Today's Toby

Happy 6th Birthday, kiddo. May your next trip around the sun bring more chess, more flags, more chocolate, and even sillier jokes. You are kind and curious and definitely a goofball. And we wouldn't want it any other way. Love you!   

A personal style that can best be described as maximal casual.  

Someone is loving being part of the Crunch Lab community. Thanks for the great subscription Grandma and Grandpa Paradine!   

Watching a show with Grandma and Grandpa, but the show is a bit too good to take your eyes away for a picture.  

Digging a hole to Argentina. Or just digging. Either way he had a great time.  

Went back to Sesame Street the Musical, but this time brought some more people. (Mommy was there too, just didn't get pictured somehow.)  

Today was Toby's last day of STEM camp. He asked if he could come back again next year, so I guess it was a success.  

Two peas in a pod.  

Trying out our new foam glider. It took a bit of practice, but eventualy Toby was showing great form on his tosses.    

You can't see it in this shot, but he's actually walking along the balance beam while doing this.  

When you see a picture book about chess at the library so you have to read it right then and there. (And you're checking the board in every illustration.)  

When had a few friends (and a scientist) over to do an early celebration for Toby's birthday. Spencer made sure to stay back from the science. There were guessing games. A coworker melted. (Coworker not pictured.) There were bubbles. And more bubbles. And even more bubbles. And of course, cake with candles. (And flag decor.)  

Look, Mom! I can blow on my own ear!  

Little Boy Blue, getting bigger every day.  

We've had a new turnstile installed. Fortunately, little brothers can pass through for free.  

Wait for it.... in fairness they were both pretty wet from the splash park, so I imagine this was about as fast as they could go.  

Toby wanted to have a "sleepover" party in the play tent. Spencer was unclear on what all the fuss was about, but did not want to miss out.  

Or, you know, off to the side.  

Finally made it to the Spray Park nearby. Fun way to spend a hot afternoon.   

When the ketchup packets have a state theme AND you were able to nab a Kansas one  

Sunglasses? More like FUNglasses!  

Tonight in the Big June Tournament (a flag elimination game that is played every evening in our home from Flag Day through to Toby's birthday), Vietnam and Kiribati advanced to the next round. Who will be the last flag standing?!?  

The Dashing Diamond is here to save the day!  

Even with doing chess at camp, he's still itching for more. (And has collected another Pawn Prize.)