Dino Day!

When I was growing up, it was common knowledge that the dinosaurs were extinct. As an adult I find that a bit misleading, in the sense that Homo Habilis or Homo heidelbergensis is extinct. I think it's more accurate to say that they are just dead. Homo Neanderthalis is extinct for sure, but those other guys were eventually us. Similarly, the Trex is extinct, but probably the velociraptor is a progenitor for the main course today. Dinosaurs are everywhere, and they are delicious.

Karl got ahold of our camera, and now we have no idea where it is. It's possible that he fenced it to pay for some of the new toys I see him playing with today; I have no idea where they came from. So there's no pictures for Dino day. We may have to buy a new camera, which will be an exercise in will power, lest we buy a D-SLR to flaunt at the people of Kuwait.

In other news I've officially lost 10 pounds and ridden at least 400 miles since I started cycling to work. I've also outfitted my ride with lots of new accessories

- My bell is a "Bell" bell. Come up with your own abbot/costello routine (5$)

- a basket for my backpack is attached to a rack on the back (20$ & 15$)

- two red lights for the back (10$ & 15$)

- Nite Rider LED 3 hour light (109$)

- Orange safety vest (12$)

The first safety vest I found was 15$, a one size fits all Nathan reflective vest. It turned out to be for children or something, and it looked ridiculous. At Dick's they had a 'cycling' orange safety vest for 50$, but I found a 12$ safety vest in the "Hunting" section instead. Now I'm ready for the zombie apocalypse with my handy shotgun shell holders in my snazzy vest!

Unexpected side effect of bicycling to work in cold weather, I get cold at work on days when I don't ride in. I'm used to having a lot of extra body heat.

Anyway have a happy thanksgiving, and take a moment to remember the real history behind the holiday, that the white man steam-rolled over the native american tribes leaving little behind. The Algonquians probably never had a "thanksgiving" with the puritans. Histories victors are its authors after all.

Family Updates

Karl:

In the past month it seems like Karl has changed from baby to toddler. Crawling is non existent, tantrums are being thrown, and he is communicating with us more and more.

A week after his first birthday Karl started doing sign language back to us. We have tried to be consistent with our signs and it has paid off! Karl does the signs for 'more', 'mama', 'water', 'milk', 'book','all done', and 'dog'.

Karl is turning into a climber. Just this morning I found him sitting on TOP of the piano. He pulled his little green chair in front of the bench and climbed right on up. Looks like I've got some work on my hands.

Erik:

Erik is still biking to work despite the cold weather. He is now layering a lot of clothes and having to wear a warm knit cap under his helmet. I think he plans to keep biking through the winter until snow or ice hits.

Progress on the strip built kayak is being made as Erik is researching and contacting lumber yards finding the perfect pieces for his boat. By Spring we hope to have a finished boat to show you!

Me:

My voice students have their big recital on December 12th at the senior home near our house. I am looking forward to hearing them and seeing them perform. If you're in the northern virginia area and want to come leave a comment and we can get you details.

I have now attended two births, the most recent one being yesterday! I really love being a birth partner and helping women feel comfortable during labor. It is incredible seeing a mother have the birth she wants.

...now for pictures of Karl at a playground in Alexandria from this past weekend.

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

We had a pretty busy weekend, but managed to find time to dress Karl up as a lion and take him trick or treating.

I do have to admit that I'm surprised Karl only came home with two pieces of candy. If I saw this little lion saunter up to my house I would fill his basket with candy. Perhaps Karl was gipped because we didn't take a basket, so his hands could only hold two...and we only visited two houses :)

Check out that little tail!