Mason the bookworm

Mason could have books read to him all day it seems. He is a big fan of Curious George and will patiently read an entire book and then want another one right away. We try to indulge him as much as possible, of course, especially when he brings us one of his favorites and asks, "Book, please, Dada," or "George, please, Mama," while pulling us towards the couch. Sometimes, we just need a break though. How soon until he can read to himself?

Nana and Papa stopped by last weekend and they got pulled to the couch as well.

One last trip to the pool (with Chris)

Mason's uncle Chris visited us before heading to Chicago for a conference. The pool was open for the last weekend of the year so we bought a waterproof camera and went for a swim.

We had fun in the shallow pool first.

We always go down the tube slide and then ride around the on the lazy river. By the last weekend of the year, the inner tubes don't hold air quite as well and Jeni's center-of-gravity must be a bit off. At the end of the slide, Mason and Jeni flipped over and both went under. Mason handled it quite well, I think. Then we had to get them back in the tube.

They weren't in the mood for pictures for a while.

We really like going to the pool this summer, and plan to start up indoor pool classes again this fall.

By request, Hogarth

We're open to requests here at hecho-gentry.blogspot.com. A friend from Duke, Nik, wanted a few more pictures of Hogarth. Unfortunately, Hogarth is getting camera shy in his old age. This is the best we could do.

Bubba and Grandpa come to visit

Mason's Bubba and Grandpa drove down to visit and we went to the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival. Last year, they had a petting zoo that Mason was too little to enter, but the animals were a no-show this time. Instead we just ate.

Mason devoured some fruit, a corn dog, and parts of several ears of corn.

The next day we went to the orchard to see the animals and eat some donuts.

Mason really likes the barn cats. Too bad I'm allergic.

The big excitement was a group of ponies walking in a circle. Mason didn't want to ride them at first. Before we left, he changed his mind. So his grandpa brought him into the ring to pick a pony to ride. Then it wasn't such a good idea anymore.

Tom was very patient. He held Mason and walked around with the ponies for a few rounds. Eventually, Mason did get on a pony and seemed to like it.

Barbecue with Natalie and Audrey

A few weeks ago, we went to a barbecue and Mason got to play with Natalie and Audrey. Before dinner, Natalie showed Mason how to throw balls to her dogs.

Mason tried to use the cool ball tosser.

Soon the dogs got tired, so the kids "painted" the deck with water.

It was quite a nice evening. Thanks Luke and Kathy for hosting.