the city mouse and the country mouse.

my nephew Harrison came up from the big city to spend a few days with his "country" cousins.  I mean, not that Flagstaff is *that* small of a town or anything, but when compared to Phoenix then yes, it is.  by several million people or so.

anyway, after noticing the kids were looking rather bored yesterday, I suggested they hop on their bikes and go to the park (there's a playground at a charter school not too far from our house.)  "it's a beautiful day!" I exclaimed.  "why don't you head outside and get some fresh air."  (btw, didn't you absolutely loathe hearing this as a kid?  ooh, I couldn't stand it.  and now look, I'm saying the exact same things to my own kids, lol.)

immediately, Harry's eyes got all wide and he appeared a little concerned.  I was just about to ask if something was the matter when he pipes up, "you mean, we can just like, bike to the park..." he paused a second before adding, "by-- by ourselves?"

insert full-blown laugh attack.

afterwards, every time the image of Harry, all shell-shocked and wide-eyed appeared in my mind, I couldn't help but think of Aesop's fable, 'The City Mouse and the Country Mouse.'

here they are, looking a bit like night and day.  I mean, would you ever guess these two are cousins?

camera settings: ISO 200, f/3.5, 1/100s @ 46mm.

quick photo tip: the key to getting boys this age to cooperate for pictures is to have them make weird/crazy/silly faces.  then they're MORE than willing.  and who knows, you might just luck out and get a genuine smile or laugh, like the last photo.

well, I'm off to meet Kim and her mom at the cabin today.  I might just attempt a little crafting, we'll see.

have a great weekend!

-jessica