Caterpillar for Obama (and Vice Versa)

Caterpillar Girl

This morning Jane and I were looking at some pictures on the computer. She first asked to see her "Obama Girl" video (featured in the "Political Shout Out" post from earlier this month), which is now her favorite thing to watch. She then admired some pictures of herself in her caterpillar suit, which she also happened to be wearing.

A few minutes later, I noticed that she was marching around the study, chanting something. I listened for a moment and realized that she was cheerfully repeating, "Obama for caterpillar! Obama for caterpillar!"  Perhaps our political indoctrination has gone too far?

Hillary for President!

As you all know, Margot has had a hard time coming to grips with the fact that Hillary is no longer a contender for the presidency. We've covered this topic countless times since Hillary lost the primary, but Margot continues to believe (to Claire's unending exasperation) that there's still some possibility that Hillary could win. We were in the car recently, and an election-related news story came on the radio. After listening for a minute, Margot enthusiastically announced, "Mommy, I am going to be so excited if Hillary wins!!"

Does That Hurt?

During a recent car-trip, Claire and Margot were in the backseat playing a game that appeared to be called "Does That Hurt?" As you can imagine, the game is played by repeatedly punching your sister very hard on the leg or arm while saying, "Does that hurt? Does that hurt?" The punchee maintains a forced smile, and insists, "No, it doesn't. Nope, that definitely does not hurt." Within minutes of Don's astute observation that "this game can only end one way -- badly", Margot began howling and tearfully exclaiming, "Owwwww! Ouch!! Oh, that was too hard, Claire!" Claire's response? A measured, "Well. It looks like "Does That Hurt?" just ended."

P.S. I realize that you might be wondering why we let our children play this game. To that, I can only suggest that you spend seven straight hours in a car with them and see whether it has a similar effect on your judgment.

Margot on Pop Rocks

Margot (in sing-song, valley-girl voice): "Mom? I was eating those Pop Rocks? You know, that Grandma sent? And you know what happened? They electrocuted my mouth!"

A Political Shout-Out (for Betsy)

Jane gives her own political shout-out to "all those third graders at Gladys Wood Elementary" . . . and to Delia's mom:

MVI_6878, originally uploaded by Carrie Fletcher & Don Wiest.

Klassic Cape Cod

Don and I were on the Cape this past weekend (without the girls!) for the wedding of our friends Craig and Katie. The wedding was spectacular -- outdoors, at sunset, overlooking the ocean . . . it was truly picture-perfect. The reception was a blast, and the highlight had to be when Craig belted out a really good version of Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" to his bride.
While we greatly enjoyed the natural beauty of the Cape (crashing waves; moody, empty beaches; beautiful foliage; etc.), I think it's fair to say that we enjoyed the cheesiness of the Cape even more. We were overwhelmed by the abundance of what we now refer to as "Klassic Cape Cod" signage. Too late in the weekend, we started snapping photos of our favorite, horrible signs. It got a bit out of control: at one point, I was actually standing out in a downpour to get pictures of both the Mariner Motor Lodge's bold sign proclaiming that it only looks expensive -- and the lodge itself, which, of course, looks cheap as hell. I also stood in the rain to get a photo of this fake bear wearing a t-shirt that, of course, says "Martin." And there is no doubt that "India Big & Tall" (look closely at the tag line) was well worth getting drenched over.

This tutoring sign, though, was the winner of the day. I bet these guys are doing a booming business.