Art Appreciation

Warning: This post contains anatomical language and photos of paintings of nudity. If that sort of thing is upsetting to you, stop reading.

Yesterday, on a whim, Henry and I decided to go down to the Art Institute. I thought it might be a good way to spend the day, since it was going to be so hot and muggy outside. Pete suggested we take the train, which added another element to our adventure. Here's Henry in the train station (which has its own coffee shop!) eating a free bagel from the nice coffeeman.
And on the train... we were delayed when we finally got to Union Station, because of a derailment earlier in the day. So we had to sit on the tracks with a boring view for about 20 extra minutes. We used our time to decide upon what we would look for at the museum, we settled upon looking for a dog, a cat and a tiger in the paintings.

Once downtown we walked the 5 blocks to the museum. Henry rode in his stroller, but we checked it when we got inside. After a bathroom visit, our first stop was in the miniatures room. Henry loved looking at the miniature cathedral ("where is the bell?") and we found a dog and a cat in some of the other rooms. Then we travelled past the suits of armor....which I always find fascinating.
We had spent so much time on the train and walking, that it was already time for lunch. We splurged and ate in the restaurant instead of the cafe. This way they brought the food to us (much easier than juggling a try while holding the hand of a two-year-old) and we could sit outside by the fountain. We were sold when they told us they had a kid's menu. Here's Henry coloring on the backside of it. If you look closely you can tell that's La Grande Jatte (which we saw later).
Here's a blurry shot of our lovely eating spot ("Mom, is the water coming out of their penises?").
Henry under a giant O'Keefe painting.

While we wandered around, I tried to get Henry to tell me if there was something he liked. The only painting he really lingered at, without my urging, was this one.
Me: Do you like this one Henry?
H: Yes!
Me: Why?
H: Because! It has penises and verginas in it.
We did get some looks while I had him pose for the photo. Fortunately, most of the looks were bemused.
Then we came upon this painting/relief sculpture. Henry looked at it for a bit. I asked him what it looked like to him, and then I got this on video. It starts out all nice and thoughtful, and then at the end you remember that it is Henry talking.

We had to see American Gothic. Henry had seen a bit of the picture on the museum map and kept asking "who is that man?" We tried to talk about how Grant Wood was from Iowa and how a house he had lived in was very close to the house where mommy grew up, but he lost interest quickly.

Here we are outside. Henry was so tired he didn't know what to do with himself. He alternated between being totally goofy and looking like a walking zombie.
We found the free trolley back to the station, but had almost an hour to kill there before getting back on the train.



In this photo you may notice some M&M residue around the corners of Henry's mouth. I was shocked that he didn't fall asleep on the ride home. I certainly wanted to!
All in all, a very tiring, but very nice day with my boy. We even got Pete to cook dinner (with some guidance) and Henry fell asleep before 8PM so Pete and I could watch a movie. Wears me out just thinking about it again!

A breakfast conversation

Henry: Mom, is Franklin made out of plastic?

Me: No, he's not made out of plastic.

H: What is he made out of?

Me: What is he made out of?

H: I don't know.

Me: What are you made out of?

H: Um. I don't know. What are you made out of?

Me: I am made out of skin and bones and muscles and blood.

H: Franklin is made out of bones and muscle and blood and um...bone and muscles. And I'm made out of bones! And muscles! ... Mom, watch my spoon fly.

Me: No.

H: (throws his spoon across the table)

Me: .

H: I want my spoon!


.....just a little taste of our breakfast time conversation.

Random Images

Here's a very pretty salad I made for dinner the other night. Taste-wise I would say it was average, but I give myself a 10 for presentation. Pete liked it and took some for lunch the next day, so it couldn't have been too bad. Pete had to drive back in to Evanston Wednesday night to pick up the table which goes with the chairs. I couldn't fit it in the car with Henry and the chairs in there. I wish we had a basement where we could use one or the other of the tables....not sure I want to part with it at this point. It's pretty cute, I think. And, again, the chrome is in good shape.
Many mornings, while I take a shower, I allow Henry to watch a little PBS. He knows the rules are that he's not to let the dog out or go out in the yard himself while I'm in the shower. Apparently the rule we have not talked about is the one regarding climbing up onto the top of the furniture. Today when I got out of the shower he was perched up in this little nest.

