Tooth=Legos

The Tooth Fairy once again made a stop at the Moloko household. Little Dude M has several wiggly teeth and he has decided that those teeth are money makers. Once he realized that a tooth is roughly worth a new matchbox, he was trying to convince me a trip to Target was necessary.

On Friday morning, after checking out the Lego website, he and Little Dude B came up with a plan. They propositioned me. If they took Little Dude M's new crisp$1 bill and all their coins from their piggy banks would they have enough money to buy the new Lego "Space Police" set they had been drooling over? At the chance to turn this into a math lesson, I had them dump out their coins and sort them by size and by amount. Little Dude M had $4.65 and Little Dude B had $3.95. Not quite the $9.99 needed. I have to admit, I liked their wheeling and dealing and I gave in and spotted them the additional $1.40.

Upon our return home from Target with new Lego set in hand, both Little Dudes start to count the teeth currently loose in their mouths. Little Dude M has three and Little Dude B has two...not quite enough for the $30 Lego set they are now pining over.

New smile for Little Dude M

Flower Bed Dweller

Each morning, prior to the onslaught of the summer heat, I can be found watering our flowerbed. It never fails that some creature or critter reveals itself as the hose spray awakens them or moves them. The foot long worm, the hairy brown spider, and myriads of other insects have not been photo worthy. However, on several occasions, this cute little dude pops his head out and entertains the munchkins and I. The Little Dudes have affectionately named him "toadstool."

St. Mount Vernon

Last weekend we ventured to a local historical venue. Big Sister had been asking for months to go to Mt. Vernon to see George Washington's home. We enjoyed walking the grounds, touring the Mansion and exploring the new Education Center and Museum. The Little Dudes enjoyed learning about George Washington and Big Sister was able to relate to the Washingtonian era from her American Girl readings about the character Felicity.

Little Dude M cracked me up later when he referred to George's home as "St. Mount Vernon." He told me that George looked like a "Saint." He was old, had grey hair, was a brave man, and "helped" make America. George was definitely a remarkable man and he made an impression on this five year old.

The Mansion

Our little Colonials

Little Dudes down at the Wharf

Posing with George & Martha

Shot of the Day

How often the phrase "Growing Like a Weed" has been uttered to Big Sister. Today, we found a weed that was in need of pruning. It makes for a worthy photo!

Fourth of July!

Big Sister planned our 4th of July this year. Rather than heading to a pool, she asked if we could pull out the "Slip and Slide" and run through the sprinkler. It was a beautiful day and we were able to make her request a reality. The munchkins had a blast and our lawn appreciated the much needed watering. Dinner was burgers and dogs cooked on the grill topped off with apple pie for dessert. We then headed out to Lunga Reservoir to watch fireworks. We did not get as close to the Reservoir as hoped, but, we set up our blanket and chairs in a LZ (landing zone) nearby. I think I will put her in charge planning next year's 4th festivities...she did a superb job!

Little Miss Liberty

The Moloko Trio

4th Smiles

Apple Pie Gal

Little Dude M

Big Sister

Little Dude BAwaiting the fireworks

Which is faster?

The highlight to the mail delivery this week for Little Dude M was receiving the August issue of Motor Trend. On the front cover, a picture of his beloved Chevy ZR1 Corvette is pictured underneath a Navy F/A-18 Blue Angel. Evidently, several months ago, they tested the speed of the ZR1 against the F/A-18. The Corvette was able to compete and maintain against the F/A-18 up to 80 mph, however, after several tests, the F/A-18 would pull ahead of the Corvette. The Corvette did get up to 190 mph, but, was no match to the Blue Angel.

Little Dude M wished he could have watched the test...me too!

Cool Cover Shot