Preschool graduation

We interrupt the St. Louis trip, if it's possible to interrupt a month-old post about a 3-month-old event, to cover Buster's preschool graduation last Friday. Graduation? Man, when I got out of preschool, we got $20 and a new suit.

In they come, looking serious. Buster, collars popped, is behind Jordan and ahead of Julian, who's behind Zavian. No guarantees on name spellings here.

Ready. Leilani in the background.

Good morning song. Azia in the pink dress.

Smile song. "Ha-ha-ha!"

Uh-oh. Shades on. That's Gabe in white and Isiah next to him.

Yeah, boy.

All of a sudden, the performers transform. Now they're backstage security. How postmodern. What's up, Julian.

My son ... the Oasis member?

Alphabet rap, with sign language accompaniment.

Just missed the final pose, but fortunately Julian held it.

"My name is Buster Paris-Kaufman and the school I'm going to is Paul Revere, and this is the best school ever I'm really gonna miss it." Standing in the background is teacher Comelia.

A certificate and a handshake from teacher Navarro.

For this I did all that practicing?

Ah, some cake, some stickers and a hug from Mom. All right.

STL cont'd, still

At the zoo. Barbara's got Daisy

Two Daisies

A smooch for one of them.

The chimp's jealous?

Ted Drewes with Uncle Matt

Yum

STL cont'd: Grant's Farm

Buster and Talia in red

On the tram

Elephant

Talia and Daisy at the bird show.

Ummmm

Feeding baby goats, in various ways

This is more like it

Camel

And then time for hanging out with friends

Matthew

Taylor, wearing Daisy's hat. With Jon

King's hat. She's a hat taker, that one

"You know I'll get it back, large, ridiculous man."

STL cont'd: City Museum

Daisy's not too sure she wants to ride the little train, but she tries it for one trip through the dark tunnel and ...

Yeah. Didn't like it.

Buster did.

And some climbing.

Cave exploration.

Sliding down the giant slide with Dad.

Back to the train.

I'll just be over here eating a grilled cheese.

I got some chips!!

Whatchootalkinbout.

Onward!

STL cont'd: Memorial Day party

The Derschmukes hosted a viewing of the Paris-Kaufmans.

Buster's first time playing Wii. That's Van on the left. Guess whose turn it is.

Daisy and Bennett
- - - - -
So Buster, A.J. and Van kept kind of disappearing behind the garage, and Dad was wondering what they were up to. So he snuck over, reached around the corner with the camera and ...

Then, perhaps bravely, perhaps foolishly, he stepped out into the open, which turned out to be ...

... his final act.

On the lam

But a heart o' gold. A present for Mom

STL cont'd: Indiana

Daisy's new friend

OK, Miss Saucy

Grandad Jim is the funniest man in the world

Reflective

Stee-rike!

Crr-rrack! (The pitcher took the pitchers)

Jump on Dad's back (that's Dad's neck lower right)

Having your hair pulled to get the knots out isn't so bad when Grandad Jim makes with his famous "Little Piggy" routine

It's not a trip to Evansville until you've made pancakes with Grandad Jim. Right?

Right