Back in Touch, part 2

You've seen all the photos from my latest visit to the Please Touch Museum, now take a look at the video:

Back in Touch, part 1

I have so much great stuff to share from my latest visit to the Please Touch Museum, I'm going split it into two posts. Today I'll show you all my photos, and tomorrow you can see the video. Mom and Dad asked me where I wanted to go first, and I didn't have to think twice...


I headed straight for the ducks! This time I managed to stay drier than usual.

Next up was the carousel, and while I enjoyed myself, I opted against a second ride for the first time ever.


Then Dad took me on a roller coaster, sort of...


I have a feeling I'll like coasters a lot, but on that day riding a turtle was my preferred method of amusement.


Then I went to the supermarket for some food shopping, and I couldn't resist sampling the merchandise.


Yuck! Why did the apples taste like plastic? We had lunch after that, and the pretzels were much yummier.


Over lunch I got to show Mom the painting on the cafeteria wall of the pani (Ukrainian word for woman) that I've been imitating ever since my last museum visit with Dad. Here's what she looks like...


And here's my version of it...



Next up was a trip back to the shoe exhibit, and while I liked playing with the shoes again, this time I was more interested in measuring my own feet.


Our trip ended on a surprise note, as we got a chance to get up close and personal with the Phillies World Series trophy, which they were displaying at the museum that day.


Or as I kept calling it, "Crown!" There were several men standing around it to make sure no one touched it, but I still came thisclose to getting my mitts on it. Hey Dad, when are the Yankees going to get another one of those things? It's been almost a decade!

There's video of all the above and more to show you, so check back tomorrow!

Finding Nemo

Before we visited Uncle Ryan's restaurant in Baltimore, Mom and Dad took me back to the Baltimore Aquarium, which I had loved so much during our last trip down there. I missed Uncle Ryan, who couldn't make it this time, but I had so much fun saying hi to all the fish, the dolphins and yes, the bubbles. This time was even better because I knew what colors all the fish were. And I even spotted my friend Nemo! (Another Disney character that I know all about without ever having seen his movie.)



Dad did most of the heavy lifting when I needed to get a close look at the fish, but when my energy started to flag, Mom was right there for cuddling.


See how I have my arms up her sleeves? That's my telltale sign that I'm tired. But I rallied for the dolphin show, and had enough energy to practice hanging from a bar like I do at Little Gym.



Here's a video of my return trip. While my reactions the last time largely boiled down to two words — "bubbles" and "fish" — I was much more animated this time around!



Next up: a return trip to the Please Touch Museum, so check back tomorrow!

I ♥ Frank & Nic's!

I had such a busy and fun vacation week with Mom and Dad. There's so much to talk about, so let's start with one of the week's big highlights. We went to Baltimore to visit Uncle Ryan and check out his new restaurant, Frank & Nic's West End Grille. The place is terrific! First off, it's just a block away from Camden Yards, so if you're in town for an Orioles game you have to go there. The decor is gorgeous, especially this cool orange door that closes off the private room (great for parties and corporate gatherings!).


And you might be lucky enough to get your drink from yours truly. I'm a bartending pro now that Uncle Ryan gave me some pointers!


Here's a tour of the whole place:



And I've left out the best part: the food! You know that I love a good meal, and Frank & Nic's doesn't disappoint, with lots of yummy dishes. Take a look:



If you're in Baltimore for any reason, you have to stop by. Tell them Julia the bartender sent you!

Measured response

Hi everyone! I've been having such a terrific vacation week with Mom and Dad! There's so much to tell you about—but it's going to have to wait until next week when we're back home. Until then, you'll have to make do with this post. Mom and Dad have been doing so much work around the house lately as they prepare for my baby brother's arrival (and my new bedroom), and I wanted to pitch in. So I got my hands on the tape measure and went to work.





So what do you think? Do I have what it takes to become a contractor? Take the weekend to mull it over, and I'll be back on Monday with lots of great photos and videos from my week with Mom and Dad!

My fair ladybugs

I'm finally getting old enough to do some crafts, and one project I've had my eye on for a few weeks was making ladybugs. They did it on one of the shows I watch every night, The Good Night Show, and Mom had the great idea that we could make them together. So the other week we rolled up our sleeves, got some rocks, and started painting. I enjoyed myself but everytime I got paint on my hands, I made Dad wash them off, as you can see here:


I love my ladybugs! Take a look at how we made them



I can't wait to see what fun crafts Mom will come up with next for us to do!

Ask Julia: 4/20/09

I'm off traveling with Mom and Dad for much of this week, but as promised, I'm still posting. I thought I'd kick off the week with some Ask Julia questions from Aunt Paula.

I sure like your new tricycle. I never saw one with the handle on the back. I am sure that you will soon enjoy riding it. Do you ride it inside the house?
Grandma and Grandpa had never seen that handle either, but that helps Mom and Dad push me without bending over and hurting their backs. I'm not riding it inside the house yet, because right now I'm not really even riding it outside the house. I think that tricycle is going to be an acquired taste, though I'm sure by the end of the summer I won't be able to get enough of it.

I was so hungry when I watched you eating at Johnny Rockets. You sure love ketchup. Do you put ketchup in your chicken soup like your Grandma does?
I've never done that before, but I love putting my condiments in odd places (I'm the opposite of Uncle Ryan, who doesn't like condiments at all), so that sounds like it would be yummy!

My friend Isabella also chimed in with a couple questions:

I was reading your blog (or rather I was looking at the pictures, Mommy was reading) when you mentioned your last vacation as "just the three of us." Trust me, "just the four of us" is much better! At least from my perspective.
I'm still skeptical, but I'll try to keep an open mind.

What are you going to do on your vacation? Let's have a playdate the week after next so you can tell me all about it.
I'm going to visit Grandma and Grandpa, and then go see Uncle Ryan's new restaurant in Baltimore (hopefully he'll let me tend bar!). While we're down in Baltimore, I hope to check in on my favorite dolphins at the aquarium. Then later in the week we're going up to visit Aunt Jess. Should be a fun week!

Mommy told me that you're going to be in my swim class after vacation. I've really missed you--there are no "friends" in my old class.
Yes, I had to get "permission" to go into the older swim class, so I'll be joining you there soon!

Thanks for the great questions. That's it for today. If you have more questions, please send them!