Ian's First Fourth

Ian has had a busy day (and it's not over yet!). It is amazing how much he can do and enjoy these days, considering that last year at this time he wasn't even here.

Happily, Daddy has recovered from a week of being bedridden with the horrible illness that we all had, and is back in service to do silly things with his boy. Ian may have thought his new drum was just for banging on, but Doug is now giving him a thorough education in the ways of rhythm:



Since it's Independence Day, we thought a parade was in order. There was a children's parade down the street at the farmer's market this morning that the whole family walked in:

After the parade, Ian enjoyed a popsicle in the shade while we watched the fire trucks spray water for the kids to play in:

He was nice enough to share it with his sisters when he was done (you can see him pointing at it in the background, leading me to believe that he did not actually consider himself done with the popsicle, but it was obviously too late):

After we got home, cooled off, had lunch, and napped, we headed over to the Life and Science museum. This museum is great for young children, and is fortunately close by (actually within walking distance, but it was too hot today). One of Ian's favorite parts of the museum (and mine) is the Keva planks section. These planks lend themselves to the building of large towers. Pictured here is my tower's final moments, as it is approached by Ianzilla:

Ian also enjoyed other parts of the museum. Here he is inspecting the rhinocerous beetle in the insectarium:



Outdoors they have lots of chimes, bells, and drums to bang. Given the date, we thought Ian should ring this replica of the liberty bell:



Indoors, the museum has a meterology section. One exhibit sends up water vapor and has air flow which causes it to form a tornado-like funnel. Unless, of course, it's being sat upon by a small boy:



Ian's favorite display is the cloud maker. Cool water vapor rises up and can be wafted over a small boy, to his great delight. He had a tantrum when we made him leave the clouds, and also when we took his Keva planks out of his strong little grip: