What does Ringo Starr have for breakfast?

Why, Life Cereal and carrots, of course. That is what my five-year old matter-of-factly responded after telling me he wanted what Ringo eats for breakfast and I asked him exactly what that might be. He eats it to be healthy for his concerts, apparently. And the leftover birthday cake on our counter? That is apparently not from a five-year old's birthday, but from his 68th birthday that he just had. Welcome to Ringo land. For most kids it's dinosaurs and Spider Man. For us, it's a kid who puts on 5 concerts and day and periodically will flash the peace sign and say "peace and love." And who wears his Sgt. Pepper uniform or a tie most days. Oh yeah, and this kid who doesn't like to wipe himself after using the bathroom did today. I was proud of him and said "Wow, you must be five!" and he replied "No, I'm sixty-eight!" Apparently, in Ringo land he will do anything.

And as long as we're talking about the Beatles, I am fairly certain that my second born is going to be a Beatle freak too. This morning he was up earlier than his brother, and we were in the kitchen, listening to the morning show on MPR. Plenty of peppy songs playing, but the one that got him waving his arms and laughing (it actually kind of looked like he was drumming...eeek) was "Ticket to Ride." After the song was over, he went back to spinning his wheels.

All I know, is I am NOT buying two drum sets. They will have to learn to share. Should I start saving now to add a soundproof room in the basement?

Picture of Cuteness

Sorry for all the new posts in a row, but I HAD to add this picture. It's just so....them.

Happy Birthday Aidan!

I can't believe he's five! For those of you who are wondering, no he is not going to Kindergarten this year. We'd rather he be the oldest in his class than the youngest. Though when I went to pick him up at preschool the other day his teacher said, "I didn't know he was reading." I replied, "He's what?" So after hearing her story about her writing down words and Aidan sounding them out, I tried it at home. Yep, he's definitely on his way to reading, trying to sound out words and figuring out phonics. Cool. Hope he doesn't get bored in preschool this year.

His birthday was celebrated on a small scale, with a small bowling party with our favorite family next door, followed by pirate ship cake. Fun times.

Ace of cakes, eat your heart out. It would've turned out better if not for the heat and humidity melting the layers apart. Avast, by morning the ship was in shambles and there were plastic pirates overboard everywhere, marooned on the countertop.

Little Boys Weekend at Non & Bop's

So we had a quick visit at Nonnie and Boppas with Garrett and Elliott. Can you say FUN? The pictures say it all.....

Little Supermen!

Kazoo concert for Rowan

I think Nonnie is in heaven here!

Sad But True #2

Yesterday the boys and I were at Tischer Creek swimming hole, having SO much fun. Unfortuately, Rowan was craving small rocks, for he put one after the other in his mouth, which I was constantly sweeping out with my finger (that CPR move comes in handy...) It got to the point where I couldn't leave his side. He'd put one in, I'd fish it out. He'd put another one in I'd fish it out. There was no place free of small rocks. So what did I do? I gave him a larger, non chokable rock to chew on. Yes, I really did. Not exactly mother of the year, but we got in another ten minutes of water play. Sigh. The things you will do to keep up the fun.

I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In....

Today marked the beginning of the Martime Festival in Duluth. Quite a beginning, as three "tall ships" came into harbor this afternoon at about 5:00. We've known about this for quite some time, but did not tell Aidan, because we wanted to suprise him with the arrival of "Pirate Ships" in Duluth. So at about 4:00 I took the boys on a bike ride in their trailer down to Leif Erickson park, 2 blocks from our house, and there the ships were, all congregated and ready to sail in. I was expecting Aidan's excitement, he was instantly talking in his grovelly pirate voice and off in "pirate land" his latest favorite pretend place in his head. It was great. I was not expecting my own reaction. I got all teary and goosebumpy. What a sight. The ships are so elegant, yet powerful; graceful but HUGE. I know at some point these ships were a normal sight in Duluth Harbor, but I'm sure at the time the sight of them was taken for granted. They are just so very beautiful. Their arrival into the harbor (and under the lift bridge with what seemed like very little clearance) was accompanied by cannon salutes off the ships and everything! We didn't make it too close...too many tourist bodies, but we hope to make it down to where they are docked before they depart on Monday. I asked Aidan if he was afraid that the pirates might steal his treasure and he replied, "Nope, they're my friends." And that's that.

Ships on the horizon, Leif Erickson Park

Lining up to sail in. (Niagara)

Sailing in! (Pride of Baltimore)

Cannon salute! (Pride of Baltimore)

The Niagara docking

Ode To Lake Superior

This is the reason I live here. Sucky job market, expensive housing, cold winters...so what? I feel blessed just to have this. Thanks Gitchee Gumeee.