Triker Gang

The skies opened up long enough this evening for us to get in Olivia’s rescheduled birthday party at Safety Town.

For Pizza’s Sake

Given that Safety Town—site of this year’s birthday bash for Olivia—has yet to install a retractable roof, we were forced postpone her party due to inclement weather. Plan B was the local pizzeria, where A.J. and G joined those of us who don’t go by initials for some pizza and cake.

Art House

Our friend Beth has helped start an art and music class out of her home for young children that has further heightened Olivia’s proclivity to the fine arts. Here’s hoping that she and her co-instructor follow up their impressive first session with an encore.

June O

Four years and zero scores ago a father and a mother brought forth on this continent a new sensation, conceived in biology, and dedicated to the proposition that while all men (and women) are created equal, some cause a greater stir upon (and since) their arrival on earth. (Recall that our child was the one who was kicked out of the newborn nursery for disturbing the peace.)

Fast forward to today and you’ll find someone who still communicates in fortissimo, but whose softhearted side never fails to provide us with moments that are sweeter than all the orange Tic Tacs and SunnyD in the world.

Here’s the cheese to our macaroni on her special day:

9:40 a.m. — Received a birthday call from Grandma Randi’s history class

11:09 a.m. — Played on the playground with Kara, a classmate from preschool

11:27 a.m. — Sprayed on the sprayground with Kara

11:45 a.m. — Practiced her ABCs (already been chewed gum). She and Kara split a wad they’d found stuck to the bottom of a slide.

12:53 p.m. — Etched a sketch

1:25 p.m. — Said thanks for the present and goodbye to Khair

5:23 p.m. — Chose "Presents from G" as her mix-in at Cold Stone Creamery

Instilling the Fear of Dog

From the safe refuge of the bathtub, Max weathered the evening storms and their accompanying thunderclaps.

Sixth Since

Six years ago today, Beni and I exchanged wedding vows. So many things have happened from then until now—we’ve been graced by Olivia’s energetic presence, traveled to near and distant lands, picked up new jobs and homes and academic credentials, and discovered masala dosas—but one point of constancy has been that we continue to turn to each other first whenever there’s a humorous incident, arduous moment, or curious fact to be shared.

To my best friend…happy anniversary!

Stroke(s) of Genius?

Olivia may paint with broad brush strokes, but she’s no generalist—she told me exactly who or what she’d painted after she submitted her artwork to me. I present to you “Buddies in the Schoolyard,” her most recent exhibit.

Elmo

G

Max

Olivia

Co-op d'État

Petoskey stone

We stormed the lakeshore town of Petoskey, Michigan in search of its name-sharing fossilized stones and beachfront trails, but stumbled instead upon its charming downtown district, complete with a divine nature foods co-op. We eagerly look forward to, as Olivia did her deli food after we checked out, a return visit when we’re back in the area in July.

Kiss-and-Tell

(Could have also gone with “Talking Smack” for the title.)

Mom and daughter share a smooch while vacationing in Michigan.

The Sound of One Ham Napping

Sometimes the sweetest sound is no sound at all: our overly dramatic and obstreperous one makes certain that our ears never atrophy while she’s awake, which makes us appreciate these muted moments all the more.

Clair de Loony

Olivia tells us that she already knows how to play the piano and therefore doesn’t have to bother with those pesky lessons. Her aplomb and abilities were on full display while tickling the ivories at Grandma Randi’s.

Grandma Time = Grand Time

We visited my mom over the weekend before turning our attention farther northward to see some of Beni’s relatives. Olivia and Grandma Randi were up to their usual fun: reading “millions” (O’s favorite quantity) of books, noshing on ice cream, and entertaining one another at dinner.