She is My Daughter

Since our first real family road trip went so well, we're making plans for another one this summer. 

I started a recent discussion by asking, "So, what are we going to do in the car when we go on our next trip?  It'll be longer than when we went to Oklahoma."

J quickly replied, "It will!  Well, we can read books, play games, and watch movies."

And when I looked at E to find out what she was planning, she responded in a serious tone, "Eat."

It's Summer!

There are movies to see, bikes to ride, walks to walk, concerts to attend, trips to take, friends to visit, parks to explore, plants to water, ice cream to eat, grass (for my husband) to mow, runs to run, pools to splash, and picnics to enjoy.


Add these to all of the usual things we do, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that something’s gotta give…like an orderly household, bedtime routines, blogging, and some basic hygiene (some very neglected and downright appalling fingernails were discovered around here earlier this week).

Can’t have it all.

Our ducks may not be in a row, but we’re having fun, disgusting fingernails and all.

She Drives a Hard Bargain

E:  Mommy, can I take a bath with you?

Me:  Probably not tonight, honey.

E:  But I will not pee in there. 

Pedicure

What could make a two-year-old self-declared princess so happy?

Her first pedicure, of course!

They even tossed in a mani for free.

Indulgent, indeed, but E was just glowing with excitement which made this completely worth it.

The camera phone pictures don't do the event much justice, but there will likely be many more photo opportunities because this little gem is hooked. 

 I may have created a pretty-toed monster.

Smitten

Baby F is a man of many expressions.

 I'm in love with each

 and

every

one!

And just when I thought he couldn't possibly get any cuter,

he sealed our love with a wink.

I'm in love with a three-month old!

Smitten.

Absolutely smitten.

Road Trip

Our recent road trip to Oklahoma was more than a dead armadillo and an unfortunate pee incident. Thank God! It would have been a pretty long journey just for that. It wasn’t just about having a (freezing) swimming pool readily accessible or eating pizza in a hotel bed at 10:30 pm either.

It was mostly about squeezing in some quality time with a lovely little family before they head west…way west.

Believe me when I say they are definitely worth all those hours in the car and the multiple bathroom breaks along the way too.

In addition to the nice conversations, delicious food, baby snuggling (and photos…more on that soon!), gracious hosts, and laughs we were able to take in a few of the local attractions.

Some adventurous and hands-on…

 

and really exciting…

others well done and somber…

Although our goodbye was tearful, I couldn’t be more thankful…thankful for life, friends, babies, families, safety, quality time together, happiness, and opportunities. I wish I could say that we’ll be seeing each other again in the Land Down Under, but that’s not exactly feasible right now unless I bank a substantial amount of money on J’s Super Bowl pick (just kidding…kind of). Until then, communication via modern technology will suffice.

Dear friends, I pray for nothing but the best for you all! I am so, so happy for you, and I can’t wait to hear about all of your new adventures. Please be sure to take and send J any pictures of deadly insects or snakes that you may encounter…especially if you stumble upon a taipan. He really loves those. Oh, and any sharks too. That reminds me…we’ll be praying for your safety. Be careful! Sending lots and lots of love your way!

 

If I was the Betting Type...

I'd probably have a few more bucks to my name right now. 

Not only did J correctly predict the NBA finalists, he also chose horse 16 to be the winner of the Kentucky Derby just minutes before the gates opened. 

Luck?  Probably, but he could be on one heck of a roll. 

 It was this possibility of being on a roll that had Steve and I exchanging some interesting looks when J recently and randomly announced, "I'm thinking the (specific NFL team) are going to be really, really good this year."

Maybe I should be the betting type.