Another Day at Play

Spencer spent another day at Play painting to his heart's content, eventually venturing out to hang out with his new friend, Caius, who will be joining Spencer at preschool this fall. The boys enjoyed stories, the train table and puzzles. Perhaps the thing Spencer loved most, besides painting, was the snack Caius brought, a Korean speciality that translates as "flower bread." Spencer gobbled it up. Thanks for sharing Caius!

Singing in the Park

A visit to Nana's house these days means a visit to Olympiad Park. Spencer was doing his best Gene Kelly impersonation today only instead of Singin' in the Rain, he was belting out Mary Had a Little Lamb as loud as could be. He tapped along with a stick in one hand for extra emphasis. I love how he indulges in his musical moods completely unconsciously and hope that he continues to do so for the foreseeable future.

Swinging with Zach

This Saturday morning, the El Segundo kiddie pool opened for the summer season. While waiting for the gate to open, the boys got a chance to practice baseball swings with each other's tees. Zach is already practicing his swing with a tee which ejects a ball into mid-air just like Goldilocks trying porridge: sometimes too low, sometimes too high, sometimes just right. Spencer was still learning the point of the auto-tee. If the ball just kind of flopped out and rolled away, Spencer would chase after it, "hit it" (on the ground) and then run back to the tee to hit the next ball that popped out (and then, usually, run after it as it rolled away to whack it on the ground). Hey, he's learning!

And he learned a neat trick from his friend Zach: throw a ball to your dad in the pool who will dive any direction to catch it (and usually go underwater)! There were laughs and laughs as both dads dove to catch each pass. But damn!, everyone agreed, that water was COLD!

After drying off and warming up, the boys hung out on the playground for a while longer and took a spin in the tire swing together (above).

The Pogos drove down to Nana's house after naptime and arrived with a tired (and hyper) Spencer in tow. Still insisting on doing everything himself, he took himself out of the car seat, grabbed his suitcase and wheeled it up to Nana's front door. Then he knocked until she opened it wide and greeted him with hugs and kisses.

No one reads the Spanish-language story books at bedtime like Nana...

Buddha, Buddha Everywhere

This weekend is the last chance to catch up with The Vision and Art of Shinjo Ito, a free exhibition at the Westwood Art Forum of the works of Japan's foremost 20th century Buddhist Master and Artist. Since I have been interested in Buddhism for a number of years, an interest reinvigorated during our trip to Japan last year, I didn't want to miss this opportunity to see the 16-foot long golden Buddha in person. Spencer, while admiring the Buddha, was more interested in climbing up and down the stairs both to prove that he could and to discover where they led. He embodies, as do all children, the Buddhist ideal of living in the moment. I wonder when we lose that quality?

One Cool Cat

The Los Angeles Central Library, whose beautiful 1920s building is a downtown landmark, was our first stop this morning. We headed upstairs to the children's wing on the second floor stopping on the way to admire the stunning domed mural. We had the place almost to ourselves and what a place it was. There were so many books to choose from, the biggest children's section I've ever seen. Spencer and I read a pirate alphabet book amongst others before it was time to head over a few blocks to music class. Our story today, Chicks and Salsa, was about a group of farm animals who, tired of the same old feed and slop, decide to gather ingredients from the garden for homemade salsa. Ole!

Mike spent the afternoon with Spencer while I went to the doctor's. On the way back from the park, he caught this mischievious look as Spencer strayed off the sidewalk onto a neighbor's lawn.

Splashing with Sadie

Spencer and I paid a visit to Sadie's house today where he promptly went in search of Sadie's toy guitar. He's figured out already at his tender age that ladies love musicians. He followed up his serenade with a dip in the pool, splashing around and trying to douse Sadie with a watering can. She wasn't so keen on the last part. Check back later for photos of the pool party.

French Alphabet

Inspired by our trip to France earlier this year, I signed Spencer up for a Maman et Moi class. So far he can sing the alphabet in French and recite his colors. Now he just needs to watch a few Pepe Le Pew cartoons to round out his French education. Sacre bleu!

Messy Art

Spencer spent the morning with his friend Jonah channeling his inner artist at Play. Dressed in a blue smock, he painted sheet after sheet of abstract creations going back and forth between one side of the easel to the other depending on the color he wanted to use. It was fun to watch Spencer and Jonah paint their masterpieces side by side.

After refueling with a snack of strawberries and blueberries, it was on to the play area where there were a number of interactive toys to captivate Spencer's attention, the train table being his favorite. Meltdown time approaching, we hopped back in the car for the ride home. We were able to carpool for once as Gillian put an extra car seat in the back for Spencer. The boys treated us to several high volume renditions of the ABCs before erupting in peals of laughter when they discovered how to roll down the automatic windows with their toddler toes. Soon everyone in the car was laughing. Those boys are irresistible!

The Arcade

"Mommy's not sleeping here," was Spencer's first observation this morning when he crawled back into bed with Daddy after waking up early. After a reassurance that Mommy was still on her camping trip, Spencer and Daddy chilled a moment while the sun came up on another blazing hot California morning.

