Distance

Life has been busy. Just when I thought things would slow down, I hit that pedal and off we went.

Our trip to Alexandria was crazy fun. Busy, but slow. If that is possible. From sun and water to baby showers, we indulged in all sorts of family. Our girls travel so well.  Having the built in DVD player helps. The Bear has a little more trouble than the Bean. She gets car sick. Just like her Mommy, Daddy and Nana. It adds a couple of hours to the trip sometimes, but taking a break is good for us all. Extra hugs and kisses make it all better anyway.

Two little people fell in love while visiting. These kids are growing up so fast. I loved watching them tell stories and laugh at each other even though they had no idea what they were laughing at.

We just saw this little man in April, but he has changed so much. He decided while visiting that walking trumped crawling. He didn't stop.

This beautiful lady will be bringing girl number three into the family in August. Pregnancy certainly becomes her. She wears it very well. We can't wait to meet our sweet new niece. Life is about to get even more exciting.

Between the running, jumping, crying and laughing, we found some down time to read. Little kids lined up to get on Grandma's lap. She is so patient. So good at this. We really love her and we are so lucky to have her in our lives.

I, myself had one of the best times too. I love my siblings and their spouses. We are all so in sync. Our time together isn't near enough, but when we are together, we make the most of it. The fun thing about being so distanced from one another is that you learn something new each time you get together. Talking about the next meet up. Our plans to vacation together. What we will do five years from now. Where we will be. Grandma pointed out that next summer we will have five kiddos under four. She is optimistic that way.

The Bean seemed to have found a new love for her Grandpa this trip too. I can't tell you how many times I would look over in the kitchen and see the two of them just sitting at the bar, talking about the most important things. I love watching that.

Leaving was hard. It was harder than usual. Knowing that we will all be together in about a month helps. I just wish we lived closer. But closer doesn't always mean closer. I feel close to them all the time. Even when months separate us.

My heart is so full. The distance is only in miles. Love fills in the gaps. Until next time.

Fine by me

Our weekend was not quite what we had planned. The weather kind of had something to do with that. And so did some funky viral mess that blessed us as well. I really thought we were out of the woods, but I guess not. However, we don't let it stop us and the girls, well, you would have NEVER known anything was wrong with them.

Saturday before the fevers set in (so, so sorry Tracey), we visited the grand celebration of 75 years at Hungry Mother Park. It was so nice. We love it out there and spend lots of time with all of the park family. Nature and playgrounds are two of our favorite things. Even though she is going to kill me, I got some great photos of our unplanned meet up with the Armbristers.

Sunday was just as it should be since it was Fathers Day. A daddy spent time playing with his girls and playing with his new toy. The girls made him cupcakes at Pre-school and we made a fun dip and cake for him today as well. We love to celebrate him. He is the best. Two little girls sure think so anyway!

Our plan wasn't to stick around the house all weekend, but it just turned out that way. I really didn't mind. We are taking a little road trip at the end of the week, so I worked on getting ready for that. Sometimes life just knows when to slow you down. I guess it was time.

Sunday afternoon the rain finally went home and the sun decided to come out. I just sat and watched as my two laughed and ran and tackled and loved. Their stories are so fun to listen to. They love each other so much.

It has been a good weekend. Sunday was special. Sunday was sad. I am so lucky to celebrate the memory of one wonderful father and yet, still be able to call a father to wish him well on his special day. Missing one and beginning a wonderful new adventure with another.

Another low key weekend. But so very full. And that is just fine by me.

Happy Week.

celebrating daddy

Today we celebrate a very special man in our lives. He is our golden treasure. Our strong and sweet teddy bear. Raising our family together is amazing. We learn each day. We make memories together. He makes each moment we are together seem perfect.  Watching the way the girls love him is so true. We thank God for him everyday.

Happy Fathers Day Daddy. We love you from the bottom of our hearts...

And we ride

After a surprise call from our "fairy" Godmother, the four of us landed in a true scene at Walnut Grove. It is the unplanned outings that turn out to be the best. Two little girls were so excited and ready to ride. Some good friends have two beautiful Mules and a cool wagon. You put those two together and you have one fun, relaxing trip. We started out in the back of the wagon with daddy, but half way through both girls got brave and we headed up front. The view from the top is amazing. The breeze was so peaceful and the air smelled of fresh honeysuckle and cut grass. It was just beautiful. I didn't want it to end. The questions were coming left and right. And not only from the girls, but myself as well. All of this is so interesting to me. I am in no way knowledgeable when it comes to horses and such. They are beautiful creatures and after today, very smart I learned.

Once we got back to Mandi and Pops, we were welcomed with a wonderful lunch and more love. These people are so good. In a way that comes effortlessly. They don't have to work at it. They are just that way. We are so lucky to have them in our lives and we hope they feel the same way.

We always want to introduce our kids to new things. This particular day was just that. With a big, fat side of fun and smiles as well. Doesn't get any better than that.

In ending, I have one small brag. While on my computer this evening, the Bear had a piece of paper and a pen. She tapped my arm to reveal the following. I could not be more proud. It is so amazing how one little girl writing her name can just make you feel like you are going to burst with joy. I have kept this piece of paper and it will go in the box with all of the other milestones. It is happening right before my eyes. She is growing up and she is going strong.

 

Our whole weekend was full of new things and unplanned events. We were just along for the ride. Whatever and wherever they takes us, we make all of our outings as a family count. In every way. We are so thankful and so blessed. We have our summer attitudes on and we welcome any and every adventure that comes our way.

Happy Week!

Keep On Keepin' On

The past three weeks at our house have been interesting. Between the coughing, runny noses, pink eye, and ear infections, I am done. I want to tent my house and disinfect.

But, we don't let it stop us. Because we are so lucky to have these two. I'll take it. Healthy or sick. Truth of the matter is, I get some pretty awesome snuggles when they aren't up to par. We have modified our activity. Depending on whom is more sick than the other.

The good thing is, we have a play land right in our back yard. We can keep them away from other children until they are better, but we can't keep them away from each other. And we don't want to.

Our pre-school field trip was big fun. It was our first "real" field trip. Although her stay was short, the Bean enjoyed it and the Bear had a wonderful time. So did I. She is getting more and more brave. She watched from afar for some time while the others went across the monkey bars. That finger in her mouth, trying to decide if it was worth giving a try. Lo and behold, she did it. I am so proud of her and so amazed at this new streak of independence.

So, with the middle of the week here, we are all starting to see improvement in the way we feel. Hopefully in time for the weekend. We are going to camp at that "favorite" spot we have and just chill at home.

We will just push that little red button and we will keep on going. Happy Hump Day!

Our Favorite Spot

With warm, longer days and nighttime chirping, the time has come. Our girls have been begging us to go camping. I have been ready myself. We have found this perfect, quiet spot that gives us the best views and relaxation. Mountains as far as you can see and bare feet in the green grass. And in a place that you would never guess.....

Story time is a must while camping. My Bear can tell some stories. Most of them are knee slapping funny, while some are very mysterious and her imagination outweighs her body.

The Bean, well she just loves listening to her big sister. She takes it all in like a sponge and doesn't forget a word.

As evening falls and the light of day disappears behind the mountains, we snuggle. We laugh. We give lots of kisses and we are just so happy to be here. In our favorite spot.

 

If I ever go looking for my heart's desire again, I won't look any further than my own back yard. Because if it isn't there, I never really lost it to begin with. Frank Baum

Happy Week.