Strandbeest Exhibit

We recently went to the Peabody Essex Museum and saw the Strandbeest exhibit right before it closed. Jack seemed to enjoy it and talked about it for at least a week afterward, even making his own version of a "beast" out of parts from his tool kit.

They had two samples which people could power themselves and Jack wanted to give it a try as you can see below.

Checking out one of the pieces hanging in the main lobby. 

Learning how the beests propel themselves when there's no wind.

If you're curious to know more, here is the website: http://www.strandbeest.com/

- S.

Library

Scooby Doo puppet show.

 Jack can now reach the water fountain all by himself.  

It was not long ago that he needed to be picked up to reach it.

It is that time of year where we find ourselves at the library much more often due to yucky weather.  Jack categorizes the local libraries by his favorite toys at each one.  Peabody has the trucks, Salem has the school bus, and Danvers has the train tables.  

- S.

Christmas

Waiting patiently to tuck into the gingerbread house on Christmas Eve.

Christmas morning

Took a long time to notice other presents while playing with the tower crane.

Finally, truck crane.

The gift Jack actually asked for, a white board and markers.

 After Christmas celebrating with family.  Pedal dumper from Grampy.

 Trying it out with some help from cousin Adam.

Christmas week was a whirlwind, but amazingly Jack did not get an ear infection or any other considerable illness this year.  We had a pretty quiet and relaxing New Year's Eve/Day and now are working to get back into our regularly scheduled programming.  

- S.  

Pre Christmas

Jack took it upon himself to gather all the red ornaments and cover the Charlie Brown tree with them.

The heavier Jack gets, the more interesting the star placement gets.

Making cookie dough.

Eating cookie dough (not Mom approved).

Our first gingerbread house kit.

 Had a little trouble with ice dams, but fun nonetheless.

- S.

Still Here

"Mom, look!  The blueberries are taking a tub!"

"Mom, look!  I made a bird!"

We're still here and gearing up for Christmas.  Jack's imagination has been exploding lately and he comes up with some clever stories and play ideas.  It's fun to experience.  Jack has been enjoying puzzles lately and is getting pretty good at them.  

Christmas-related photos to follow soon.  Hoping for a healthy holiday this year!

- S.  

Halloween

Strict supervision of pumpkin carving.  

Jack's request was a happy pumpkin with no teeth.

He and dad drew it together.

Finally agreed to put his costume on.

Ready for trick or treating.

 Going through the haul.

- S.

Panda Breakfast

"It's bamboo-flavored oatmeal."

Of course it is…

- S.