Calvin and Hobbes: The Introduction of a Classic

Growing up, I remember watching my brother laughing as he read Calvin and Hobbes. There are a couple of boys in high school, where, when I think of them, I automatically remember C&H as well, as they were often found either drawing the comic, or with it in hand. A couple of years ago, I thought to myself that I would need to remember to get a comic book or two for Liam, after I saw how much he appreciated a Baby Blues comic book that my parents got for us. Lately, I had been reminded of it again, when watching this one incessantly carry around his "Teddy" with him everywhere (none of my other two were that emotionally attached to their stuffed animals).

 We were at the Rescue Mission on Tuesday, and I saw a stack of Garfield comic books. I thought to myself that I should look for a C&H book for Liam, but I didn't notice any. Well, it's because Liam had already seen it and snagged it. So I happily bought it for him (and at 12.5 cents, it was the steal of a lifetime!!).

Since then, this has been the common scene.

And when he can get someone to read it to him, this is the common reaction you will see, as he doesn't have to sound out and understand some of the more difficult vocabulary in Calvin's jargon (i.e. maligned, tapioca, repartee, wriggling)

This one below, he first wanted to read to me Wednesday morning. Then, he wanted to act it out. After that, it turned into a full blown skit. Enjoy.

(Sorry I posted this Nana, but at least I gave you fair warning!)

Hilariously, Joel actually remembered this strip, and was quoting it before Liam and my mom would even say the sentences- This makes me even more excited to have this book for our boys!

The Food Truck Experience

Durham and the triangle area is known for being a "foodie" area. There are so many different restaurants that we want to try before we leave-- we are running out of time! 

What's that have to do with this post? Well, Aiden informed me after we celebrated Liam's birthday that he wants waffles for his birthday dinner... and chicken. Yes, he doesn't realize that chicken and waffles is an actual thing down here. Or everywhere. But, he gave his request to me at bedtime... never talk about food to a nursing mother before she goes to bed at night! All I could think about was Belgian waffles, so I got a craving (no, cravings don't end after you give birth) in the middle of the night and decided to find a recipe. Well, I started typing in "Belgian wa..." and voila, up popped Google's suggestion of "Belgian waffology". I just had to know what that was, so I clicked on it... and well, you can see what it culminated in below. Deliciously dense Liege waffles, with their sugary carmelized crust, infused with chocolate batons (for mom and I) and strawberries, powdered sugar and whipped cream for the boys. I mean, I figured it was providential, since the truck just happened to be a straight shot south of our house the following morning!

I mean, it was a homeschooling field trip, right?! Learning the shape of, and the common street food in the country of Belgium- and getting to order from a guy with a Belgian accent to boot! It's geography... ;)

Liam's verdict?

"Mommy, I think we need to do food trucks more often."

I think he will be in for a surprise the next time he has greasy carnival fare...

Papa's Visit

My father came to visit for a few days a week after Bowen was born. The time was way too short, but the boys loved every minute of it. Much time was spent holding the baby, Lego-building (they wanted Papa to help, but he ended up watching them do most all of it, only redirecting them when they would try to skip steps), reading books and going for walks around the subdivision, or playing at local parks. He also took them on a "date" to Target to get Mother's Day cards and smoothies. They are already looking forward to our move in July so that Papa can come visit again!