We jam-packed the long Memorial Day weekend. Us adults went to a baseball game on Friday night, then on Saturday we all three went to Colonial Williamsburg. Pretty cool place, will be very cool in a few years when Joe gets more interested in these things.

His two favorite parts of the day were predictable – he loved interacting with a few lucky strangers and thought taking a ferry ride to get home would be a terrific way to end the day. As usual, he was right.

Joe is a superpower. He multiplies good things by his presence. Lia has always been thoughtful, articulate and ready to rally for a cause. Add Joe and you get things like this video.

Lia was asked by our friend Mike, a pastor, to speak at his church on Mother’s Day because she has a unique perspective on being a mom. A little late for Mother’s Day, but it happened yesterday and took a little time to put together.

Our boy lucked out with his wonderful Mama. Or he picked her. Either way, they both win.

It’s Faire – with an ‘e’!

The Virginia Renaissance Faire to be precise, good lords and ladies. That’s where we spent much of today. And Joe got knighted, so we got that going for us. Which is nice.

Aside from attempting to woo the queen herself, Joe’s favorite part was by far the juggler.

Thankfully our friends the Tolberts and Murphys met us there. They’re all pretty sane and made it fun for us adults – otherwise it could have become a game of dodging middle-aged drama kids and third-string English accents. Cris & Diane & Mike & Chris & assorted children – it was great seeing you!

Mackin’ on Liz.

Receiving his Order of Knighthood. There’s a storm coming …

Larksalot the juggler

Joe watching Larksalot. He was amused.

Today marked the start of Joe’s Olympic dream. He and 15 or so other kids participated in the local Little Feet Meet, sort of a junior series supported by the Special Olympics of Virginia. This farm league for Olympic hopefuls is also a gateway drug for parents – Lia and I had a great time!

Several years ago we brought him to a super-junior organized play event affiliated with the Special Olympics. It didn’t go well – Joe was too young and still not really active, and we left a little discouraged. Today was the opposite. He had a good time, participated at his own level and pace, and soaked up some serious attention from the fifth graders who were coaching and the many teachers, staff and other friends who came out to cheer.

There are some good people out there, and Joe pulls the best out of everyone he meets. Thanks to all those who take care of our boy. And special thanks to Ms. Deena, Ms. Konnie and Baileigh, Joe’s main coach for the day.

There are a bunch of pictures (of Joe and other athletes) in a Flickr album here.

These are some of Joe in action …

Another beautiful day ended with Joe at his water table. He began to babble and churn the water. Clouds rolled in crushing blue to gray. Thin streaks of light zipped around him. He was tired.

We gave him a bath before hell broke loose.

Seriously, I have no idea what those lights are to the left in the second photo.