cozy bookshop, reading children's books. (Embarking on A Thousand Splendid Suns is not alleviating my wistful state of mind.) On our way home, we picked up sandwiches from the bakery and ate them on the curb.
All of this before nap time!
The beauty and character of Prague can not be exaggerated. Knowing its shadowed communist history I had this strange idea of a Gotham-like city with the occasional beautiful building. No, there is not a square inch in this city that is not a feast for the eyes and soul.
But I am looking forward to our Gardenia bushes blooming back home - there's nothing like sitting half naked on a warm, breezy Atlanta night and drinking in their scent.
And most of all, I'm looking forward to four very special Grandparents. Toddlers will be toddlers, even in Prague. Example: Lucas just picked up a random coffee cup and is currently chugging the murky black remnants. I need a vacation!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
This and that, Amsterdam
In conclusion, there are many, many reasons to love Amsterdam...
The (relatively) fresh air,
The canals,
The flowers,
The fact that EVERYone rides a bike, (Eight-months pregnant, mini-skirt and three inch heels? No problem.)
Cool graffiti,
And Lucas's favorites, the wooden truck in front of a bookstore and the "track" that runs down the center of Museumplein.
The (relatively) fresh air,
The canals,
The flowers,
The fact that EVERYone rides a bike, (Eight-months pregnant, mini-skirt and three inch heels? No problem.)
Cool graffiti,
And Lucas's favorites, the wooden truck in front of a bookstore and the "track" that runs down the center of Museumplein.
Buh duh buh, BAH DAH, buh buh duh buh duh...
One afternoon in Amsterdam we passed by this musician. Chris commented offhandedly that it was too bad his voice was so quiet. When we saw him again at dusk, we took Lucas's cue and had a seat. The performer perked up. It was really fun to watch his foot stamp a tambourine and hear his voice, albeit soft, soulfully and skillfully carry a jazzy tune. Good vibes rippled out of him in waves. (We are, however, taking partial credit for the school of kids and numerous tourists who were watching his performance by the end of the song.)We have been singing his cheerful tune since last weekend - it puts wings on my heart!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Playing in Museumplein
There was an awesome field around the corner from our hotel where we played and picnicked during sunset. Enjoy the video of our little track star:
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