Liar, Liar

The other day I was telling Kyle about an interview with Po Bronson I heard on NPR regarding interesting studies on childrearing. Part of the story was on how to deal with young children when they lie. The author talked about how all children lie and it's a sign of intelligence because they have to hold two worlds in their heads, the real one and the one they made up.

That very night, Isabel showed her "intelligence" by telling a whopper. The rule in our house is that she doesn't have to finish her dinner, but she can't have any snacks until she does. I didn't witness this one myself but Kyle gave me all the details. She told Kyle she was all done with her food, so he was getting her a treat. She shifted in her seat, and suddenly the carrot that had been hidden in her dress fell to the floor. Kyle looked at it in disbelief and Isabel said, "I want to eat it!" And then, she burst into tears and eventually confessed to her crime.

So it begins. I hope she's always such a bad liar!

Once More Unto the Pool!

My company had our annual summer picnic at the Zoo/Water Park this past weekend. This time around, Isabel owned the kiddie pool. She was all over that place, sliding, floating, splashing, having a blast. Zak enjoyed being out in the sun and wiggling his toes in the water, and then took a nice nap. It was a perfect day! Kyle and I each got a few precious minutes to relax on the lawn chairs. Even the extraction went well - tantrum free.

Guest Post: Grandpa & Pam

Pam and I visited this weekend. We had a great time. Isabel was a princess, and Zak couldn't stop smiling. Mom and Dad were exhausted, but Pam and I couldn't get enough. Some of our activities: Isabel running in the sprinkler at Easton Mall, followed by dining at The Cheesecake Factory; Isabel's first time down the slide at swimming lessons; watching the exciting bike race in Westerville; Isabel and Pam playing in the tent; numerous games of Chutes & Ladders; Grandpa and Isabel playing in the sandbox; Grandpa and Pam accompanying Isabel on her trike ride; Kyle's company picnic....As you can see, it was a jam-packed weekend, and it's not over yet!