^{August 15}

• The glorious balloon deflated overnight (it was supposed to last for weeks), but the store happily replaced it. Great customer service. The helium carousel is floating again – best baby distractor ever. We also bought a big flying eyeball Frisbee and poppy seeds while we were there.

• The kids and I took a long, long hike over hill and dale, along forest paths, beside delicious juicy blackberry bushes and flowers, around statues and stopping at a few curio shops and playgrounds. We came home hot and tired, but in a good way.

• Pink lemonade with clinking ice cubes and reading in bed.