Handbag

Taken on G's mobile so the image quality a little sketchy but it captures the moment. H was making preparations for a girly date (banh mi and shopping for peculiar grocery items in Chinatown, unbelievable that she found someone else who's idea of a good time that is) when Elliott insisted that he carry the bag. He thought he looked rather special. And, of course, he did.

Hat & gloves

Elliott puts on H's hat and gloves, discarded on the kitchen counter, picks up the keys, waves to us both and says "Bye!"

Girlfriend

Here's Elliott with his favourite Philadelphia friend Amela.

Washoku

Elliott's enthusiasm for "cooking" persists. Here, he's taking instruction from Elizabeth Andoh's Washoku. This book of Japanese home-style recipes is part of the Free Library of Philadelphia's extensive culinary arts collection. Highly recommended for any friends of Elliott who enjoy Japanese cookery.

Train trip

Last week, every time Elliott saw a picture of a train in his story books, he'd pat his chest. We figured that was his way of telling us he fancied a train trip so earlier today (Sunday) we took the train to Narberth. It's a charming little town, entirely surrounded by rather grand old Philadelphian suburbs, only 20 minutes by rail from Center City. Here, Elliott's waiting for the train at Narberth station.

Baking

Handy thing Elliott, now that he's old enough to make pecan streusel coffee cake. His (and sous chef G's) first baking project is pictured above.

Flirting

Here's Elliott at the Free Library of Philadelphia, home to dozens of books about cranes, planes, trains and automobiles and several pretty librarians.

Fire engine book

Elliott is still obsessed with fire engines. His idea of a good time is a walking tour taking in every fire station (or, fire house, as they are known here) in Center City. Add in construction site pit stops at 11th and Walnut (Jefferson campus refurb, diggers) 17th and Spruce (apartment block, huge crane and cement mixers), 18th and Sansom (more apartments, another crane), Rittenhouse Square (garden keeper's cottage upgrade, mini dozer), Philadelphia Museum of Art grounds (new underground carpark, assorted diggers and dozers) and the Barnes Foundation project (juvenile detention centre making way for another art museum, all manner of heavy-duty demolition equipment) and you have Elliott's idea of the perfect outing.

Zoo on wheels

A cafe adjacent to an outdoor plaza in Center City hosted Philadelphia Zoo's "zoo on wheels" last Saturday. The keeper brought a hawk, a rabbit, a lion pelt and a crocodile skin. Not the menagerie H and G were anticipating but Elliott was impressed.

Shopping trolley

We thought Elliott might like to play shopping. What he actually likes is to be wheeled down to the foyer to collect the mail.

Hiding on Clinton

Hiding is still one of Elliott's favourite games. Look very hard at the first shot of Clinton St in Center City Philadelphia and you may find him. But -- voila! -- there he is in the second photo for all to see.

Frigid Monday

Up to a foot of snow is expected to fall on this frigid, windy Philadelphia Monday. Today's going to be all about blocks, dancing and dinosaurs.