Summer Lovin' Had me a Blast

It was our first day of summer just the three of us. Nana left yesterday so I was on my own. By 9, I was checking the time but we ended up having a great summer day. Two picnics, lots of outside time, a trip to Trader Joe's and ice cream for dessert. Then swimming on the blue duvet cover complete with a cannon ball off the diving board made for a busy fun-filled summer day.

I was upstairs meeting with the insurance adjuster - more on that later. We came downstairs to this!

They decided to add some more cushions to their pile and promised to clean up the mess. Of course, they did not clean up the mess!

Cuddles on the couch with Sweet Henry. He seems captivated by Evie's choice of Tangled. Just part of being a little brother.

Picnic Dinner. Our lunch picnic was cut short by a summer thunderstorm.

Chocolate ice-cream - good to the last drop.

Campaigning for more dessert! It's hard to say no to that sweet face but we still did. Carl took him up for a quick shower.

Our bathing beauty with her float AKA the tube that holds one of Carl's Lowcountry maps.

Weekend Rewind: Date Night, Shopping and Dance Recital

We had a super-busy weekend and I really need a weekend from our weekend.

 

Friday: Courtney and the boys brought Evie balloons and flowers for her recital. Evie was thrilled and felt so special. Evie had her dance recital rehearsal and we made it by the skin of our teeth. Crazy traffic and rain made our trip into the city a bit slower than anticipated. Evie was mortified when her bun fell out during rehearsal. Mama learned some new tips after that happened. Evie said that she was upset because she "did not look beautiful like the other girls." Oh dear, this is already beginning. I reminded her that the bun or the outfit is not what makes her pretty. My mom took over kid duty while Carl and I went on a date. THANK YOU MOM! Carl and I love going out and it's even better with free babysitting. We decided to try Tin Angel in West End and it was scrumptious. I had a burger and fries that was way better than some of my other favorite burgers in town. Carl had a steak and enjoyed that too. Butterscotch creme brulee rounded off our meal. 

 
Saturday: Carl took both kids to a birthday party at Chuckie E Cheese while my mom and I went out for a bit. We went to a children's sale at Little Cottage and stocked up on some summer sale items. I love dressing our children like children but it sure can get expensive. Sales make it much easier to keep them dressed in smocked clothing. Before, I am ready they will be dressing in ragged jeans and screen-printed t-shirts.  Pedicures were our next stop. It was so nice to spend time with my mom without the kiddos. Carl grilled ribs for dinner that were amazing. We spent most of the afternoon outside enjoying the gorgeous day. 

Sunday: Early church and then back home to prepare for the recital. Doughnuts in the backyard and then bun time. I wet, gelled, sprayed and pinned that bun to keep it from falling. It looked amazing and so did Evie. Our little ballerina was excited to dance her heart out in the recital. She did such a fantastic job and we are so proud of our Evie. It was short recital. Evie loved hanging out backstage with all of her little friends. She was sad to learn that these girls will not be in her class next year. Evie was in the older class and all of her friends will go to kindergarten. Henry had fun with Karen and was covered in tractor grease. He was not happy at all when we left but he sure was glad when we returned home. Evie requested chips and cheese so we headed out for an early dinner at Local Taco. We all love that place and it was my moms first time eating there. Restaurants are still touch and go - kids were fine but were all over me in the restaurant. It will be so nice to sit in a restaurant one day without my person used as a jungle gym. It was such a nice night so we spent some time outside before early bedtimes for us all. I was exhausted after our busy day and was conked out by 9:15.

That sums up our weekend. Hope you had a great weekend too.

Week in Review

Another busy week went by super fast!

Monday: Evie's last day of dance class! We had a picnic and then a little rest time before swimming lessons with Molly. Carl was out of town so that meant that I did not need to cook dinner. We played outside all evening and then had another picnic which keeps my kitchen clean.

Tuesday: Evie went to school and Henry and I hung out together. We went to the 20/30 Vision group at our church and I was surprised to learn that our church has their own food truck. The men of the church cook as their fundraiser so our group hired them out for our cookout. We all had so much fun getting to know everyone better. Carl really liked some of the guys. Evie hit it off with another four year old girl and they played dress up all night. Henry bounced away on the bounce house. Everyone went to bed right when we returned to the house.

 

Wednesday: Carl and I were up early but the kids slept until 8:45. That was such a treat! It was a beautiful day and we had nothing on our agenda so it seemed like the perfect day for the park. Evie loaded up her scooter and off we went to Owl Creek. It was such a nice morning at the park. Evie and Henry both made friends which makes everyone more content. More swimming lessons after rest time and then Carl played a little golf with the kiddos.

 

Thursday: It was the last day of school. I ran around like a crazy woman trying to get everything accomplished. I squeezed in book club before racing to get Evie. We read, All She Ever Wanted Was Everything - it's always fun to hear other perspectives on the book. After I picked up the kids, we went to the airport to get Nana. She came to town for Evie's first recital. We stopped for last day of school frozen yogurt and then played outside all afternoon. Pasta Milano courtesy of the Meal Swap was on the menu and it was yummy.

Friday: It's been a rainy day. I had hoped to go strawberry picking but not on a rainy day. We went to Third Coast Clay to paint pottery. Evie really liked it and I will have to take her back without Henry. I knew it would be a difficult place to take Henry since he likes to touch everything but he liked it too. My mom kept him busy painting and then took him out for a walk after he finished his masterpiece. Can't wait to pick everything up! Evie was sad that she had to leave her heart there. I knew this would be an issue and let her know that the pottery would stay there to go in the "special oven." Luckily, Julia, the kind storekeeper showed Evie the entire kiln process and told her that she would take great care of her heart. We stopped in Little Cottage and the Viking store for a few minutes. Lots of fun! Everyone took a rest and now Evie is about to head out for her dance recital. My little girl is thrilled for her dance recital.

First Day, Last Day

Another school year is over! It sure went fast. I was teary at Evie's school thinking that next year is her last year of preschool. Can't believe it!

Evie's First Day of School - August 2012.

Evie's Last Day of School - May 2013.

Henry's First Day of School - September 2012

Henry's Last Day of School - May 2013

Both kids have changed so much this year. Evie and Henry were fortunate to have kind, nurturing, teachers this year and I am beyond thankful for that.

We are looking forward to a fun summer!

Perfecting their Swing!

Henry found a plastic golf club at the park this morning. Carl was so excited to come home and help Henry with his swing. 

Of course, Evie had to work on her swing too. Be sure to notice her new hair style - she did it herself! Evie might be a natural golfer because she exclaimed, "That was the best shot ever."

Little Buddy!

Dear Little Buddy,

   Tuesday mornings with you are so much fun! You keep me on my toes and everything is always an adventure. Tractors are always part of your agenda plus popsicles. Not much that a popsicle can't fix! Love that about you sweet boy - you sure do love your "pop pops." 

  I adore having you all to myself while sister is at school. It's easy to get lost in the chaos of life with two busy children and so good to have the chance to focus on you. Enjoying little boy things: walking slower, stopping to look at trucks and bugs along the way and giggles. Lots of giggles. You even like to tickle me now. It's the cutest thing ever to see you with a big grin saying "tickle, tickle, tickle."

Evie had me all to herself and you do not get that. I'll make it up to you one day when she is gone and you are still at home with us. There are plenty of perks to birth order. You will always be my baby boy. I treausre these days of lazy mornings outside soaking up the sun and cuddles in your rocking chair. Soon, you will be too busy for this and your little boy scent will fade and you will not let me cover you with kisses. Don't worry, I am enjoying it now.

Love,

Mama