Today's Toby

A third rate ball but a first rate kiddo.  

I asked Toby to please play something that Spencer could join in on while I was making dinner. So they played Parade. I guess music really is a universal language.  

Though we're not big on Super Heros, we are big on celebrating. So, Happy Super Hero Day to all who do mark the occasion. (This is an Iron Man/Spiderman mix, for anyone trying to guess.)  

Taking in the view from above.  

If this place is good enough for bears, then it's good enough for us.  

Enjoying our favorite playground activity - eating snacks!  

When you're trying to get a fancy picture in front of the red curtain, but your little brother keeps asking if it's time for his cameo.  

Don't worry, Spencer. I've seen Daddy do this lots of times.  

You've seen a sneak peak of the dance. Now a sneak peak of the outfit. Dance Recital is coming up fast and Toby is getting excited.  

Occasionally the stars align. The digital printing team at Daddy's work had some really large flags to print, so some careful planing and some accommodations from some generous co-workers made an awesome visit possible. Here's Toby with Julian and Stephanie prepping. We couldn't see it all the way open, but if you look closely in the background of the next picture you can see the stripes of the Argentina flag coming out. This was obviously the main draw. France, Italy, and Spain had come off the printer before we arrived. Here are Jordan and Meredith holding up Spain for the pic.  

Once the playground clears out a bit, Toby gets to enjoy free reign on the slide.  

The studio where Toby takes dance class sent home a video of their dance for the recital. He's been practicing it in the living room. (Spencer is also paying close attention.)  

Monkey do.  

Toby: We give these steps a big thumbs up! Spencer: Wait - we do?  

Dad, I know I look chill here, but I'm actually super excited to celebrate your birthday. I made you a card with all the things you love, I picked out a gift that is SO cool, and I helped make you the sprinkliest of cupcakes. You're my favorite person to play with, you write the best jokes, and you know all the flags (and most of the capitals!)  I love you. Happy Birthday!   

Enjoying the bounty of his Egg Hunt. (There are plenty more where this one came from.)  

Toby's music teacher played some of The Sound of Music during music class. Toby thought this was a pretty fun song, so he wanted to memorize it. He's still figuring out some of the notes, but he got all the words.   

Dressed up in blue in Union Square.  

The only thing better than getting to play chess with someone who's come to visit, is getting to play chess with someone who loves chess as much as you do. Thanks so much, Cousin Davis. We had a blast playing with you!   

This was Toby's second show. He had fun telling Spencer all about the theater.  

Working on his sneaky skills.  

Toby had upped his egg hunting skills in anticipation of competition from his younger brother.  Turns out, it seems he has another year before Spencer really poses any serious threat. Toby remained determined throughout. Spencer eventually realized you didn't have e to stop and open every one as you go.    

One of Toby's latest activities is running from the bathroom after brushing his teeth at night and freezing in the bed in a funny position for me to discover him in.  Here are some of the recent positions:  

Watching with rapt attention.  

Toby at the top.  

This situation is totally under control. But I can't speak for that situation over there.  

Plush Easter Baskets make comfy and silly hats.  Perfect.  

Someone got just the seat he was hoping for at dinner tonight.   

Some shots from a classmate's birthday party.   

...the card game. So much thanks to Grandma for the multiple games of war today. Toby had a blast.