Super powers

When I was in college, the first of a wave of superhero movies came to the big screen: Spiderman, X-Men, etc. It became the new trend to have a superhero alias and secret super powers. One friend declared he had the super power of not needing sleep and dubbed himself "The Owl." If I ever said I had super powers or gave myself a name I have no recollection of it.

I do believe that some people have secret super powers and one of these powers has emerged in one of my children. I'm not sure what the technical super power name for it is, but it is the power to damage or numb others eardrums with a high ear-piercing scream. Corinne has this power and definitely uses it to her advantage. It seems to work extremely effectively while she is playing with Matthew and he takes something from her or physically hurts her. She then uses her super power and lets out the high-pitched scream and Matthew retreats, covering his ears with his hands (as we previously showed him how to do with fireworks and other loud noises). Between them they have termed it "loud" and is used as a verb. For example, "don't loud me, Corinne!"

I feel as though I'm pretty immune to this super power at home. However, I think Corinne has realized it is much more effective on me in public. If I tell her we're leaving the playground or she doesn't get her way in the store, here comes the scream. I wince in embarrassment at the undesirable attention from others. I just need to figure out the super power that counteracts the scream and acquire it. I haven't decided on her super hero alias yet and I am open to suggestions. I'm leaning towards "The Banshee," but I'm not sure it has the right ring to it. Feel free to leave suggestions and I will award the winner a duel with "The ?."

The Zoo

We had a fun, albeit warm, day at the zoo today. We went with our friends, the Halls, and made the hour long drive to Providence, RI to see the animals at the zoo.

This funny crane was right up against the window and kept biting at Corinne's and Matthew's fingers. They thought it was so funny and would say "ouch!" and pull their hands away after the crane pecked at the glass.

For a refreshing break the cooled off in this fountain and splashed each other a bit.

They braved the large komodo dragon and climbed on top of him for a ride. Okay, it's just a statue. And, no Matt, they don't ride statues as well as you do.

Checking out the dromedaries.

Posing on the wooden frogs, just like last year.

They also have a seasonal butterfly exhibit with all kinds of butterflies flying around.
I thought this one looked particularly interesting.
Some little girl kept following Matthew and Corinne around reminding them that the sign says to not touch the butterflies. Corinne was a little sensitive and started to pout because she thought she was in trouble. I had to take her aside and show her the butterflies and get her away from the annoying little girl.

Nora was so good and quiet the whole time we hardly knew she was there except for the fact that Corinne kept wanting to give her more puffs so that she could steal them from Nora. By the end, Nora finally started to complain a little. Here's her hot and tired face while relaxing in the stroller.

The kids were so exhausted the fell asleep within minutes of getting on the freeway. It was a nice quiet ride back home.

Crafty Attempt

This is my first attempt at being crafty. I tried to follow my sisters' awesome example of button on canvas pictures, but I don't think my picture turned out as nice. I think the problem is that the yellow buttons are too pale and I need more contrast between the buttons and the canvas. My next attempt will probably wait until I move to AZ and can have the expert advice of my two talented artistic sisters.

Happy Independence Day!

We began the day's festivities with the Groton City Parade. The kids had never been to a parade before so this was an adventure. They were so excited to receive free helium balloons courtesy of a local bank.
I think Corinne was dancing around waiting for the parade to start.

Nothing says 4th of July like eating a flag.

The parade had several revolutionary period bands consisting mainly of drums and piccolos. Towards the end there were some authentic powder rifles that were shot off and scared Corinne and sent her into crying fits for the second time of the parade. The first time was when a fire engine passed by squirting people with water. That surprise sent her crying too. But tears were quickly forgotten once the candy was thrown. That night we decided to brave the crowds and head to the navy base for fireworks. Unfortunately, we found out a little late that there wasn't any parking allowed on the base so we searched frantically for a parking spot and quickly walked over to the base and set up a blanket right outside the gates. As soon as we sat down, Corinne threw up. I'm beginning to think there is something seriously wrong with her. It's probably just a severe case of motion sickness, but it sure is annoying. Anyways, I digress. Shortly after we sat down the fireworks started and we had to move the blanket a little ways to see the fireworks between a couple of trees. I think this sudden movement along with the loud fireworks was a little too much for Corinne because she broke into hysterics with screaming and crying and freaking out. She tried to get into the stroller and eventually Jeremy ended up laying down with her and covering her ears. I had been preparing the kids all day for the fireworks and explaining how loud they would be with comparisons to recent loud thunder storms and the guns from the parade. I even had them practice putting their hands over their ears once the fireworks began. Matthew did great with keeping his hands over his ears while staring up at the fireworks and enjoying the various colors. Nora even did great without a tear or scream. Corinne is just something else. But we still love her. I'm not looking forward to the teenage years.