Blue Ribbon

More blogging and bragging. Ella Rae won 1st place for her Sea Shells and Creatures Science Fair project this evening!

West Coast Potty Tour 09'

After many months of hits and misses Cy is finally potty trained. He is very proud of this accomplishment and of his vast under garment collection. He often models his "chonies" for guests and sometimes wears them backwards just for fun. "Chonies" is Spanish slang for panties. We picked the term up eons ago from Ella's Mexican-American wonder nanny.

Cy's much anticipated developmental leap provided ample opportunity for Ella and I to practice patience on our recent trip to California. Like when he squirmed away and climbed under a strangers stall during our layover in San Diego or his scary potty themed fever dreams that required some pretend janitorial services in addition to Tylenol and a cold cloth to calm him down. Or the insistence of going to the bathroom minutes before the plane took off and the subsequent stalling tactics used to stay in said lavatory. Ella and I have learned that Cy means business when he sees a "pee pee tree" and/or bush that requires his attention. The alternative is much worse. We are still getting used to a boy person in our lives. Our trip was trying at times but mostly joyful and we already deeply miss our West Coast beloveds. Here are some highlights....

The Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park is a must see. Here is a picture of Ella and her favorite person (and cousin) Zach in front of the penguin exhibit. The new Academy has a phenomenal aquarium, planetarium and a"living roof." The bathroom has a built in step stool for easy access to the sink for the short folk and good soap but the industrial strength greeny air dryers are way too intimidating for a newbie like Cy.
Fairy Land, the famed inspiration for Disney World and the Oakland Zoo, with its expanded critter collection are always noteworthy. The bathrooms are unassuming and cleanish and the paper towels vs electric dryers were welcome.

The loo at the Lutheran church where we proudly watched Zach's piano recital was a hit. The toilet was silent but I can't say the same for Cy. See pictures of Zachary playing flawlessly and taking a bow.
And back at the ranch Mr Mooks entertained his pickle posse. Ella explained to Grandma that there were "seven or nine mans coming to my house" and that she was "okay" with one of them sleeping in her bunk.

Speaking Up for East Austin

GivingCity is a local Austin blog and magazine about philanthropy and volunteering. Its mission is to "inspire, connect, and recognize donors and philanthropists - novice and experienced - and raise awareness about the needs of Central Texans."

Mr Mooks, aka Christopher Jones sat down with three "Austinites, African-Americans and social entrepreneurs" to discuss the complicated issues related to East Austin and its community. It's a good read and a stellar publication!