We made it to Santa Monica not too long after for breakfast and for a walk down the Santa Monica pier. Now it was Spencer (not, repeat NOT his daddy) who insisted on walking into the bleeping-, blooping- and whirring-world of the Pier's arcade. Once he was in, Spencer was in. He delighted in watching a seven- or eight-year old playing the whack-a-mole and insisted he was next. And he was...and won four tickets. He also played "family bowling" -- a bowling game with the alley set about Spencer-height which turned a push of the ball down a 3-foot alley into a digital-display alley set up to show the results. Spencer got 6 pins down on his first try (and left a two-pin split...aargh!) but was never able to re-capture that beginner's luck. He still managed to get six or seven tickets for his efforts.

Spencer had to be pulled kicking and crying (literally) from the arcade to get back to the car before the meter expired and nap time approached.

Lucky for him, Spencer woke up only a few minutes before his mommy returned and the entire weekend was recounted for her in abbreviated detail.

The last stop of the afternoon was to the "Palms park" where Spencer played on the playground and eventually ran into the middle of its large field. "We should put the tee here," he observed, referring back to his favorite past-time, the baseball tee. "And hit the ball really, really far!" Yeah, thinking big Spencer -- I like it.

No Girls Allowed

Lydia joined some friends for a whitewater rafting trip today so Spencer gave her a big hug and a kiss as she was leaving just when he woke up this morning.

That meant one thing: the Pogo boyz were set to take on L.A., yo.

But it actually became a pretty low-key day. Spencer was sweating up a storm last night in the balmy summer heat. So we decided to look for some new (and cooler) pajamas. At the Fox Hills aka Westfield Mall, Spencer rode in some baby cars (sorry kid, daddy doesn't have any change), snuck his way to the food court, and charmed another set of sales associates ("Hello. I'm looking for some P.J.s for ME!" -- exact quote).

Spencer took one of his marathon near-three hour naps despite the heat in the afternoon leaving us just enough time to swim at the pool at the YMCA. He is getting braver in the water everytime we go there. The "water noodles" or "floaties" (big styrofoam tubes that look like pipe insulation) are Spencer's favorite. Not only did he insist on having one, he took the green one out for a spin, didn't like it, got a yellow one and then insisted on floating on his own. What big boy huh? His head went underwater briefly for a moment and when he came up, he sputtered, gave a little cough and then said, "I don't like that." Not SO big...(yet).

Graduation Day

Today was our last class at Emerson. Spencer spent his outside time filling up the cars, riding around the playground and washing cars just like he does with Daddy.

After the children played outside, it was time to come into the classroom for a graduation ceremony. The children walked over a "bridge" and were given a certificate to mark their participation in the class.

Our wonderful, knowledgeable class leader, Teacher Kathy.

Stories and Magic

Spencer woke up early this morning and knew precisely what he wanted to do: read stories. He lined up his library books in the order he wanted to hear them. The dawn hour isn't exactly storytime in the Pogo household. But Spencer is...persistent.

Stories read and breakfast eaten, it was off to music class. No bells or castenets today. Instead, the children were treated to a story about a Magic Bunny and given magician props to make the story come alive. Spencer did a great job of juggling (well, with one plush ball instead of the industry-standard three) and created a new signature move: the up-in-the-air-off-the-forehead-aborted-catch juggle. The kids also had a chance to wave scarves and make bunnies appear from hats, just like real magicians.

No pictures today...the Magician Union rules are very, very strict.

The Art of Tricycle Maintenance

Today was a lesson in the art of tricycle maintence. Spencer's tricycle (courtesy of Sophia who was visiting for the morning) kept "breaking down" and needing repairs. Mommy fixed it over and over again using a combination of sound effects and bubbles to bring the trike back to life. If only a visit to the mechanic in real life was as easy...

Paper Boy

Every morning, Spencer goes out to pick up our local newspaper, The Los Angeles Times. At the beginning, we always accompanied him to the curb to make sure he didn't run out into the street. Nowadays he insists on going himself while one of us watches from the top of the driveway. The only day he lets us help is on Sundays when the paper is "SO heavy" but Tuesdays paper, that's manageable.

Sitting with Jonah

Spencer and his friend Jonah spent time together this afternoon alternating between sitting side by side, sweeping sand and playing with a toy tunnel. Whatever one would do, the other would want to participate. It's nice to see them interacting with each other more and more rather than merely playing next to each other.

My Dad is My Hero

Happy Father's Day!

First Haircut

The time had come, time to say goodbye to Spencer's mullet. As much as I loved watching Spencer's locks bounce up and down against his neck as he galloped around, I knew one day his hair would need to be snipped. We went to the barbershop where Mike has his hair cut. He sat in the chair first so Spencer would see there was nothing to fear. When Spencer's turn came, he was rather sanguine about the whole experience. He sat quietly in Daddy's lap as his long strands in the back fell away. He seemed lost in thought, taking in the feeling of the cool scissors against his neck and admiring his reflection in the mirror. Soon it was all over. Spencer's transformation is complete. Look what a grown up boy he is becoming.

