New Babysitter

We have a new baby sitter for Island Boy. His name is William Knabe. He isn't very reliable and he doesn't change diapers, but he does keep Island Boy entertained for a good twenty minutes at a time.

I do believe that counts as a minor miracle at this age, so we're very pleased with his services.

Musical Memories

We tried a new Mexican restaurant recently on what turned out to be Mariachi night. We sat on the patio where we could hear the music yet enjoy the beautiful evening outdoors.

After dinner, Island Boy watched the dancers preparing to go on stage (flirting with the ladies, as always). When we took him in to watch the show, we were holding him and standing near the wall trying not to block anyone's view. He wanted down so he could launch into his own full-on dance routine that stole the show. Ah, to be so uninhibited!!

A few nights ago we decided to try the restaurant again. As we approached the entrance, Island Boy began snapping his fingers and dancing. He totally knew where we were!! Although it wasn't Mariachi night, Island Boy found the recorded music inspiring enough to try out some of his moves up on stage and he didn't even have any margaritas!

Paper Mismatch

I received a new error message from my printer today:

"Paper mismatch."

I've never received such an error message before. The paper seemed fine - standard 8 1/2 x 11 generic printer paper.

Hmm...

Upon closer inspection you'll never guess what I found in the paper tray?
Yes, both a CD and a puzzle piece. Very helpful. Mismatch indeed!

Island Boy does love the electronics and I can't blame him for thinking the paper tray looked like the ideal place to insert things. The baby proofer can't help us now. No, we're way beyond that at this stage. Why is it that a certain commercial involving oatmeal and a VCR keeps coming to mind??

One for the Ages

If you missed the men's 400 meter swimming relay, go watch it now. Phenomenal.

Little Friends

We were in the Bay Area for a few days in conjunction with one of Hubby's business trips. We stayed with friends and played and played and played. It's difficult to say which of us had the best time. Island Boy had a great time visiting with his friends while we truly enjoyed visiting with their parents.

Island Boy wasn't shy about jumping right in to play with his friends the Salsa Twins. During this visit, my son managed to vacuum the floors while the twins piled over each other playing banana ride (I'm not sure I have that exactly right, but it was some sort of ride...) in the chair. After Island Boy got good and worn out playing with the girls, we went over to visit with two boys and their parents.

I'd been told that boys and girls are different, but the energy level between these two pairs could not have illustrated the chasm more clearly. While the girls are very energetic and not at all shy, the boys are...well, let's just say they're boys. There was certainly the dolls vs. trucks dichotomy, but it was more than that...something you really had to experience to fully appreciate. The boys even had a piano at their home so they took turns playing duets with Island Boy. It was tooo cute!!

Island Boy had just enough time for a brief siesta before heading over to enjoy an authentic home-cooked Indian meal and entertainment on gorgeous Indian drums at yet another friend's home.

We wrapped up our time in the BA with another brief visit with the twins before heading for home. Those little girls are so sweet they actually requested that "that wittle boy" come to visit them again. And no, the cuteness didn't end there.

Perhaps the most adorable quote ever:

"We are little friends", said one of the Salsa Twins as the weekend came to a close. Is that the sweetest thing you've ever heard??

Summer

There are just seven weekends left in summer. How will you live them?

Taylor Made

When you take your seat at the Greek Theater, you must remind yourself that it is situated amid one of the world's major metropolises. Sitting there, you feel as though you are in a much smaller or at least a much more remote place (although if that were the case you might not be listening to musical acts on the same magnitude). There are no bad seats at the Greek. It is a small venue, nestled in to the mountains with trees crowding in along the edges to remind you that you are surrounded by nature. It is as much a joy to be at the venue as it is to listen to the music.

We had the pleasure of spending an evening at the Greek with James Taylor. He made the evening feel very intimate with his warmth and humor. He's the kind of artist that always surprises you with the number of hits he has had over the years. His voice is still simply amazing. If you haven't listened to his music in a while, go listen now. You won't be able to resist a smile.