Another Ethan first: He had way too much fun putting his toys away.

An Eliana first: She made orange juice appear like magic.

Eliana’s interests often follow Ethan’s, which currently center on magic. It’s fun for a father, since I get to play amateur magician and see if I can improve my slight of hand more quickly than the kids can hone their skills of observation.

I emphasize that the most important trait of a magician is the diligence to practice, practice, practice. Eliana is off to an early start. Watch carefully… Where did that orange juice come from?

An Eliana first: She batted a ball.

An Eliana first: She hung up a broom.

It turns out that a violin hanger works for broom, too, if you line up the eyehole just right.

An Eliana first: She straddled a comfy chair.

An Eliana first: She pulled her weight.

After several hours of playing at the beach, Eliana was still more than willing to help haul the beach supplies back to the minivan.

King of goof