Eugenious

Every once in a while, a photographer catches a moment that even the subject can’t deny is close to perfect.

I’m hoping to limit my kids’ extracurricular activities to one at a time. I have no desire to ever be called a “soccer mom.” I dislike the term almost as much as “play date.” Ick. And I really don’t want to drive all over town, mini-van or not. But Elena started a dance class today (we arrived by bike), and it was also one of Sylvan’s two karate days a week. Here a few shots of them in action.

It was interesting to watch Elena respond to a class that a number of the other little girls have already taken. Those girls had seen a tap shuffle and ballet’s first position before, and neither of those things is particularly easy for someone who’s only been walking for two years and skipping for a few months. When she felt overwhelmed, Elena stepped out of class and came over to me. I’ve done the same myself in classes where I’m getting too much choreography in too little time; I step out of class and sit down, feeling like it will never permeate my brain to make it into my body. I told Elena she could stand with me but that she couldn’t sit on my lap. She went back and participated. Then, when she needed reassurance, she’d come get a hug and then return to the class.

Ready for battle, but all about defense

Isn't that a lovely fowl? Did you know that some people raise guinea hens to control tick populations? And, hey, you'd get to have a few of these beauties in your backyard.

(I’m waiting in the jury selection room right now. Cut me some slack.)

When we arrived at the Halloween party last night, Elena stepped from foot to foot, rocking back and forth in a little tap dance fueled by party energy. Then she twirled around, her Robin cape swirling with her. There would be no containing her excitement.

The Penguin and Robin, Boy Wonder arrive at the party.

“I’m Batman, I’m Batman,” chanted Sylvan whenever he donned his costume and was transformed into a superhero in the past two days. Sylvan’s Batman saves the world with a lot of running and darting and chanting. Trick or treating? Sure, okay, but first I’m going to run around this tree: “I’m Batman.”

I'm Batman!

Elena’s state of “go” wore her out; within three minutes of riding in the car to come home, she was asleep.

Boy Wonder crashes.

But we had another party tonight! More costumes, more people to love. AND, most exciting, walking from house to house to touch everyone’s pumpkins and climb everyone’s front steps. And, no, don’t even think about carrying me; I’m one, and I’m walking!

Robin and the Riddler.

Elena wasn’t the only Robin at tonight’s party.

Robin and Mini Me.

In other October news, Elena supported her Mommy’s team this fall with a Yankees rally cap. They lost that one, but things are looking good at the moment.

Go, Yankees! (Um, what's baseball?)

Our farm, as we call Winter Green Farm, from which we get all of our vegetables from June through November, hosted a fun, end of the summer season gathering earlier in October. Hay rides, pumpkin patch, cider press, pumpkin painting, potluck, live music. Sylvan spent most of his time throwing apples into the cider press, which is what he did last year, too. It is a fantastic machine, electric and loud, and it dribbles out the tastiest apple cider. No wonder he’s fascinated. He did branch out and paint a pumpkin, too.

Sylvan painting, with the cider press nearby in the background.

Elena picked a great one, and her camouflage was perfect for the pumpkin patch.

I’m surprised I remember how to log in and post on this blog.

After a late evening of escape with two good friends and a hot fudge sundae, followed by watching the Glee pilot on hulu.com, I’m ready for a quick, no-nonsense post. Here are some photos of our kid-luscious, yard-filling party two weeks ago, taken by the only member of our family who wasn’t occupied with hosting (e.g. re-filling the cracker basket, giving house tours) or being completely charming but relatively useless (no naming names). The photographer has his Daddy’s eye. Here are his photos in their true stream-of-consciousness wandering order:

Mommy close-up

Landing pad and paths, completed a few days before the party.

Playpen used by at least three babies during the party.

Of course these are still party pictures. This is our miter box.

Continuing with our garage tour, these are some bike wheels.

The photo I asked for - Tejana in scarves.

One of five photos Sylvan took of this downspout.