something else i brought home from playschool

fine art, on the double

My brother and I created this fantastic painting today at playschool. Our teachers tried to get us to use two separate sheets of paper, but we wanted to collaborate. Yes, we're all about sharing these days. Except when we aren't.

child labor

Wyn and I recently discovered a whole new way to take our Radio Flyer wagon to the park. Being the control freak that I am, I like to drive.* I'm quite good at using the handle to turn corners or bending down to manually turn the wheels when necessary. And Wyn is a highly skilled pusher, only running the wheels over my feet every once in awhile. Mom thinks that with two empty seats, she should be able to ride. Silly Mommy. Hasn't anyone ever told her there's no such thing as a free ride?

* Okay, we're both control freaks.

a special visit

Guess what? Last week, Grandma Lipsey and Aunt Katherine flew all the way from North Carolina to visit Cousin Sam, Zak and me (and I suppose our parents as well). We had such a wonderful time, I cannot even tell you. However, I can tell you that my brother and I quickly introduced KT and Grandma to our new favorite hangout.


Don't you just love our couch cushion fortress? I asked Aunt Katherine. Oh yes, she said. Good, I replied. Now put the pillow back where you found it.


Saturday the entire Oak Park Lipsey/Benzkofer contingent escorted Grandma and Katherine to the Brookfield Zoo, where Sam and Uncle Stephan spotted a native toddlerus runawayicus. Here they are trying to get a closer look at the elusive specimen.


After they identified and tagged me, and fed me some pizza, the whole group paused for a photo op. Ahhh...the memories. Thanks for coming to see us, KT and Grandma! We love you!

easter excitement

We hope you had a joyous Easter holiday, because Wyn and I certainly did. First we went to church, where we're learning to sit in the congregation (thanks to good music and agreeable people behind us) instead of staying in the nursery. Then we met the Benzkofer clan at Slaton's Supper Club for brunch and a double celebration for Easter and Cousin Sam's 3rd birthday! From left to right: me (Zak), Daddy, Sam, Aunt Marjorie, Uncle Stephan, Wyn, Mommy, Grandma B., Grandpa B. and Aunt Sara B.

After a long and glorious nap, we headed over to our friend Hunter's house for dinner. Mom and Dad forgot to take pictures for this event. But if there was a photo, you'd see Wyn, Mom, me, Dad, Colleen, Hunter, Terry, Grandpa Whitney and Grandpa Hunter all smiling and having a wonderful time.

With all the goings-on Sunday, we didn't really get a chance to play with our Easter baskets. So this morning Mom and Dad hauled them out and let us tear into them:


May I just say that dinosaurs and Easter baskets are a winning combination.


Despite my respectful, repeated and perfectly enunciated requests ("Open? Open? Open! Open! Open!?"), Mom would not unwrap this giant Russell Stover Solid Dark Chocolate Bunny. Seems the folks mean to dangle all this chocolate in our faces only to eat it later when we aren't watching. A not-so-dandy Easter tradition if you ask me!


Wyn opted for a cereal bar, and his Request for Unwrapping was granted without prejudice. Luckily he was willing to share.

Happy Day-After-Easter everyone!

burning up the sidewalk

birthday wishes for daddy

Zak (calling out from the porch swing): Hey Wyn! Come check out the shirt I had printed up for Dad's birthday!
Wyn (inside, carefully examining a leaf): Hold on. I'm carefully examining a leaf.
Zak: Alright! (chuckles to himself) He's going to be soooo jealous of my shirt. Now I will dominate him once and for all.


Zak: There you are! Check out my shirt!
Wyn: Check out my shirt!
(awkward pause)
Wyn: Hey, wait a minute.
Zak: I don't believe this. I'm going to go sit somewhere else.

(And...scene.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

LOVE, ZAK & WYN (EQUALLY)
& MOM (MOST OF ALL)

it just doesn't get any better than this

This afternoon we were:
(1) outside,
(2) finally wearing shorts,
(3) eating vanilla ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery, and
(4) watching trains go by.


Beat that, people!

happy birthday grandma!

This morning we hosted a dance party in honor of Grandma Lipsey's birthday. While Grandma herself was unable to attend, living halfway across the country and all, Cousin Sam did make an appearance. We compared dance moves and discussed how much we are all looking forward to Grandma's visit later this month. Happy Birthday Grandma! We love you!