One of Will's weekend chores is to water the bamboo. He enjoys this and pays particular attention to the many sprouts that have recently risen from the dirt. He waters these the most because these are the ones that need it the most. On occasion Max will mix it up in the resulting mud, and then find a moment or two for some brotherly affection. Our backyard is like a commercial for mother nature, love, and all that is good in the world. Peace.

Will started riding a real bike (with training wheels) only a few days ago, and today he made a huge leap. This morning he bought his very first helmet. Against all of Mom and Dad's assumptions, he loved it. He insisted on wearing it all day, in the car, hitting baseball, watching Toy Story 2, eating dinner, and in his bed. But first he rode a few miles on his own in Seward Park, deemed dad's hand-on-the-shoulder unnecessary, and reached speeds that never before seemed possible. He was so proud (he even took a break to throw some rocks, 5 at a time). And Max rode hard, strapped in, on his hand me down tricycle. He loved racing his brother and screamed in discontent each time we came to a stop.

We made our first full family outing to a baseball game (Max had never been included in this fun). Will insisted for days that he wanted cotton candy, and mom and dad reluctantly obliged only to find that he despised the disgusting stuff. We were so proud. Max enjoyed stomping up and down the rows and the opportunity to screech at the top of his little lungs without being told "Max no scream." We think he even screeched out an "E-CHEE-ROW" cheer. maybe not.

Last week Will happily received a new lunchbox. This one is solid metal, includes a thermos and was made in China. Oh, and it is black and gold with Steeler logos all over. He was so excited that he slept with it that night. The next day, all of the other kids in Preschool 2 were jealous (they still remember SB XL). Max gladly received Will's hand-me-down.