I loved the way the sun was shining in on me in my favorite seat on the ferry.

It was 93* today. We met up with our friends at the park and proceeded to melt all over the place. But at least we were all melting together instead of being miserable at home alone!

I can’t even remember what she was trying to get from me, but she was clearly working pretty hard at convincing me!

I’m keeping my distance. They seem to have things under control.

Today’s photo of the day is brought to you from the 50% of our day’s hiking adventures that were given a thumbs up by the girls.

But before we get to the rest of the photos from our time there, we should start with the 50% that wasn’t quite as awesome. We were traveling around the state today for a few different jobs and engagements and found ourselves with a bit of time to spare. I found a little hiking trail just off our route and we pulled up to the trailhead excited to check it out. Unfortunately, there were seven million mosquitos in residence who were equally as excited to check us out. The girls made a valiant effort to push on, but in the end we gave up and went running back to the car. The photo on the left below is from the retreating portion of the hike (note Esme’s arms swinging to swat the skeeters) and the photo on the left shows our true feelings about this particular hike.

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We ate some lunch and had time to visit a favorite spot of mine out near my hometown, Trap Falls. The river was low and we had a great time scrambling up the rocks as we made our way up river above the falls. We tested and honed our balance and agility as we climbed and we discussed erosion and the water table and gerridae. Hands and help were offered and accepted and refused between the three of us and a slip (leading to a somewhat damp girl) that would in the past have been a big deal was, somehow, not such a problem anymore.

We climbed up and down the falls, splashed, tossed rocks and posed for pictures. Declarations of love to the falls were spoken and promises to return were made. Mama was redeemed for her earlier, quite disastrous, poor taste in hiking trails and all was well with the world.

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On my way home today I made a snap decision to follow a sign on the highway promising a viewing platform. I wound my way down through Tarrytown and to the Hudson River’s edge, all the while keeping the looming Tappan Zee bridge in sight. Its successor, The New NY Bridge, is under construction and the view of it all was a fascinating sight.

Little, unplanned stops like this are one of my favorite things about traveling by car. And every time I’m on the highway I find myself day dreaming of all the other little stops we could be making, here, there and everywhere in between.

How lucky am I to have spent even a few fleeting moments with this sweet little thing and her lovely parents?

New wheels for this kid today. Now I have almost no hope of keeping up with her!

This is her first bike with hand brakes and shifter. She was a bit worried to give it a go at first. But five or six runs up and down the street cured her of any hesitations she might have had. Here’s what she had to say about it all:

I didn’t know if I was ready to try it, Mama. I thought I might just like to ride my old bike for a while until I got brave enough to ride the new one. But then I tried it and everything was easier than I thought. I was so worried about changing the gears but it was just like you said, a little ker-chunk and then it was fine. I’m so glad I gave it a try!

I love moments like this. Moments when she articulates what she is thinking and I can see the whole process working itself out. Moments when she actively recognizes her train of thought and can see herself making progress. Amazing!

A shriek,

A cry,

A cuddle,

A whimper,

Asleep.

Esme helped me package up a good number of sweet little homemade sidewalk chalks for next week’s craft fair. Far be it from me to turn down such eager and capable child labor!