Happy Fourth!

You know it's a small town when the biggest float in the parade is some dude on a boat.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Summertime simplicity

Today I found myself amazed at how much fun Autumn can have with the simplest of toys. A painted stick, some strips of cloth and ribbon kept her giggling and running in circles this afternoon.



I've been finding tons of inspiration from crafty blogs around the 'net for simple, creative activities for us to try this summer. We've found that some of the easiest, quickest projects seem to be the most fun. Lately I've been particularly inspired by the Fun for Nothin' Flickr Group from Meg of Sew Liberated. It's brimming with wonderful ideas and photos of kids doing what kids do best; having fun without fancy expensive toys or electronics.
I think that as parents we sometimes forget that children know how to have fun. Kids don't actually require the latest singing, talking, light-up, voice activated whatever to be happy. Ever watch a toddler play with an empty cardboard box? Sometimes the simplest things are the best tools to ignite a child's imagination and creativity. So this summer I am unplugging my kid. We'll be spending more time creating, playing, and exploring, and less time in front of the TV or computer. I think it'll be a welcome change for our family, and hopefully a long term one.

Thoughtful Saturday ('cuz I'm a rebel)

I know everything. Well I don't know everything. But I know some things that are a lot.

--Autumn

RIP George Carlin

Thanks for saying what the rest of us were afraid to say. You will be missed.

warning: hideously coarse language not suitable for work (unless you work in a swear factory), children (unless they know all of these words anyway) or the faint of heart.

Thoughtful Friday

Summer afternoon-Summer afternoon...the two most beautiful words in the English language.
--Henry James

Happy Father's Day!

I couldn't have asked for a better dad for my little girl. Adam, you're the best dad in the world and you rock most hardcore. We love you.

a little shameless self promotion

Customized zombies are now available at the Orphanage! Design a zombified version of yourself, your significant other, your mother in law, or give one as a gift to your social deviant friend.