Baby Talk (sorry, no pictures)

Emmitt's mouth has developed very rapidly in the last few weeks. He repeats things that are better forgotten, and makes incorrect, often hillarious, observations out loud. Here are some embarrasing examples:

1) While standing in the check out line at the local commercial farm, we were surrounded by folks who lived up to the appearance I've come to associate with greeny eco-warrior-types: drowning in REI fleece, sandals, and other outdoor gear normally reserved for outdoor activities. A nice young woman wearing a beenie was standing behind us and Emmitt points at her - "Boy! Daddy look! Boy!"

2) Every older woman he sees gets called "grandma." Yes, we're trying to fix that one. At the grocery store checkout, he points to the checker, who was by no means old but obviously had seen some tough times, and yells "Daddy look! Grandma!"

3) Standing in the elevator at the mall, he must have broken some silent wind, because seemingly out of no where he says "Fart! Excuse me!"

4) When he wants something and doesn't get it, he says (with as much irritation as you can imagine off of a 2 year old), "Come on, daddy!" Where did he get it? When he does something irritating that causes delays and I'm in hurry, sometimes he gets a "Oh, come on Emmitt." Turnabout is fair play I guess.

Belated Memorial Day Remembrance

We took yet another trip to a historic naval vessel last weekend to enjoy the WWII battleship USS Massachusetts (again).  Look reeeaaallly hard and you'll see all of us sitting on the waterbreak under the big guns.  The ship was having a belated Memorial Day ceremony where they took time to remember the fallen with some moving speeches, a wreath toss over the side, and a 21 shot salute from one of the 5 inch gun mounts.  

We got there a little early, and we had fun watching Emmitt climb a bunch of things and clown around for pictures.  

The ceremony was great, and I appreciated seeing the Sea Cadets and Boy Scouts helping out.  Even after the years I've been out of the Marines, I still can't resist snapping to attention for the National Anthem and gettin' a little emotional when Taps plays.

He kept telling us that it was a "big boat" over and over again.  He's seen video of the big guns shooting, and he can't say "big boat" without adding "boom, boom."  I was hoping Emmitt would enjoy watching the "big boat, daddy, big boat!" go "boom, boom daddy!"  

I watched with an appreciative smile plastered on my face, but.... 

... Emmitt was slightly less appreciative.   Alas, the first shot sent him into a panic and Michelle had to take him back to the stern of the ship for the duration of the shoot.  He recovered quickly, but was ready to go after that.  Admittedly, it was pretty stinkin' loud.  The organization puts on a great ceremony and works really hard to maintain the ship.  We had a great time, and it was humbling to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life.  

After quite a big morning, we decided it was time to disembark and head back to base.