Pic-nic

Amelia and I decided to have a picnic in the truck rather than head inside for lunch.  As a newly minted 12 year-old, she doesn't like getting her picture taken as much as she used to...As the father of a 12 year-old, that fact makes me like taking them even more..

Almost

 When you have one job and it is to get balloons for your daughter's birthday, you do your best to not screw it up.  Apparently my best was to spend $24 on balloons just to hear one begin leaking on the ride home... 

While the '1' is trying to hold on.....I'm sure by morning, we'll be wishing her a happy 2nd birthday.

No Way to Know

 I can't tell if Amelia was cold, disguising herself during remote learning, or just plain going crazy from being at home too long...either way, I've learned to enjoy her cuteness and to never question the mind of a near-teenage girl..

Puzzling

 When you have a long weekend, you're in a pandemic, and the weather is terrible, a puzzle is a great way to relax .... at least Lucy thinks so....

Looks

 If I'm being honest, I have to admit I have really enjoyed having Amelia home with me while we're both working remotely.  It's been a pleasure just getting to see her do her day.  I would guess most dads never get the chance to look across the table and see their beautiful daughter learning, answering questions, and joking with friends....

....hey, I didn't say SHE enjoyed having ME here watching her....

Every Day is a School Day

 I came across this car sticker and I enjoyed it for a few reasons ... First, I like the concept that being beaten up by this lady, and not the dangers and costs of an accident, or even basic human decency, is the deterrent to wrecking into her.  Secondly, I love that she's saying even in the chaos, fear, and emotionally exhaustive nature of an accident, she knows just what to do .... Check on the welfare of everyone else involved? No, sir... Acknowledge the reason it is called an "accident" is because nobody did it on purpose? 100% incorrect....  Hop out and fistfight the other driver as her kids watch? Why yes, the only reasonable response!!!  So, in a cynical world where humanity, love, and compassion are morbidly undervalued, rest easy knowing there are still a few warriors out there leading by example and taking the time out of their day to teach their children to grow up to be terrible humans...

...I just wish I had seen this warning before I tapped her bumper.  Let me tell you, she didn't bother to put out her cigarette, she wasn't afraid to get my blood on her "Who Farted?" t-shirt, and for a 70 year-old, she had a vicious right hook. 

Inspector

While Amelia was trying to figure out what to think about Meggan's newest arrival today (she ultimately decided it creeped her out), I caught a glimpse of her that reminded me of something else ....

...the last time I caught her trying to figure out what to think of Meggan's newest arrival (She ultimately decided he was her new best friend) ...