The Bite

Today Spencer bit his BFF Sophia while they were playing outside at Emerson. The dispute apparently started over the playhouse. Sophia wouldn't let Spencer inside, accidentally slamming his fingers at one point. Spencer responded by chomping her on the arm, obviously not an appropriate reaction. Everyone involved was in tears by the time I made it to the playground. I felt like a terrible parent, the mom whose son bites. Luckily the teacher aides and other parents seemed to understand that it's all part of the process. Spencer, ordinarily so sweet-tempered and verbal, still needs to work on impulse control, especially in situations where he feels frustrated. Children need to learn how to resolve conflicts, how to deal with frustration and how friends treat each other.

Puzzles

Today I discovered that the children's section of our local library possesses a treasure that captivated Spencer's attention for ages. No, for once it was not a book; it was a Melissa & Doug wooden puzzle with six different kinds of locks. Spencer wasn't satisfied until he had mastered each and every one, planning for the day when he has to use his new skills to gain his freedom. Maybe this is how David Blaine got his start.

Can you tell Daddy styled Spencer's hair?

Spotting Jacarandas

Jacaranda trees, known for their distinctive purple blossoms, are prevalent through out Los Angeles. Spencer enjoys pointing out all the jacarandas he sees as we walk or drive through our neighborhood. I never realized quite how many of these trees there were until Spencer started making me aware. It keeps him entertained while we go from place to place and reminds me to notice the natural beauty around us.

Sophia, Swimsuits and Sun

Sophia came over for a visit today dressed in her stylish swimsuit, matching hat and water shoes. In addition to splashing in the water table, Spencer and Sophia played a little miniature golf and used their watering cans to dump water on the plants. All we need is a sprinkler and a wading pool and we're set for summer!

There's no place like Daddy's lap

To Nana's House We Go

Spencer and his Nana sitting together in the clubhouse.

I love the way the sun creates a polka dot pattern on the bench and on Spencer in this photo.

Whenever we visit Nana, we try to make time for the amazing park by her house. Spencer shoveled sand down a tube, climbed a faux rock wall and went down this very high, very swirly slide. He's now coordinated enough to climb the stairs on his own, sometimes without using the railing. Easy tiger!

Hiding Under the Parachute

Every Friday, Spencer and I attend a Parent and Me class at Emerson in Westchester. One of Spencer's favorite activities is playing with the parachute. The children are capable now of holding the parachute on their own with the guidance of Teacher Kathy whereas in September when we started the class, the parents always held it. After much waving of the parachute, the children scamper underneath to "hide" from the adults. Giggles abound.

As much as Spencer loves the class, lately he has not wanted to remain outside on the playground during parent discussion time. I remained outside with him for five minutes until he seemed comfortable enough for me to leave him and go inside to join the discussion. Separation anxiety seems to appear every few months. It's unclear what triggered this bout, possibly an awareness that he starts preschool in the fall.

Once Upon a Fairy Tale

Daaaaaar! There be music in this place! Although it may look like Spencer is doing his best pirate impression, in reality he's standing in front of a grand piano at The Colburn School in downtown Los Angeles. Today was the first session of a class entitled Once Upon a Fairy Tale. The teacher read a story to the children, pausing at certain points to pass out percussion instruments for the children to play in accompaniment to a song. The goal is to engage and to inspire the children to connect with the both the story and the music while engaging their imaginations and creativity.

Today, we heard a story about a little mole who sees the moon for the first time and becomes so enamoured that he wants to capture it for his own. The children became involved in the story when the mole tries to jump at the moon, poke at the moon with a stick, and throw nuts at the moon all accompanied by sound effects from Spencer and his classmates. His favorite part of the class came at the end when he and each of the children had a chance to play a piano duet with their teacher. Every child would strike the piano keys in different ways -- some using all of their fingers, some using just one. Spencer picked a black key and the teacher constructed a melody around "his" note.

Backyard adventures

What better way to while away a Wednesday afternoon than to splash in the water table naked as a jay bird. He did start out wearing clothes but when they became saturated, he decided to remove them. The over-the-shoulder, side-long glance is all his own.

Go Fly a Kite

Our friends Anna, Damien and Sophia met us today at Lindberg Park with a surprise: a Curious George kite. Spencer and Sophia alternated turns running with the kite as it flew into the air. Each flight lasted only a few moments but what delightful moments they were. Pride, triumph and sheer joy passed across Spencer's face as he ran as fast as his legs would carry him across the field. It gives new meaning to the expression "go fly a kite."

Australian for book

They say things are bigger in Australia, at least according to a recent marketing campaign. Well if that's true, then this book certainly qualifies. Spencer gravitated to the oversize books today during our visit to the library. This book was almost as big as he is. I think he likes the challenge of turning the extra large pages.

One Groggy Afternoon

Spencer. 3:30pm. Sunday afternoon. Waking up is hard to do.

Culver City Artwalk 2008

Culver City's many art galleries threw open their doors on Saturday afternoon for the third annual Artwalk. Spencer doesn't quite know what to make of this post-modern art installation seen at LAXART. Don't worry. We're not sure either.