The Hardest Part of the Day

I don't know how many moms I have spoken with...or should I say vented with about the 4-6 pm hour of the day. Depending on one's husband's work hours I find that for most of my mommy friends the time from 4-6 is the hardest, most stressful time of the day. Four o'clock rolls around and the kids are tired. They have had a long day so they are physically tired and they are tired of their environment. They are hungry. They are ready to eat dinner about an hour before dinnertime. But for the sake of the family meal (something I feel is one of the most important things you can do for your child) we moms try to hold off so that we can sit and eat as a family. Brothers begin rough housing if they haven't gotten out enough energy and one child usually ends up crying. As the mom, one tries to pick up the house and make dinner while being ref to the wrestling match.

Unfortunately this is what we face before we see our lovely husband who walks in the door thinking things will be glorious. But for the last two hours we were faced with tired, crabby kids, who have had busy days, no naps, are hungry and ready to eat (but for the sake of the family meal we hold off). So we juggled, danced, sang, played hide and seek, did a puzzle, stood on our head, while stirring the pot on the stove...and trying to sip a glass of wine.

I remember feeling my moms stress when my dad didn't call and was running late. He was an engineer and I don't know if it is an engineer thing or what, but man, did I marry a man like my dad. Not only is my husband also an engineer but he tends to run late and not call to give me a heads up from time to time. Most days I let it roll off my shoulders and we carry on. But there are days when it gets me really crabby. Just a call, or an email, or a text...and I get that there are meetings and you can't escape...but then think ahead in the day...or I don't know...show up with a bottle of wine.

Sighing...letting my shoulders relax...and going to make the boys peanut butter and jelly sandwiches so that I can eat later, with my hardworking husband, who I know does his best to be home with us for dinner. I just wish when he can't...he called.

I love you Ed! I am proud of you! I love that you are hardworking! I appreciate our life together....but I really appreciate a call.

Say Hey

It has rained the last few days...makes for cozy days inside but makes us itch to get outside and play! The rain will bring the green grass (which is without dandelions this year! WOO HOO!) This song is my current summer song (Michael Franti & Spearhead - Say Hey)! When it comes on the radio in the car I have the urge to roll down the windows and crank it up...and I do crank it up a wee bit...but I do have two children under the age of 5 in the car so I am responsible. Summer is coming, the rain has stopped, the grass is looking greener, my allergies are in full force, but life is good. And tomorrow is Friday! Crank this tune in your car today and feel happy!

okay...one more for today...

Henry at school.

Mama scores a hole in one!

Today I hit up a garage sale and what should be sitting at the end of the driveway...a set of REAL children's golf clubs. Charley has the plastic ones...we were looking to get him some real ones. So I asked..."are these for right or left handed people." It was starting to drizzle, but when my friend, now my best friend, said left handed, I SWEAR the clouds parted and there was a beam of light shining down on me. I called Ed...confirmed that this was fate and bought them. Tonight we presented them to Charley and he was so excited. We explained that these weren't a toy but rather REAL ones for going with Daddy! It is still raining so the three boys, yes all three, got them out in the middle of our living room. Ed turned a cup on it's side and they practiced putting. I sat nervous, waiting for one of them to take too big of a swing. Henry was intrigued, Charley was in bliss, and Ed kept touching the bag and clubs and smiling - impressed with the deal I found and maybe seeing his future golf partners! During the practice...at least once...Charley came up to me and said, "Mama, I love you. And I love that you got me these clubs." My heart was happy.

When Ed announced to Charley that it was time for bed, Charley responded with:

"okay, dad, you can go up. I am just going to put this stuff to bed with a kiss and hug and then I will be up. you go ahead up."

So up went Ed. I meanwhile, watched from the corner of my eye to see what Chuck was about to do. The clubs came in a nice golf bag that stands upright. It also has straps for Charley to sling it onto his back. And that is exactly what Charley did! No problems. He headed out towards the guest bedroom where he was told to store the clubs for the night. Said goodnight and headed upstairs.

I headed up later to say goodnight to my little Tiger Woods. He informed me, in his most serious voice, "Mama, I put my clubs to sleep in the guest room. I turned off the lights so they can sleep. You should not go in that room ever!"

Today was a hole in one in my book.

$15.00

Must be doing something right...

Today Charley had a play date with a new friend. In Moms club there are so many great families to get to know. Most of Charley's friends are girls, and that is fine, at this age he doesn't care. He loves them all. But I have also wanted him to gain some boy friends. So I asked a friend if she would like to get her son together with Charley. So today, I dropped him off at their house. He was gone for a couple hours, she called during the play date to tell me they were playing great and she would like to keep him a little longer! When she picked him up they came in so Gavin could have a peek at our house....so he can come play here sometime. His mom said, that they didn't have the TV on all afternoon which is great! She said while she was cleaning out toys she found two unopened McDonald's type toys and Charley suggested, "Maybe you can give those to your brothers". Very kind. She also said when they were getting on their shoes to come home Charley turned to her and said, "I really had a good time playing at your house with Gavin." She was amazed that a four year old would say that without prompting...I am too! I am so proud of you Charley...I guess we are doing something right.

