Eking out the last hours of summer

We're unwilling to let summer slip away from us without mounting a final resistance. So as soon as Tom finished his final exam in summer Hebrew, at noon on August 31, we hopped into the car and headed to Chapel Hill for a week with Mor-mor and Grandpa. Never mind that fall semester was well underway in North Carolina and that the New Jersey public schools would swing into gear while we were gone. If Princeton University, Princeton Seminary, and Princeton daycare are going to meander their way towards start dates in mid- to late-September, we're willing to take advantage of their backwardness.

We had a great time in Chapel Hill, where Edith figured out in about the first twenty seconds of our visit that she had the devoted attention of grandmother, grandfather, and visiting uncle alike...and no one with whom she had to share the spotlight.

Trying to figure out this "YMCA" thing at the Durham Bulls' final game of the regular season. This was our first day in Chapel Hill, and Edith demonstrated her keen appreciation of her Visiting Grandchild status by finagling ice cream out of her Mor-mor and Grandpa at the ball park...twice.

Though she tried her best, Wool E. Bull was less susceptible to her charms.

Edith started each morning by helping Grandpa feed the birds in the backyard, earning the nickname Deer Hunter when she twice glanced out into the woods and picked out camoflauged deer who were waiting to move in on the scattered seed.

Having helped Grandpa spot deer, she was further ready to assist in his administrative duties at the law school. She was preparing to issue her first official statement...

...when she was distracted by her reflection in the shiny desktop. A factor to keep in mind when considering a toddler for an office position.

We were all delighted that Uncle Peter could visit from Wisconsin the same weekend.

And despite its other drawbacks these days, car travel has the great advantage of allowing us to bring Bismarck with us. He loves the woods, the distance from noisy neighbors, and the further attention in Chapel Hill.

No, the Deer Hunter didn't live up to her nickname. But she did enjoy the Life and Science Museum in Durham.

Checking out the muskrat with Mor-mor

And the trout with Uncle Peewee

We drove down to Charlotte one day to visit with Tom's college roommate, Chris, and his family. It was great to see them all, but things have certainly changed: Back in Ithaca, Tom and Chris's heart-to-heart talks never included two year olds spinning around in crowns and princess jewelry.

Borrowing Katie's finery

Maybe another generation's friendship is beginning

Speaking of generations, Edith and Great-Grandma Mary enjoyed sharing a visit one afternoon, too.

When the rest of the family headed back to work after Labor Day, Tom and Edith tried a toddler yoga class at the Chapel Hill children's museum. Edith's account: "I be a snake! The snake lies on its belly. It hears something and looks up and goes 'sssssthhh'."

We left Chapel Hill sadly last Thursday and 133 picture books later, arrived home--where we promptly mounted a final rearguard action against the advance of autumn on a graduate student family day trip to Sesame Place. But those pictures will have to wait until another post. We have a first day of school to get ready for...