Red is the color of bargain shopping

Henry and I made a trip to the Salvation Army today, in search of some toy trucks and maybe a lamp for Pete. We found a fairly cool lamp, but the cord was suspect so we left it behind.
And then we stumbled across these beauties: A complete set of four! Not actually old, but the style we've been looking for- to go with the $12 table I got at an auction in Burlington years ago. I have two chairs that are white-ish gray to match the table, but the chrome is a mess and the chairs don't really match that well anyway (see a corner of current table and chair in following photo). So we thought we'd try red. They came with a red table (though I was willing to pay the price for the chairs alone). Not sure yet if we'll keep the table or sell it. We'll let you know- in case anyone is looking for a vintage (I think actually old) table in red....with a leaf, not quite as handy as the pull-out sides on the current table.
Henry's delightful find:
A sweet red "it-goes-by-itself" VW with doors that open! For all of 40 cents!

Henry's first correctly-used swear...

...and other hilarious things he's said recently.

In the car tonight Pete was playing some sweet 80's tunes that he's 'studying' to play with some bands at the Shure ice cream social. Sunglasses at Night, Jump, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Everybody's Workin' For The Weekend and Final Countdown. Fantastic songs, all. At one point during Jump I said to Henry "Henry, how does this song make you feel?" and Henry said, without missing a beat, "sick". He proceeded to say that each of the other songs also made him feel sick. So I finally asked him what music made him feel good and he said "Um, kind of, Johnny Cash".

Earlier today Henry and I were doing a little inside playing while waking up from our naps. He wanted to go outside, which I kept trying to avoid because it was so hot out. Finally he looked at my watch, tapped it with his finger and said "Mom, it's baseball time".

And finally, yesterday Henry was following his dad through the doggy gate that separates the kitchen from the family room. He must have had a little trouble opening it or bumped himself or something because suddenly, in frustration, he said "Ow. Dammick!"

Update

Henry's first fish!

Lumberjack Championships

On Friday we went out for a boat ride. Henry still fits (snugly) into his life jacket from last year, but he doesn't much like wearing it. In this photo he had fallen asleep to the hum of the motor.
That afternoon Will and Sandy showed up, made a quick walleye dinner and then we all hustled out to Hayward for the Lumberjack Championships. Aside from some crowded and treacherous bleachers, it was a pretty fun time. Here are a few select moments:
Henry with some mascot guy that we only saw this one time...
The crazy speed climbers. You can't tell from this photo, but two of those poles are 60' high and the other two are 90'! They hustled up there and then practically free-fell back down. The rule is that they have to touch the pole with their feet at least every 15' on the way down, so it wasn't a complete free fall....

Here we are in the stands.
This was actually the second night. This competition is called springboard chopping. They start on the ground, chop a spot to stick their board in, hoist themselves up and then stand on the board for the next chop. They move it up twice until they can chop the top of the log off. They do all of this in a manner of seconds. It's pretty incredible. The crazy thing is- as far as we could tell- they were not wearing steel-toed shoes! It doesn't seem as crazy for this competition, but when they do the one where they stand on the log and chop down into it- I know I would want some serious protection!
Finally, here are Pete, Sandy, Henry and I trying out the events. Aren't we good?

Wisconsin

We spent the last five days in Wisconsin at Dad and Kathie's lake house. It's a seven hour car trip from home, so we started out early Thursday morning. We tried to pack all kinds of distractions and, on Pete's brilliant suggestion, packed lunch and snacks as well. Our plan was to find a nice road-side spot to stop and eat, with the added benefit of letting little legs (child's and dog's) run and stretch. The plan worked perfectly. We stopped in Augusta, WI, asked for directions to a park or picnic area and were directed to this lovely spot. Otherwise boring sandwiches always seem to taste better when eaten in a park during a long car ride. We also enjoyed Cheetos and cans of pop. Milk for Henry, of course.
Then off ran the little guy to play on the purple airplane.
I was happy to see slides that were made of natural material, not brightly colored, and high enough and with short enough sides to still feel a little thrilling. I fear these will soon be extinct.
We arrived at the house (on the Chippewa Flowage, near Hayward) around 2 in the afternoon. It was hot as the dickens, but cooled off after a heavy rain storm. Before the rain though, Henry was able to finally try out his Snoopy fishing pole (circa 1980) with Grandpa Bill. He did catch a fish, but I missed the photo op. Watch Dad's blog and you may see a picture of it....or maybe I can get him to email it to me.
Henry also got his feet a little wet with Grandma Kathie. Franklin (who turned 4 years old today!) was also hilariously adventurous on this trip! He waded in the water, dug in the sand and chased chipmunks with his doggie pals Lucy and Josey all day long. He'll be getting a birthday bath pretty soon here.
Stay tuned tomorrow for pictures from the lumberjack championships!

