2003.08.09 Farmer's Market

Max, ready to go to the Farmer's Market wearing his hip hand-me-downs from Uncle Steve.

Max helped me take pictures. This is one of his (and notice - no fingers in the picture!).

This is another one of Max's... He did a good job on composition in this one. Not sure if it was on purpose, but I like it.

There's Grandpa Larry doing what Grandpa Larry does best: stand around waiting patiently while everyone else shops.

More flowers by Max.

I wasn't so sure about the bees, but once Max realized they couldn't get out, he was fascinated by them.

Max, being fascinated by the bees.

Max and I were into smelling all the fruit. Have you ever noticed that the fruit in the grocery store doesn't really have a smell?

And it is too.

Max as Kilroy.

These are cherry peppers. Don't let their cute little shape fool you. They are hot enough to KILL YOU!! Ok, maybe not, but they're really hot.

This is a collection of other peppers. I just thought they were pretty.

The man in the beret was drawing people shopping with pastels. Max had a lovely conversation with him, puncuated by Max waving his hand and saying, "I'm not a great artist... yet." That one made me do a doubletake. How can a three year-old get that he's an artist, but not great yet?

One of the stands had an easel and paper for kids to draw on. Max was out to prove his "not-great-yet" theory. I thought he drew a lovely carrot.

Max spied the flower stand and demanded that we get flowers for Jen. I don't know how I did it, but I guess I trained him right. Maybe Jen brainwashed him...

Max likes to climb, as you'll see in the rest of the pics...

Max likes sticks. Apparently, this one helped him. That's what he told me anyway.

Reston's a funny town. It was a totally planned community found in the early sixties. Lake Anne, and the little town center where the farmers market was has this nice little dock and town square with restaurants, small shops, an art gallery, and this dock.

Max's "Ok dad, I'll pose for a picture if you insist" smile.

I have no idea what that thing is for, but it looks cool.

You'll see more of it in a couple of pictures, but apparently in the 60's avant garde concrete playgrounds were all the rage. Ralph Nader would have a fit if he saw this stuff.

This is the concrete rowboat. Since we couldn't rent a real one, Max decided we all needed to go on a trip in the concrete rowboat.

At the top of the weird lookin' thing from a few pictures ago.

Headed down the super-precarious stairs.

The concrete playground, notice my mom and dad in the bottom corner taking a break.

He's so independant now.

Max wanted us to go on a ride in the concrete rowboat. ---- EXTENDED BODY:

Max gets ready to board the Concretania.

Captain Max at the helm.

"Everyone but me stay seated at all times and keep your hands and feet inside the Concretania. I'm your captain, Captain Max. Enjoy the ride."

Max took this shot. You know, those pictures you get when you go on a cruise? This is Grandma and Grandpa's.

Max didn't want to leave. This is Max's angry walk.

Max's stormy face.

He cheered way up when he heard the blues band, and saw the giant concrete pyramid.

Max is really good at posing. He's a natural.

I love this one. It's my favorite shot of the day.

Happy to be inside the pyramid.

He's already mastered the art of air-drumming. I've got one talented kid.

Max jumped off the pyramid into my arms. This is the "I just grabbed you with one arm, and had the camera in the other hand" picture.

He's dancing. I'm not sure what the dance is, but it was really funny.

Ok, I'm ready to go home now.