Helen and Opa at Carmel Beach

Helen and Opa at Carmel Beach
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We had a wonderful long weekend with Opa, enjoying the last hurrah of summer. Unfortunately, Carmel didn't get the sunshine memo, but it was still delightful. Since Helen's stream of questions is fairly constant, we are always grateful for other family members to share this task with us. It was fun to listen to Helen and Opa discussing things like who Mozart was, and why he made such amazing music, and then looking up all kinds of places around the world on Google maps.

Circus Lights

Circus Lights
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We took all took a break from discussing VP choices to see the circus, which was a fitting way to introduce the concept of political conventions! Helen and Claire enjoyed the show immensely, and hopefully, they also enjoyed their $24 worth of cotton candy (gulp.) As part of the circus "detox" program, we caught the end of "Music in the Meadow", a free outdoor symphony.

Pondering Olympic Events in Redway

Shark Found in Eel River
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

While the Chinese and American gymnasts battled for gold, the Klines vacationed in Redway where they prepared for the 2020 Olympics when Helen will be old enough to participate. Judo? Badminton? Swimming? The latter event seems unlikely given how much time she spent with her face in the water in the Eel River. Regardless, we'd like the Olympic Committee to consider two new events. They are....

"Hammocking"

"Hammocking"
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Similar to kayaking, "hammocking" is all about how long you can remain face-up without flipping over during Class IV napping. Extra points are awarded to those who can read or sleep while maintaining perfect form.

County Fair Decathalon

Kickin' Back on the Big Wheel
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Can you survive a full day of kiddie rides, dancing pigs, and 1/4 pound corn dogs in 90 degree heat? After a day at the Humboldt County Fair, we are confident of our medal status.

Pillars of the Earth

Pillars of the Earth
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen had excellent Grandma and Grandpa time in Redway. Although we missed Chris, the Owens family kept our table full, and our VCR supplied with Olympic re-runs.

Come to think of it, perhaps we should add rock climbing to our list of Olympic event suggestions.

Changing of the Guard

Changing of the Guard
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The red graduates are off to kindergarten, and the younger class is now the older class. Helen (bottom row, second from left) can't wait until she is officially in Mr. Brian's class which will happen in the next couple of weeks. Until then, she is enjoying her final days with several friends, and beginning to welcome some of the new kids who need a helping hand.

Dangling the Donut

Dangling the Donut
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The end-of-the-year preschool picnic had all kinds of fun games including our now favorite, "dangle the Hostess Powdered Donette Gem in front of your parent's face while they try to eat it in one big bite"... This game will obviously need a ton of practice before next year in order to perfect our technique. Don't let Chris' face fool you, he couldn't volunteer for this job fast enough.

Olympic Spirit: 8/8/08

Olympic Spirit
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Helen and Claire show off their lucky eights...

Meanwhile, in the background, the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing unfold. What a spectacular show!

Spin Art

Spin Art
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Really, who needs a canvas?

Further proof that paper is highly over-rated when you've got an entire driveway, four legs, and four arms to paint.

Tea for Two

Tea for Two
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

A dads and daughters trip to Bonfante (now Gilroy Gardens) capped off what was a really challenging week for us. Helen was sick for several days, followed by a harrowing experience at the dentist -- more on that in a minute. Suffice it to say that amusement was definitely in order, and amusement was had in the form of tea cups, miniature cars, and Helen's first roller coaster ride.

Arms of Distinction

Arms of Distinction
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The bruises on Helen's outstretched arms were from the IV which administered the drugs that eventually knocked Helen out for an emergency root canal. We've had constant problems with her two front teeth, which is most likely the result of her going to bed with a bottle in China. It's always scary to have your kid sedated. To add to the drama, the first dose had no visible affect, and they had to give her twice the normal dosage for a child of her weight! The staff was aghast at her pure tenaciousness (I think they said she was the most strong-willed kid in the 30 years of the practice...) Anyway, we all survived, Helen's tooth is fine (albeit loose -- and she may lose it prematurely) and this apparently doesn't affect her permanent teeth. The day after the mayhem she couldn't figure out why she received a shipment of balloons. While Helen's pain threshold is low, her pain memory seems to be mercifully short-lived.

Edith's Strong SF Marathon Finish

Edith's Strong SF Marathon Finish
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It was great to support Edith as she sailed through her first Marathon. Edith has supported me in many marathon pursuits (including flying to Boston to cheer me on!) She's had a few disappointing injuries that have interfered with this long-time goal, so it was especially rewarding to be with her when she crossed that finish line.

Embracing the Bard

Embracing the Bard
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We know Helen can sit through a musical, but how about Shakespeare? We took two cars to see "Pericles" and my mom was prepared to take her home whenever necessary. As it turned out, it wasn't. She watched the entire thing intently, with questions and observations throughout. I was especially impressed because (ahem...) there is a good reason that Pericles isn't one of Shakespeare's better known plays. The excellent staging (early America/frontier theme) and small bursts of bluegrass helped, as did our ability to spread out picnic-style on the grass.