Seeing Spencer

Spencer's favorite part of Home Depot days is the painting. Here they are putting the finishing touches on their birdfeeders.  

Grateful it's Ice Cream season.  Toby had a birthday party to go to, so Spencer and Daddy had some time to kill.  

Bonanza! A popcorn almost as big as himself. Pillow? Snack? Who can say?  

Toby has started reading upstairs in his room, which Spencer is fully on board with. This is him singing one of his favorite books,  Baby Shark,  to himself in his room.  

Getting a picture with Twizzlers Man. Thanks for the sweet trip, Hershey.   

I was sure this would be a relaxing jaunt with Spencer at the wheel. But his turns where a bit bumpy.  

You can no longer tour the actual chocolate factory at Hershey, but can ride the "chocolate tour ride" which talks about how the chocolates are made. (And you can wave at the dancing Kisses!)  

Spencer was voting to go to Twizzlers Forest, but sadly it was not to be. Though he did manage to come back with a Twizzlers stuffie. Let it be known that Twizzlers are pretty underrepresented at Chocolate World. (Which makes sense given that it's CHOCOLATE World. But they are still a part of the Hershey family.)  

Making Spencer's candy bar at Chocolate World. Making sure it gets all the right ingredients. And making sure it gets sprinkles.  

Hershey Park categories the riders by candy to let you know what rides you can go on, when you need to be with an adult, etc.  This little guy was a Kiss. Was there ever any doubt?  

We almost didn't get to ride the monorail due to a technical malfunction. But Spencer was determined and eventually we made it.  

Mom and Spencer before riding our first ride (Starship America) at Hersheypark.   

The eagles have landed.  

Grabbing a picture with the cartoon Nittany Lion was much more up Spencer's alley. The zoo's Mountain Lion (who resides in the enclosure behind here) was sleeping.  

Spencer was still getting a little help from Mom and Dad, but he's definitely starting to give Toby a run for his money.  

When you find yourself (relatively) alone on the island that your named after... Strike a pose!  

Sitting on a replica of Lady Liberty's toes.  

I was trying to take some pictures at the Statue of Liberty... ...when these people tried to crash my party. But they were very friendly. So, I decided they could stick around.  

Happy Birthday to the guy who is always game for  adventure, always willing to share his cupcakes, and always up for a hug. We love you tremendously.  

Both our kids have NYC-based middle names.  Here is Spencer Ellis visiting the island that bears his middle name for the first time. He was very excited.   (Toby Hudson was happy about the ferry ride over his namesake river)  

Taking a ride on a ferry to see some sites.  

Learning how to play war with Gramdma and Toby takes a lot of concentration.  

Sharing some favorite books.  

What do you mean, "it's bedtime"?  

Seriously, stop laughing Mom. I'm trying to get some work done.  

There are plenty of times when he's not smiling, but it sure is nice when he is.  

Always be workshopping your material.  

Pictures from the school newsletter for March