Less than Twelve Parsecs

This weekend we visited the Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, Santa Cruz, and took their famous Steam Train ride through the redwoods. Lots of steam, plenty of fun, banana slugs here and there and overall a perfect day. The one thing we didn't get a good photo of: the steam engine! But check their website for that . The first Banana Slug close-up encounter. Mara was so excited about spotting the slugs from the train, until she got close to one. Her face turned into this:  The giant meaty slug refused to stick his horns out:  Here's us on the steam train: Gaius exhibited very good self control by walking *around* the puddle at the entrance of the kids barn, about 20 times: There was a covered wagon near the rail road station, so the kids got to pose with the paper rainbow trout and butterfly we made at the crafts table: Obligatory stern-faced caravan photo:  Spot the Banana Slug!  Here's a close-up - this one had his horns out till 2

It's 5am and the whole house is dark. Two little feet shuffle into our bedroom, soft blanket trailing behind. Mommy gets out of bed to intercept. Me: Gaius, pui, it's night time! Let's go back to sleep. I'll come with you to your room. Gaius, in a sad voice: Daaaddyyyy... Me: Daddy is sleeping, Gaius. It's dark outside. I take him gently toward his room, trying to not wake up the rest of the family. Gaius, thoughtfully: Kaa-kaa. Nigh' nigh'. It takes me a moment to fully register what he meant: Me: Yes, the birds are asleep too. Everyone is asleep. Let's go back to sleep. <3 Here he is, this month, with various birds:

Gaius recently started to talk a storm. It's all fun and cuteness, like when he says " Bye-bye, My Trash Truck! ", or a never-ending steam of " Appah Sauce ". But recently, and much more life changing, he learned to say: No, Stop! It's a powerful phrase when you are surrounded by other kids and trying to set your boundaries or explain your wishes. However, imagine the effects this has on our morning routine: Me: Gaius, let's get ready to go to school! Gaius: Skoo! Me: Yeah! You want to see your friends? Gaius: Yah. Me: Let's take your jammies off. Gaius, suddenly stark serious: No. Me: Come, I'll help you take your shirt off, so you can put your play clothes on! Gaius, unmoved by my plea : No. I get closer to him and gently start lifting his pajama shirt. Gaius: No, Stop! He means it. Serious frown, and the whole shabang. I sit back, take a calming breath to give myself time to reason. Then I start name-calling