What Henry Just Told Me...

"Mom. Mom. You're the one mom in the world!"

Finished with Potter...

I have finished my first reading of HP7. I'll go back for another reading , at least of several of the final chapters...there was a lot in there.
But in the meantime, for those who just don't care about Harry...
We spent the weekend in Burlington, doing general Burlington things. We had a very nice walk through the cemetery and followed this deer around for a while. The cemetery in Burlington is the most beautiful I have ever been in, and the one I have spent the most time in. I have fond memories of visiting there with my grandma and watering the flowers. Later that day we went to visit the First United Methodist church which had a fire months ago. It was pretty hard to see the damage. They are still determining what they are able and unable to do with the building. They haven't even been able to get inside to see if there is anything at all salvageable, and the street is still blocked off on two sides of the block. My family traces many weddings and baptisms at this church and I truly hope they're able to maintain some of the original structure.
In this shot you can see how the inside is still just full of everything that came crashing down. That night we went to hear some Django Rheinhardt inspired guitar music at Mr. Moto's. We met Charlie Downing and his wife Carly there. Charlie is the minister who married Pete and I. He had just been assigned and taken the head pastor position in Burlington when the arson happened. Henry told him we saw "the broken church" and Charlie told him "we'll fix it".
On Sunday we went to a Burlington Bees game. Much fun was had by all. Henry is sporting his new Bees hat in this photo. Later Joyce caught a free Bees t-shirt, which she gave to Pete.
Henry didn't want to stand by himself with Buzz, so I helped him pose.
He didn't actually spend all of his time sitting and watching the game, but this picture is pretty cute.
My cousin Sam and the two daughters of another cousin were there to keep Henry entertained. Here you can see Molly, Lucy, Henry and Sam about to run the bases after the game.
Henry expresses his general feelings about baseball....
Sam had a ball that he got signed by the players, Henry didn't have anything for signing, but he does enjoy giving a high-five.
Here's some video of the little sporto running the bases. Note that he occasionally has to stop and take a rest....he is his mother's son.

Please.....don't.

I have my mom to thank for introducing my to Harry Potter. Thanks Mom! It must have been in '98 or '99 because I was working at the Barnes & Noble in Iowa City. She had heard about this book on NPR, something about a young wizard...it was really popular in Britain. It was really a kids' book, but seemed like something Rob would like and would I pick it up for him for Christmas? His birthday? I don't remember that, but I do remember exactly where the book was in the store. I think there was only one on the shelf. I bought it, Mom gave it to Rob. After he read it I borrowed it and then bought myself The Chamber of Secrets. It's my oldest book, and if you look closely you can see that it doesn't have the number at the top like the other 5 do. Anyway, I was hooked. I remember when Order of the Phoenix came out, Pete and I were at a wedding in a tiny town in Colorado. We had to search the town for a store that was open, not to mention one that would have the book. We finally found it and I was one of at least 5 people on the plane home that was reading the book. A woman I didn't know at the airport took a picture of several of us holding our books. When The Half-Blood Prince came out I finally had Sharon to share my love of the books with. She's light-years ahead of me in knowing the minutiae of the stories, but we both a delighted to have another adult to discuss the stories with. Granted, my brothers love the books too, but they're not into talking....you know....boys. So this year, in anticipation of the final book (The Deathly Hallows) coming out, I've been re-reading and listening to the audio books and re-reading again. I've had the countdown widget on my computer for months. I've become a fan of The Leaky Cauldron and check it frequently for news and interesting ideas. In this photo you can see the spot on my bookshelf that has been saved for The Deathly Hallows. If you look closely you can also see some 'Snape- Friend or Foe?' bookmarks (I'm still torn!), my Quidditch-themed bookplates and my copies of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages. Pete has frequently been heard to say that I'm "geeking out". Last night Sharon and I went to see the fifth movie- The Order of the Phoenix. It was great. I liked it a lot. I'm a big fan of the movies, but nothing is quite like the books. And now we come to the last few days (my widget says 1 day, 15 hours, 52 min, 7 seconds) before the midnight release. I'll be picking mine up at a B. Dalton's in Burlington. Joyce has already reserved it for me, and Pete has agreed to attend the midnight release. Sharon will be taking her girls to Naperville on Friday, where they turn the whole town into a Hogsmeade village- every store changing it's name (the LaSalle bank will become Gringott's) participating with a craft, activity or special treat. Then they'll come back to Northbrook for an outdoor showing of the first movie and a walking parade over to The Book Bin (our local independent) to pick up the books at midnight.
This really is an exciting time for me. I know it is the epitome of dorkiness to most...but I'm really looking forward to this book. This is really a once in a lifetime thing. So now I have to send out my plea.... Please! Don't be a spoiler! I know you won't, because you're good people. I just need to send that general thought out to the world at large. I'll be avoiding the news and probably the internet as well, because there's no getting this experience back. You can only read the story for the first time once. As of now I don't want any more suppositions or rumors I just want to get my book and hunker down for a bit. And if you're still reading it when I'm finished (my brothers) I promise not to spoil it for you either.
I'm sure I will not be blogging again until I'm finished reading. See you then! And again, thanks Mom!!

