Justin Roberts at the Printers Row Lit Fest

We had a great time Saturday at the Printers Row Lit Fest. This is one of our favorite summer traditions (this was our fourth, and Alex's third, visit to the event). The main excitement today was that Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players were performing.

On the drive there, Alex kept talking about songs they might play and that he wanted to hear. When we got to the Lit Fest he kept asking "Where's Justin Roberts?" Well, lo and behold, after visiting Open Books and some other book stalls, we ran into Justin and most of the band on the sidewalk. Alex instantly became shy, buried his head in my shoulder, and could barely speak. (He did, however, have a huge grin on his face.) They were all super friendly and nice to Alex. They asked if he had any songs he'd like to hear, but he was too shy to make the request and asked me to do so. In the car he was really focused on "Gym Class Parachute" (and we had even talked about making that request) so that's what we asked for. They played it during the set. I missed the introduction where they talked about Alex and his request, but here's a short excerpt from the song and the happy fan's reaction. After the show we got a signed poster from Justin Roberts, and we thanked him for playing the song. He told Alex that he picked a really challenging one to play. We always enjoy hearing them perform, and this was an extra-special experience.

Alex enjoying the show.

Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players

Getting a Jungle Gym poster signed by Justin. He wrote "Alex is Awesome!"

Carrying on the Cookie Tradition

Alex and I made chocolate chip cookies from scratch today for the first time. I can remember doing the same thing with my mom in our house on First Street, and it was really great to carry on that tradition with him. Plus, the cookies were delicious!

A chip for me to eat!

Adding the chips

Bouncy Fun

Saturday was the last day of the annual Rites of May festival at Alex's new school. They invited all the new families to attend. Dave was out of town, but Alex and I went and had lots of fun. There were several inflatables, carnival games (and prizes), and an international festival featuring several different countries. We got to see some African dancing and played a lot. Alex was so worn out that he fell asleep in the car on the way home, and he is not a car sleeper. I wanted to keep driving so he wouldn't stop napping.

Climbing up the wall in the obstacle course

At the top, ready to slide down

Blue's Clues

Dave recently introduced Alex to Blue's Clues, and it has become his new favorite show. This weekend Dave made a home version.

Here's a video of Alex's finding the third clue.

The first clue

Putting the second clue into the notebook

Sitting in the thinking chair to solve the clues

Merci Beaucoup

Grandma and Grandpa D. just returned from a trip to France and sent us a care package with all sorts of goodies. Of course, Alex thinks his race car was the best thing in the box.

Vroom, vroom!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Let's Go Swimming

Alex had his first swimming lesson this weekend. He loved being in the water and playing all the games. Jumping into the water was a big hit. I think he could have done that all day long.

Click here for a video of one of the games where he has to throw a toy, swim to it, then carry it to the teacher, and put it in the bucket.

Getting into the pool.

Auntiepalooza

Dave and I had a work conference last week, and we were lucky enough to have Aunt Carol come up to stay with Alex. They had lots of fun playing games, reading books, doing puzzles, and more! We couldn't have done it without her, and we just had to share some of the fun they had.

Happy to have my Aunt Carol taking care of me!

Aunt Laura came for a visit too. All three of us worked on the puzzle.

We made a house for birds and animals out of dominoes.

Our chalk masterpiece.

Swinging with Aunt Carol before going to the airport.