Because I know a few of you had been wondering.

My dad is back home with my mom in Washington state, and must not be in that bad of condition, since last time I talked to him he had a mouthful of apple pie. If you can eat apple pie, you're going to make it. I really appreciate everyone that showed concern, really. I've never been so worried about him. All of your prayers and good vibes must have made a difference. The above picture was taken last August, when we flew home to Portland for Eleanore Sue's first birthday. I can't believe she's going to be two in just a matter of days. How do you celebrate a two year olds birthday? Well, since we've been attacked by the "sucks to be broke like you" monster, I think the only thing I can promise her, its lots and lots of delicious cake, and a trip to the zoo as early in the morning as possible, so we beat the Texas heat. I think I heard that her Nana and Papa were going to send along the Dora bike that shes been crying over for the past few weeks. Oh boy does this girl want a bike. She was playing in her kiddie pool, when Christopher comes riding out of the garage on his big boy bike. All we heard for the next 2 hours, was "biiiiiiiiike", in between horrific screams. You would have thought that we had taken away her favorite blanket and murdered it right before her eyes. Something else I'd like to get her, is a pretend kitchen. She loves to "helping me" in the kitchen. When I was out hunting for a tacky 4th of July outfit, I came across a vintage Rainbow Brite play dishwasher (for only $5.00!!). Right now its full of her plastic fruits and vegetables, because they need washing too! Ever since we started letting her help us in the kitchen, we can't step foot in there without having to find a task for little Elie Sue to do. Sometimes I hand her a clean sponge and convince her to "clean" the walls. This usually keeps her occupied long enough for me to finish what I'm doing. And if it doesn't, I have to find something equally ridiculous for her to pretend to do. I remember when I was 3 or 4, going to visit some friends of my parents, and their little girl had a pretend kitchen, and I was sooo jealous. Maybe we could get her some pretend pots and pans, plates, bowls, things like that?

What did you do for your child's 2nd birthday?

From top to bottom:

-My dad and Eleanore Sue, Woodland Washington.

-"Dora the Explorer Light Plate Switch Cover", by 3zart, $3.50.

-"Child's Wooden play Kitchen Waldorf kids toys stove oven", by Willowtoys, $220.