Melissa G

@Jacqui J, I'm trying to visit all 50 states and as many National Parks as I can with my kids before they fly the nest. We're halfway there on the states, but have a ways to go on the parks. I'll have to add the Great Lakes to the list as well. We've been to Erie and Michigan.

@The X-Phile that scene with Paul Rudd is exactly what I thought of as well!

@CCNY I would read that post again and again. My kids are still at home (14 & 12) & I am not prepared for them to be in this world on their own - I know it's coming faster than I can fathom. I hope they still find fantastic ways like this to stay connected when they're all grown up.

@Andrzej if it does indeed end up smitten, I'm happy I got to giggle at it before it was gone. Thank you for the laugh!

@Andrzej, someone who is showing off can also be called a "hot dog" in American slang. This is one of those dad joke kind of punny clues and its answer. As for open mics, a lot of American coffeehouses (and probably some bars) have evenings where amateur performers can sign up to perform for a small period of time. These performers are typically singer/songwriters and poets. I think in this case, poet is the answer more because it fit the puzzle in letter length/what the grid required.

@Andrzej I've been waiting for a dog update photo! I love showing these to my daughter.

@Jacqui J 🙋

@Francis I started with MADElikehotcakes, which definitely didn't feel right, but it was all my brain was serving up in the moment!