The end of summer as decreed by hazy days, a deserted Sea Lion park as Milo's pals disappear on last family vacations, a surprising lack of enthusiasm for going out for ice cream, and picking out "school clothes" on Mama's computer.

And where have we been? Mostly in NYC with all kinds of not-melting secrets, including swimming in The Biggest Pool Ever, in Harlem near Auntie Noel's apartment, picnics in the shade, several water-shooting implements and A TRIP. During the worst heat wave of the summer, Milo found himself with his grandparents, both in the country and on the beach, and kept on playing, despite the 104+ temperatures.

"Get higher, baby... Don't ever come down!" Says Milo, Swing King.

House - beach. Beach - house. Stop at playground. Wave to basketball boys. Life is good.

Until, it's not. Milo as mini-Charles, on the Naughty Bench, in this case, a dock from which we watched jellyfish and jet ski-ers... Five-minute penalty for throwing sand.