Good Books....that are not Harry Potter

Rob posted about the Golden Compass movie...I introduced him to the books, so I had to find out what my daemon would be as well. In the books each person has a 'daemon' which is sort of an animal incarnation of their soul, but also is their best friend. The daemon is always the opposite gender of the person and it's animal personality reflects the personality of the person. You can tell me if you agree with my assessment...it determined my daemon to be a jackal, but it could change, depending on your answers. I notice, for example, that based on my answers it describes me as modest and humble. While these may be accurate for my understanding of myself, I do recognize that my outward appearance may not always come off in that way. Probably similar to how most people would probably not describe Rob as shy....but I've known him longer than most.
Note: If you're checking to see if you agree, you have to click and drag on the little slider.

Happy Birthday Liz!

Here's Liz in my all-time favorite photo of her! I hope you have a fun one Liz.
When I told Henry it was Auntie Liz's birthday today he thought for a moment and then he said "where will she eat her birthday cake?" I told him I wasn't sure, but that we would definitely get together soon and all eat some birthday cake together.

Won't spoil my weekend

Even though I'm fighting a bad headcold, we still enjoyed a fabulous weekend in Iowa. I'm needing to get to bed asap, so I'll keep this brief.
On Friday we made our first stop at Rob and Carrie's to ooh and aah over baby Eleanor. Here's Eleanor and Uncle Pete checking each other out. I suspect they were both impressed with what they saw.

Henry plopped himself down on the couch and immediately held out his arms in a gesture saying 'let me hold my cousin!' He was so gentle with her. Gave her sweet little caresses on her face and commented on her tiny toes.
And then he got some time with the new dad- watering the flowers with the squirt gun.
We spent the night out at the lake with Mom and enjoyed a relaxing Saturday morning there. Henry loved the little mini beach down by the docks. Here he is enjoying himself in his Superman swimwear.



Around noon Uncle Will and Aunt Sandy showed up. Henry spent some quality time with each of them as well. After some napping we all hauled ourselves in to town for more baby time. I think Eleanor enjoyed her first outing to Pagliai's. You can't see it here but her onesie says "My Aunt Kicks Butt". Indeed. Sadly, I didn't get any photos holding her. I tried to limit my snuggle time- due to this stupid cold.
I also didn't get any photos of the proud Grammie with her two grandchildren. I guess I'll get one soon enough.
Here's a little clip of Henry holding Eleanor and having a baby conversation with Carrie. Take note of the point when Henry seems to say to himself "enough about this baby- let's talk about me for a while".

Playing

Henry had some friends over to play today. First Molly came with her mom Kerri, then Ava and Gabe came over with their mom Cari. We played in the backyard a bit...
Then went to Louie's for lunch.
Then played in the park across the street.
I didn't get any photos of Gabe...sorry, pal! But I did get this video of Henry and Molly on the motorcycle!