Pool Play

We joined a lovely little neighborhood pool for the summer, where Court has spent many sunny mornings and late afternoons cooling off in the toy-strewn toddler pool. He also enjoys swimming with his mom and dad in the big pool, where he confidently wears his arm floaties and delights in watching the big kids jump off of the diving board.

Marbles

Court is fortunate to live just a few miles from the Marbles Kids Museum, which we recently visited to escape the summer heat. Court had a ball in the "Around Town" exhibit where he cruised around in the driver's seat of a classic car and a city bus and discovered the novelty of a pay phone (a near-relic!).

Music Time

Court joined some friends for an outdoor music class recently. He was entranced by the music and remarkably responsive to using the various instruments provided. It was such a treat to see him in his toddler element and such a surprise to see him sitting patiently awaiting direction from the instructor!

Farmer's Market

We are incredibly fortunate to live less than 15 minutes from the largest greenmarket in the state, the NC State Farmer's Market. It is open year-round and the prices and produce can not be beat. We find ourselves there at least once a week, and Court loves taking advantage of the farmers' generosity. He is always willing to participate in a taste test, especially when it includes a big cold slice of watermelon.

Dottie

Court has a very dear friend named Dottie who joins him in his crib for every nap time and bedtime. He is usually very particular about keeping her in his bed, but sometimes when he has a hard time waking up, he will bring her along for his post-nap snack. Inevitably, some peanut butter or cheese ends up smudged on her dress or legs, which we think just adds to her character. As you can tell, Dottie is a very well loved doll!

Oak Island

Pardon the delay in our regular updates! Court spent the last week of July on Oak Island, NC, where we traded our mobile phones and laptops for morning play sessions on the beach and late afternoon swims in the frothy ocean. Along with three other families, we spent a lovely week in a spacious house one block from the beach and we had a wonderful time. Court's highlights included his first ice cream cone, his first stroll along a fishing pier, multiple days building sand castles and lots of playtime with the four other kiddos under our shared roof. We are already looking forward to returning next year!

Smoothie Face

Smoothies are currently at the top of Court's list of favorite foods, and we love them for their ability to make yogurt, milk and fruit a little more fun. Along with smoothie drinking comes the requisite smoothie face!