Welcome Fall

Today felt like the unofficial start of fall. Temps dropped into the 60s, so it was time to exchange the shorts for long pants and pack an extra layer (or two).

After I picked the kids up at daycare and school (!) respectively, we all headed over to Albemarle park for some R&R. The kids were fortunate to meet up with one of their friends; I was fortunate that her dad offered to be a second pair of eyes as all the kids tore around the playground. Celia kept up very well with the older two. She really has no fear when it comes to climbing; I found her scrambling up ladders and tire structures that were intended for kids twice her age. (She only got stuck once--although this did scare her a little, and required a good cry.  She forgot all about it pretty quickly though.)

Andres was in a great mood after his second full day of school. He flew from structure to structure, zooming down slides and weaving through the crowds of older kids who happened to be playing there too. When he's in a good mood he's able to entertain himself really well; this afternoon was one of those times, and it was a pleasure to allow him freedom to roam while I focused on following Celia.

The ice cream truck made an unexpected appearance too. And he had a rapt audience--tons of kids screeching for ice cream, and parents all too willing to make an exception "just this one time" to alleviate the swelling of their eardrums. I thought (hoped?) that Andres would be too wrapped up in play to notice the familiar jingle coming from the street...but he proved to be an astute consumer, and flashed me a look that said "DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS AN ICE CREAM TRUCK 100 FEET AWAY" and "I HAVEN'T BEEN TO AN ICE CREAM TRUCK ALL SUMMER" all without saying a word. He had had a good day, so who was I to say no? I made an exception just this one time.

So it was that we all sat down for a nice snack. Both Celia and Andres wanted ice cream sandwiches. This was great for two reasons: first, they were the cheapest treats on the menu, and second, I was privy to a fascinating discrepancy in eating techniques.

Celia ate her ice cream sandwich using the standard top-down approach. At some point she had to contend with the wrapper, but that only posed a momentary glitch in an otherwise quick snack. Oh and she got a ton on her face.

Interestingly, Andres used a different approach--seemingly a "corn-on-the-cob" style. He eventually managed to eat his way to a razor-thin blade of ice cream sandwich. This was fascinating to see; I have no idea where he picked it up.

Bellies full, the kids played around a bit more before it was time to head out. It was a nice way to end the week.