The recent trouble at dropoffs seems to be resolved. It took a couple days of bribing him with the promise of afterschool popsicles to remind him he didn't require an emotional scene in the mornings. We instituted a new goodbye ritual, making faces at each other through the closed door, which moves things along quite nicely.
Friday was a half day at school (in honor of Labor Day weekend), so Steve & Zeeke joined Mike & Esme and John & Del for a nature hike along the Wissahickon Creek. The kids had a blast looking for critters and schist, then playing in the creek. On the way home, Zeeke said he wants to go back there every day.
Saturday, we went out to New Jersey for another nature hike, this time an impromptu scavenger hunt with Katie, Dave & Greta and Jorge, Amelia, Lily & Izzy. The highlight was a cool swing somebody had hung from a tall tree. Zeeke also showed off his climbing abilities. After the hike we went to lunch with the Rizzios.
Sunday, we went to the zoo in the morning. After his nap, we went to the music jam at FDR Park. After some time exploring the new playground, Zeeke had a blast dancing to the live music and chatting with the singer between songs then running back to tell us what she said.
Conversations with Zeeke:
"Oooh, Daddy, I see the aquarium!"
"Huh... oh, that wasn't the aquarium. It's just a building with a whale painted on it."
"Why did they paint a whale on the building if it's not the aquarium?"
"I don't know, bud. I guess they just thought it looked cool."
"Oh, I know why they did it, Daddy. So that people walk in and say, 'Wait! This isn't the aquarium!' And then they would laugh."