(1) Fri Jul 02 2004 13:53 Tall Tales: Atticus, as of late, has invented some pretty interesting stories that he stands by with unfailing confidence. He will occasionally share these with friends and strangers. Sometimes this is quite embarrassing, as you'll understand when you read them.

#1 Atticus is absolutely convinced that he was born in Chicago. I don't know how or why he designed this idea, but he is sure it is true.

#2 Since the birth of Laurelin, Matthew's baby sister (Matthew is Atticus' good playmate next door), Atticus will randomly tell people that I have two baby sisters growing in my tummy.

Note: this is NOT an announcement.

#3 The last, which he has been spouting off for a few weeks now, and which comes up more and more since our drive to take Aunt Kristen to the airport, is that we are flying on an airplane to Canada tomorrow. This is the only tale that has any inkling of truth. We are flying on an airplane to Canada, but not for another three and a half weeks.

(2) Fri Jul 02 2004 16:06: We watched Moonstruck last week while Kristen was visiting. It was so fresh and funny, I was plesantly entertained.

When Dave and I rent movies, or borrow them from the library, we usually like to pick two: one safe pick and one risky pick. What I mean by "safe" is one that has been reccomended, or has gotten good reviews, etc. We select our "risky" pick by scanning the shelves and letting something catch our eye. This leads to some interesting movie experiences. Here are two of my favorite "risky" picks: The Wrong Guy (though I didn't care for any of Mr. Nagel's scenes) and Rubin and Ed.

Mon Jul 05 2004 21:53 New Boundries: We have eliminated Samuel's crib from our apartment. Now, my brothers' old bunk beds are set up in the boy's room. Actually, we started making the change-over while my mom and sisters were visiting. This way Atticus AND Kristen both were able to sleep in comfortable beds through Kristen's 10 day visit. Samuel is struggling with the change, though. Not that he really stayed in his crib very well (he's part monkey, like his brother), but at least he didn't wander in the night, once he was asleep. He's pretty restless now, when we put him to bed. I think his new bed is too open for him. He seems to miss the confines of his crib.

(2) Mon Jul 05 2004 21:54 For all who care to know:: My mother wears an engagement ring on her hand. The final details of her wedding are forthcoming, but Ben has proposed and congratulations are in order. Hurray for your happiness, Mom!

Tue Jul 06 2004 08:15: Dave says to Atticus, "Hey, Atticus, did you hear the thunderstorm last night?"

"Nope. I was hiding under my covers."

Wed Jul 07 2004 13:35: Atticus watches a school bus as it drives down the street and says: "Look, my school bus! It's not for girls, it's for children."

(5) Wed Jul 07 2004 21:39: I swam my first mile today!! It took me 45 minutes, but I did it.

(1) Wed Jul 14 2004 08:17: Dave: "What's that rubberband doing on your ankle?" Atticus: "Papa, I'm being a rhubarb!"

(2) Thu Jul 15 2004 16:23 My Son Flatters Me: Atticus says, as he clears a place for me to sit beside him on a bench, "You need a big spot, Mom, because you have such a big bum!"

Thu Jul 29 2004 09:31: My voice has gone and left me, the main remnant from a very sick weekend. But on a good note, we safely traveled by airplane to visit our Matkin family in Canada. We'll be here until the 14th of August. Now that's what I call a vacation!

(4) Thu Jul 29 2004 09:32: My voice has gone and left me, the main remnant from a very sick weekend. But on a good note, we safely traveled by airplane to visit our Matkin family in Canada. We'll be here until the 14th of August. Now that's what I call a vacation!