Today's Toby

We've reached the stage where smiling for the camera is often weird. But every now and again we catch a glimpse of the real thing.   

Lookout! Toby's climbing on the equipment at the playground. He's a full foot off the ground!  (It seems worth noting that this caution about climbing things only applies to the playground equipment. At home, it's no holds barred.)  

Daddy and Toby made a trip to the the courthouse for early voting. We also stopped for a frozen treat because it was a hot day. Toby told me he can't wait until he can vote. So it's good to know we're doing something right.  

Here's some belated photos from Toby's Graduation.  We were really hoping the kids would make their entrance on the slide when we saw this set-up. (Thanks for Mr. David and Pastor Jeff for supporting the decorations from the gusts of wind) The class assembled. Congrats to Avery, Vincent, Abigail, Chelsea, Thalia, and Hannah as well! (Hannah was sadly unable to join the festivities, but we've seen her at the playground since and she's doing great!) Taking his walk after receiving his flower: I wish we could see his smile under the mask. He was so proud of himself. We're going to hang his certificate in his bedroom in New Jersey. With Miss Marcia: and Miss Samira:  We couldn't have asked for a better school fit for Toby and a better group of families to share the experience with. Special thanks to Yashi for some of the photos!

Today and everyday we celebrate love of all types between all people.  Love is love. Happy Pride!  

The Kansas Ips are Toby's favorite (made-up) sports team. I'm not even sure what sport they play. But apparently also have Relocation & Remediation services in NYC. Who knew?  

Toby has rediscovered his love of Puffs. (Spencer is lukewarm on eating them, but does enjoy throwing them.)  

Jaunty Bike Helmet. Needs so.e straightening for bike riding but just dandy for running around the playground.  

Showing Spencer the water feature at the playground.   

We made some more sidewalk chalk. So naturally we needed to draw the flags with those colors - Ukraine, Sweden, partial Argentina. (Mom got confused about the flag for Vatican City so Toby decided to riff on the mix-up.)  

Doing some chocolate filigree. We're coming for you, Amaury Guichon.  

  For reading all the best books, making sure I never have to look at my scrapes, making all my flag tournament dreams come true, and all the millions of ways you make me feel so special - thanks, Dad. I love you more than Kansas. 

Making an extra stop on our weekend afternoon outing for some frozen treats.  

Going to the dentist? Oh yeah. No big deal.   

We got to do graduation! In person!  This was the entire ceremony. It's about 10 minutes long. We could not have asked for a more loving school environment nor a more wonderful group of families to share this journey with us.   

  Signing his name on thank you notes for his teachers. Graduation is supposed to be this morning, but it's currently raining. So - in keeping with the theme of this year - we will wait and see.

That's my brother back there. He's a bit of a goofball.  That's probably my favorite thing about him. But I am not giving up these fruit snacks.  

Having some sparkling grape juice to toast having a new address. See you in July, New Jersey.  

Before the faces got silly...  

Congrats on being a big brother for a full year, Toby. You're growing into it well and it's clear to Mommy and Daddy that you love Spencer very much.  

Picture and video from Toby's school birthday celebration. (Apparently, the singing was a little too loud in the video.)  

Does it get cooler than a Kansas T and flag sunglasses? I don't think so.  

School said kiddos with summer birthdays could pick a day in June to celebrate with their classmates. Today was Toby's day. He was pretty excited about it.  

Umbrellas. Good for rain, good for shade.  

All in a day's work.