Human Petri Dish or Elmer’s Glue Factory?

Captivated, Phin wants one of these but mom says "no".

The Edwards family has logged many miles in the past few weeks. First we went to Anchorage for a short but productive visit. Then, after three days’ rest/work in Sitka, we went to Illinois for Jon’s (Val’s cousin) wedding. I was skeptical about all this travelling with Phineas. At 6 month old how would he hold up? Despite my skepticism, Phin did pretty well. The only real hitch was the cold Phin developed about the time we returned to Sitka from Anchorage. At first it was just a little bit of a runny nose. But by the time we got to Illinois he morphed into a full fledged booger factory. Before this last week I was not aware that thick gelatinous wads of green goo (similar to half way dry Elmer’s glue) would come from Phin’s nose. Some mornings it looked like there were stalactites hanging from Phin’s nostrils. It was about as easy to wipe off as dried cement. He didn’t seem to care unless one tried to pick his nose. (Valerie immediately apologizes to all patients she had previously advised to use "a little saline and a bulb syringe" to clear a baby's nose). But our little guy is tough, and the cold did not slow Phin down. He partied with his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives, friends and lots of strangers. He smiled, cooed, and flirted with anyone who would pay him a moment of attention.

The meltdown I was fearing did not start until we left Sycamore. Sad to leave? Phin cried half way from Sycamore to O’Hare (about 30 minutes of un-interrupted crying) where we spent the night to catch an early morning flight. Then Phin cried and fussed on and off on the two flights from O’Hare to Sitka. The fretting, cemented gel boogers, and fussiness were a small price to pay for all the quality time we got with our families and friends. Looking forward to doing it all over again, although still with a wee bit of trepidation.

Fall is creeping up on Sitka which means that the berries are ripe. Since getting back we picked about a gallon of red huckleberries and three of blueberries. Stocking up for those mid-winter pies and jars of blueberry jam.

Loving the pool.
Sharing the boogers (human petri dish)  with all. 

         Look, we are all dressed nice.  Grandma Sue can    

check the family photo off her "to do" list.

Phin sings while Grandma P plays the blues.

Taking a break from berry picking

Touch and feel the mossy trees.

Standard Edwards wedding atire and pose.