I realize that, in many parts of the world, July 4 is well over.
But don't tell that to my neighbors, who are still setting off illegal fireworks,
and don't tell that to me, because I am finally getting this video posted
after umpteen technological delays.

I think you will find the wait was worth it.

And if you need the extended version of the best part,
by popular demand from Alrik & Karsten,
here it is,
20 minutes of "Whoa! It's taken by wind!":

In honor of Father's Day, here is a collection of 8 children's books that portray gentle fathers for dads to read with their kids.



Oh, Oh, Baby Boy! by Janine Macbeth — From birth into his father's arms through becoming a father himself, a boy experiences the nurturing and hands-on care that will guide him his whole life.



Guess How Much I Love You, by Sam McBratney & Anita Jeram — Little Nutbrown Hare learns he can never outlove Big Nutbrown Hare, who loves him to the moon … and back.



Daddy Hugs, by Karen Katz — Count along with the hugs daddies can give, from "I gotcha now" hide-and-seek hugs to "Don't be afraid of the dark" hugs.

I have watched my share of videos of tiny house conversions, to the point where YouTube now shows me more as recommendations. I say, Sure, YouTube, ok, just one more. And the cycle continues.

I don't live in a cool tiny home, just a normal small apartment. But I find it inspiring to see how people use a little space and still live big.

Except, that is, when a family is growing.

Don't get me wrong — I love seeing families with little children navigating small spaces. As a family of five living in under 960 square feet (capacious by tiny house standards, I admit), you'd think that would be right in my wheelhouse, and you're right.

However, it's primarily these families that make me yell at my computer screen.

Because they don't know a simple undeniable truth. Ready? Brace yourselves.

BABIES GET BIGGER.

You're the one who knows the exact knee-bend bounce for soothing a crying baby.

You're the one who starts bouncing instinctively as soon as you hear a crying baby in earshot.

You've been taking prenatal horse pills for years, to be on the safe side.

You've been wearing nursing bras just as long.

You're the finder of lost shoes, lost toys, the jacket that never made its way into the closet, the remote in the couch cushions, the stuffie under the couch, the sippy cup under the sink.

You're the one who knows what condiments each kid likes with each food, and who gets them out without asking or being asked.

You could change a diaper with your eyes closed but know not to.

In the spirit of Earth Day, I'm sharing 10 simple changes you can make to create a more eco-friendly environment in your home. Some of you might have done all these and then some, but for those of us who need a nudge in a new direction, here are some baby steps to pick and choose from, according to where you are on your environmental journey.

1. Replace paper towels with cloth dish towels, sponges, and rags.

It can seem daunting to discontinue paper towel use when you’re accustomed to grabbing one several times a day for all manner of cleaning projects. If the idea of going cold turkey scares you, keep a roll at hand but gradually increase the number of reusable options you have as well.

Here’s what we use in place of paper towels:

Library pass in hand,
to the Seattle Aquarium we go!



This was Karsten's favorite part:
matching orca trading cards.
High points at naming to Oreo
and her sons Double Stuf and Cookie.



Tidal pools are splashy!
I'll point out that Alrik is advertising
his self-designed merch (#notforsale).



Marine Mammal Mania meant lots of fun activities.



Alrik swims with the jellies.