Year 5, Day 316

Having acquired a bunch of rudimentary (read: toy) cooking supplies for Christmas, Miles has begun insisting on cooking for us. On the one hand, I applaud his enthusiasm for it. On the other, I like my house and am in no hurry to see it engulfed in flames. So, with some sly support (which he … Continue reading Year 5, Day 316 →

Year 5, Day 272

It has been three years since we last made the trip to Myrtle Beach for Thanksgiving, and it'll be at least one more since we stayed in Charlotte again this year. While, yes, that means I won't see my parents and siblings this year, it does mercifully mean that we got to enjoy a slow … Continue reading Year 5, Day 272 →

Year 5, Day 268

Another birthday is looming for me, threatening (as it does) to ratchet the years up one more notch and bring me that much closer to an assisted living facility. Frankly, I can't wait. It is simply too noisy in this house -- all the time -- and if a retirement home is what it'll take … Continue reading Year 5, Day 268 →

Year 5, Day 245: Name That Song 5!

As we were driving to get dinner, Miles requested some music. "You know that song 'I Want a Mom'?" "Uhhhh..." I'll admit, I was already sweating. I did NOT know the song he was talking about, and he has very little patience when asked to repeat or explain himself further. Negative patience, in fact. But … Continue reading Year 5, Day 245: Name That Song 5! →

Year 5, Day 237

After the slowest start of any morning this whole trip (I mean, this IS a vacation), we headed out to the beach around midday today. Yes, we've been to the beach a couple times this week, but this was the first time we went with the intention of setting our stuff down in one spot … Continue reading Year 5, Day 237 →

Year 5, Day 218

With Hurricane Ian out of our lives and everyone in the house healthy again, the desire to get out of the house and have a nice dinner was high for at least two of us. Miles, thankfully, was at least tolerant of our outing to Full Moon Oyster Bar in Concord, where Jaclyn and I … Continue reading Year 5, Day 218 →

Year 5, Day 203

After enduring a third COVID shot and a flu vaccination this afternoon, Miles was rewarded with a family dinner at a location of his choosing. And of course, with literally every possible option available to him, Miles chose "the place with the smiley face pancakes." "Look. Now he's lost his cheek." - a young Hannibal … Continue reading Year 5, Day 203 →

Year 5, Day 190

Miles's top priority whenever we go out to eat: "Hide from Mommy in the bushes." This kid has two modes: "asleep" and "sneaking up on Mommy."

Year 5, Day 165

For Miles's latest strategy in his ongoing quest to avoid eating his dinner, having determined that whining and screaming aren't means to his preferred end, he's opting for a surplus of enthusiasm and kindness. "Oh this so yummy you gotta try it," he'll say, sans punctuation and with no room to breathe, much less for … Continue reading Year 5, Day 165 →

Year 5, Day 108

Day three of no AC in the house, combined with an out-of-town work trip for Jaclyn, meant only one thing -- Miles and I were going out for dinner. "What do you want to eat for dinner?" I asked Miles as we pulled away from daycare this evening. "PANCAKES!" Miles declared without hesitation. "I know … Continue reading Year 5, Day 108 →