Monday Check-In: "Crowds, heat, and enforced whimsicality."

It’s our last check-in while living in the same state, and our son has marked the occasion by buying a purple truck. Friends have suggested names including Hendrix, Darling Nikki, and Professor Plum, but he’ll need some time behind the wheel before the final decision is made.

We’re very happy the family is all together before all the big adventures to come during our off week. In the meantime, please enjoy this discussion about Pirates of the Caribbean, Dippin’ Dots, and musicals based on spending July 4th in a dive bar.