Transformers in Cleveland (Parma)

This Bumblebee replica is 12 feet tall.

We had a difficult time getting both Ethan and Seth to stop looking at the replicas to get a picture. When we pulled up to the house, Ethan started freaking-out and got really excited. I set him down outside the car and he started yelling "HI OPTIMUS PRIME, HI BUMBLEBEE!", after a few seconds he looked at Cathy and me, "I don't think they understand me, I don't think they understand."

The guy who makes these lives in Parma, Ohio (near the Cleveland Zoo). He made Bumblebee in 2008, and Optimus Prime is new for 2009. He promises Decepticons for 2010.

This Optimus Prime is 17 feet tall.

Seth's 1st Birthday

Ethan helped Seth open presents, though Seth would probably have done fine on his own.

Ethan also helped Seth blow out his candle.

before.......................................................................after

Bitten by the green monster, Ethan insisted that I sing him "Happy Birthday" as well. I sang it to him, but very quietly.

End of Summer 2009

This is the kiddie corn maze at the apple festival in Maplewood, Ohio.



Ethan and Seth at the bottom of a hay slide.


Ethan on his first day of school with a little pill bug (roly-poly-bug) that he found before class.

A small picnic before a bike ride

This is at Westlake, Ohio. They have a sidewalk-water-fountain area that people (mostly kids) splash around in on hot days.

Both these boys love to lounge on the couch. Note Seth's press on tatoo.

Baby Kissy Face

2nd Summer Break 2009

Water area at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh


Dinosaur display at the Cleveland Zoo

Seth's first time alone with a juice box, he did well.

Seth's first camping trip

Palmyra, NY

Mr. Roger's shoes, on display at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

As an old fan of Mr. Roger's, I had to get a picture of Seth and the puppets used on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.

Ethan, Seth, and Cathy and the trolley from Mr. Roger's neighborhood

John, Seth and a puppet designed for Jim Henson's film The Dark Crystal

June and July 2009

Ethan likes making faces in the bathroom mirror.


Both boys asleep in the double bike stroller



Batman and his sippy cup

We really like Seth's poofy hair.

A little picnic in downtown Cleveland for the Cleveland Orchestra's 4th of July celebration

Ethan as a fireman at the Children's Museum of Cleveland

Ethan and his cousin Levi at the Memphis Kiddie Park in Parma, Ohio