Dyleva: July 2016

27 July 2016

Misty Wednesday

My little man is officially five years old. I cannot even take it! So when we asked him where he wanted to celebrate his birthday dinner, naturally, he said the Melting Pot. (That's where Eva has celebrated hers.)

Well, luckily the powers of persuasión work easily on Dylan, and we decided once again, to head north.

On a glorious, sweltering day we thought we might begin with a bit of a boat ride overlooking the falls.

Some of us chose to completely wrap ourselves in blue plastic to avoid the elements.

Next we headed to the jungle, where we would feast amidst the animals and the thundering storms.

Our evening ended with a Steel drum band, playing in the Street.

CHEERS!

Feliz Cumpleaños mi amor!

20 July 2016

Tio David and Building Blocks

And so the day arrived I had been waiting for, for years!

My children literally came out of the womb listening to the Dave Matthews Band.

He is so much a part of our family, that we lovingly have nicknamed him, "Tio David." A family friend.

They know Mommy and Daddy go to see him, he sends Mommy presents, Mommy drools over him, etc. They know the band members, their instruments, and some of the songs.

Today was the big day!

Road trip to Toronto for our first concert together!

Meanwhile...I already saw him earlier this summer. Got my fill...and was prepared for super low expectations.

No need.

We had a great time.

Toronto is an amazingly awesome modern city. We should totally go back when we have time to explore. But, hello, pay attention! Dave is in town! Who cares about the CN tower!

We settled in nicely with hotel pool and such. We had dinner at Gabbies, with an amazing outdoor patio and atmosphere. Well, at least it was until we arrived.

We had an effective plan of how to reach the venue in time, street car, change at Union Station. Follow three stops, blah, blah, blah.

We walked two blocks and then hailed a cab.

I lost all my adventurousness after I had children.

Rock on!

We enter! Jeff buys Dyleva ice cream. We explore. Molson Canadian is hosting a Dave Trivia for front row seats. I am in the background answering every question correctly.

Eva begs, "Mommy! You need to go up there!"

Not a chance. I'd never make it home if I won.

Moving on. So we find a cozy spot on the lawn. Put down our sheet, and sit.

There is one inept guard clearing everyone from in front of our view.

Really?

Nobody steps on our blanket, pushes or crowds us.

Really?

God, I love Canada! Last weeks experience in Canadaigua was completely different!

So we seriously had a perfect view of the show the entire time.

I will say, it is the first concert I have ever sat for. ( I was dancing in my seat.)

But I did end the night, holding a snugglebug, fast asleep...not exactly sure if that is a complement to DMB....

all made out of legos!

The next day, probably the most sober we have ever been after a concert, we visited Legoland.

Two thumbs up! I wish we would have had more time, but while we were there Dyleva got to run through an obstacle course, shoot lego bad guys on a ride through the jungle, créate a masterpiece out of legos from scratch, and watch the coolest 4D movie ever!

Yes, 4D.

When I sat down, I scoffed. Duh. There are only three dimensions you can measure. Ahhh...but I forgot about the physical. The theatre blew wind, spit out wáter among other things, and snowed on us before the end. So cool!

Dyleva got a little cranky at the end, which prompted a swift exit.

What a great summer this has been!

17 July 2016

Pet Vets

It is a rare and unique occurrence.

Every blue moon, Dyleva actually entertains themselves. Peacefully. Without interference or confrontation. You have to know what it looks like, and sounds like, in order to capture it authentically.

I did just that today.

I began my investigation into the bathroom, where a young veterinarian was cleaning and providing transportation for the animals across the water. Very kind.

Animals awaiting transport.

When I went to leave, the young vet bid me, "Namaste."

(Maybe we have been doing a bit too much yoga....)

As I continued my journey, I encountered a young veterinarian caring for animals out of her bedroom.

She had wounded and sick animals that needed care.

She provided them with shelter and comfort.

She even cared for their wounds.

I rate these facilities with four stars. ****

16 July 2016

The Day of Pit Stops

Today wasn't our best day together. I love summer, so I begin every day with high expectations!

Maybe my kids are burned out.

They have been bickering and disrespectful.

Nonetheless, we go forward. Hoping things will mellow as the day continues.

We make a pit stop at the Farmer's Market. We buy a couple things.

Dyleva starts freaking out. "I want this....Mommy can I have that....Why can't I .......!!!@#$#$%^^&

Oh my.

I take them back home. Seriously?

The market was supposed to be a pit stop on the way to Mommy's park for a nature walk and picnic. But their little keesters ended up back home.

We regrouped. We discussed. We resolved. We tried again.

Dyleva was ready.

We went to Mommy's park, and had a lovely picnic. There was some slight friction from Dylan. We muddled through. We began our hike.

We stopped to admire the beautiful wáter lilies. Maybe a little too close. Next thing I know, Dylan's in the wáter.

Man.

Was not happy that I was cracking up and taking fotos.

We were SO close.
Tears.
He's screaming. We clean him up. The mood is not right. We leave.

It turned into a pit stop.

We all go home. We nap/rest. We regroup again.

I have the bright idea of going to the races!
Why not?
Fast cars make everyone happy, right?

I've never been and why wouldn't today be the perfect day since Dyleva has been spot on thus forward!

Ironically, the ultimo pit stop, literally ended up being the most successful.

Wow it was loud! But we had fun choosing which car would win each time.