Cuzzos!

 I got to hang out at the beach with my cousin Haley.  She's a much better swimmer than I am, but I can stay in the water as long as anyone.  And no one beats my back-float.

 I also spent some time with cousin Lindsey, who is a certified babysitter, in case you're looking for one.  She's excellent.

 Ben may have put on a few vacation pounds.  His middle is about bursting in these jams, but I'm not judging.

 Ben's always smiling for the camera, no matter what's happening.

I find smiling trite.  This is my signature pose!

The Aesthete

 Wednesday morning, I headed over to Greater Light for a morning of outdoor painting, sponsored by the Nantucket Historical Association.

Although I've had little formal training, I really got into it.

Farmor, who is a seasoned artist, gave me some tips.

 Here is some of my work, along with some that my mom did.  Can you identify the one I titled Mom (Angry after I Pooped on Her Head)?

Even though I painted so many pictures, I don't think any of them was a masterpiece.  The closest I got was the one I mentioned above.

Back to the Beach

 Today at Step Beach, I worked on my sandcastle-building.

I got one of my staff to assist.  She never likes to do anything that isn't part of her official job description, but what I say goes.  You can see she was happy to help.

 I don't know if this house is for sale, but it's my mom's favorite.  Here, I'm a glamorous real estate agent.  Follow me, and let me show you this fine property.

OK, maybe I'm not the world's greatest real estate agent.

Ben didn't get to go to the beach today, but he did visit the Whaling Museum.  He found a piece of plastic pie under a table in the kids' room.  He thought it was great.  It doesn't take much to amuse him.

Princess Blue Lips

Yes!  I am vacationing on Nantucket once again.  It's a difficult life, but someone's got to live it.  Anyway, I spent the afternoon in the water, like a fish.  I may have spent a little too long splashing about, as my lips changed color by the time I got out.

I got really mad when my dad called me Princess Blue Lips.  I am NOT a princess.

Earlier, I insisted on walking all over town.  It was a bit of a mistake; I kept exhausting myself, and my handlers would never let me take a break.

Finally, after a brief rest, I was completely rejuventated and ready to motor on.

My New Hat

The weather here has been a bit cool in the evenings.  To keep warm, I'll often put on a snug little hat  like the one I'm wearing in this photo.

 Ha!  This isn't a hat; it's my new Cinderella underpants!  (Thanks, Bamma and Bampa.)

Please don't encourage Grace's clown behavior.  She's acting a fool.

Fresh 'n Easy

 Just like my Grampy, I enjoy some fresh slices of cucumber every now and again.

 They just say "summer" to me.

 I also like watermelon.  It's so easy to eat when you only have two teeth.

 Big sister Grace likes grapes.

I'm sure I would like grapes too, but she won't let me have any.  She says I'm too young for grapes, but I know she just doesn't want to share.

The Tale of Ursula the Sea Witch

You may know the story of Ariel, the Little Mermaid. However, I find Ariel to be pretty dim and one-dimensional.  Ursula is the real star of the show. 

 Before I get to Ursula, though, I have to remind you that Ariel is beautiful and, against her father's wishes, she covets things human, including Prince Eric.  Blah, blah, blah.

Ursula, the incredibly evil and dynamic sea witch with a booming voice, covets Ariel's father's powers over the sea.  She wants to rule the world, like Hillary Clinton or Princess Celestia.  She will do whatever it takes to get her way, including tricking a gullible mermaid into giving up her voice. Although she doesn't have the body of a goddess, she knows how to work it.  And her hair is amazing.

Ursula is basically a rock star.  She uses Ariel's voice to capture the heart of Prince Eric, who seems kind of dumb, if you ask me. (Prince Eric never notices that Ariel doesn't speak.  And he spends a whole day with her?!)  In a deal with Ariel's father, Ursula becomes the President of Disneyland.

 At some point Ariel sings some weird non-word music.  Aaaah-aah-AAAH.  Aaah-aah-AAAH.

Then, somehow, Prince Eric vanquishes the Sea Witch and rescues Ariel.  And Ursula fades into oblivion.   Most of you probably think this is a happy ending, but I just think it's sad.  Ursula will be back for the sequel, though.  You can't keep a good girl down.

May I play Prince Eric?