Westmoreland Asays

Aaron and Michael spent Saturday in Hood River at the Day Out With Thomas event. Aaron's intense interest in Thomas has been strong for well over a year now, and it has helped him build his vocabulary; learn concepts such as numbers, shapes, and colors; and it has enlivened his imagination with all things industrial. The event didn't seem too commercially-centered, and we had a good time without spending any cash save for gas and parking. Watching Thomas depart and return on the tracks sufficed Aaron, and he didn't once ask to ride on the train (he can ride for free with Michael anytime he wants on MAX-the-light-rail); but he loved playing with the trains and tracks set up on six different tables and running through the simple hay maze looking for Thomas and his friends. And Aaron still enjoys watching the videos in re-run. Perhaps next year the four of us will go together . . .

Aaron pee'd in the toilet for the first time today. Well, if the trash can in the bathroom counts, then, yes, he did it--all on his own, all under his own judgement. Meg was changing Edward in the other room while she thought Aaron was in the bathtub playing. But Aaron suddenly entered the room, dripping wet, announcing that he pee'd. Meg asked if he had to pee, but he said No, I pee'd in the toilet. They went together to inspect the deed, and sure enough: there was pee in the trash can (thank goodness Michael emptied the trash just the night before). Will this be the end of changing Aaron's nasty diapers? Do we now prepare to do even more laundry from all the accident-soiled clothes? Stay tuned . . .

After a few months of research, negotiation, lots of shopping--and a new baby inbetween--our house is finally done--for the moment. It's been two years now, and here's what we've completed to date: New windows and external doors New garage door w/opener New interior paint New kitchen appliances New heat pump New water heater New white leather sofa/recliner/love seat New kitchen lighting fixture/ceiling fan New living room furniture We will paint the exterior this summer and consider replacing the rotting deck in the back with stone pavers, if money remains.