What a trooper...

Dear Charley,

I write to you today to apologize for being rough on you last week. After Henry was born, my PMS (which you will learn about someday but never experience first hand - lucky you and every other male in the world) has become that much more pronounced one week every month. I am not sure why and I am not sure how to make it better but it makes me on edge, snappy, and easily frustrated. I over analyze everything and my patience when things aren't going the way I want is very short or non-existent. Because of the age that you are at we often butt heads. And I try really hard to be patient and react with kindness and love but after the 4th time of repeating something I tend to flip out. At night as I sit with Daddy I feel guilty and judge myself very harshly for every thing I did that day. Good or bad. And I vow to do better the next day.

The biggest gift you give me each and every day is a new start. You awaken ready for a day with mama and Henry and daddy and don't seem to remember the day before. I thank you for that. And some day when you have a tough day...like during your middle school years...I hope I can grace you with a new start each day.

Once this hellish week passes my patience returns, I feel happy, and at peace. For a day and wonder why the calm, where did it come from, and why did this more confident and patient personality disappear. I know that you are pretty oblivious to all of this right now as a 4 1/2 year old but I wanted you to know that I am not oblivious to the fact that because you are with me 24 hours a day you see my ups and downs and often have to ride the roller coaster.

I love you my son. You amaze me and make me proud every day. Thank you for being patient with me. And thank you for telling me you love me each and every day. It warms my heart and reminds me why I continue to be the best mom that I can be.

Love,
Your mama

Things I love today... so far...

1. I appreciate when my boys sleep until 7am or very close and they are happy when they rise.

2. I appreciate Charley getting dressed without a battle and choosing clothing that works for the weather and day.

3. I love that our grass is green without a dandelion to be seen. We are usually "those" people on our street. But we have managed to rid our year of them. YES!

4. I love that Henry is figuring out how to use a spoon and can eat yogurt, oatmeal, and applesauce on his own!

5. I love that I can count on my mom and sister to email me during the day and give me adult communication from time to time.

6. I love Tuesday afternoons when Henry naps and Charley goes to preschool and I can get a few things done without interruption.

7. I of course love my diet coke!

8. I love that we have the ingredients for margaritas and I can make one tonight while I watch idol!

9. I love that I have a carpool going for Charley's preschool so that I can relax and let Henry nap without feeling like I have to get home, get him down, and then wake him up. Carpools are great!

10. I love my new cozy pants that I got yesterday at Old Navy for only $15. Being home means being ready to play outside, clean, kneel in the drive way with chalk, or throw on tennis shoes and walk to the park. One needs to be comfortable!

11. I love that after a week of being crabby, snappy, and overly emotional I get a few days of feeling happy, patient, and at peace. sigh.

Time with the girls...

This weekend Ed had his annual spring golf thingy. He goes every year around this time with a huge group of friends. They chance the weather and are sometimes surprised with great weather and sometimes it is wickedly winter like. This weekend he was graced with some nice weather and some okay weather.

Meanwhile, I was single mama for the weekend. Even though I build up these days all on my own as being hard they usually go smooth and are enjoyable. It is nice to just do things when I want with the boys...dinner on their schedule, bath and bed when I am ready. This year I invited my good friends Molly and Kim over. Their husbands were swinging their golf clubs with mine. They came over Saturday night and we hung out. The kids played, bathed together, and all went to bed decently (Charley had the most trouble - too excited to have sleep over in mama's room since Kim and Tommy were crashing in his room). Along with the kids Kim and Molly both brought their BIG dogs and Henry loved watching them roam our house. I got some good chatting with my girls and it is always good to hear what is going on in their lives...we discussed the idea of a girls weekend. WE NEED TO this into action and do it....even if it is simple, local, and for one night. I am ready!

Thanks gals for coming over, hanging out, being cozy in our house with us, and reminding me that time with friends is soooo good for the soul.

A New Identity...

Almost all of the time I enjoy my life to the max...but every once in awhile an escape would be great. Today I got to escape and be.....


But with a little thinking...my brilliant four year old son was able to identify my alias.



and Peter was exposed as Mama!

A Fantastic Friday!

I liked this one today too.

I liked this one today too.

I put these on here because sometimes I need a reminder and I can come back and click on this and read words that give me insight...not all of what people write speak to me...but there are some things in this one that make me realize how much I need to enjoy each and every moment.

Charley's first bike!

Last night we took Charley shopping for his first set of wheels. Today he got on and away he went...with a little help. But I believe in a week or two he will be flying around the cul-de-sac. It is going to be a great summer.

Charley and his wheels!



The next step towards independence. Away he goes!


Hank watches in awe and is so proud of his big brother.



This is another reason I love where we live. Our house is on a cul-de-sac and one house down you turn the corner to another cul-de-sac. Plenty of opportunity for bikes, scooters, and baseball in the street.

I am a mama....

It amazes me that I have two human beings that call me mama...for real! I am a mama 24 hours a day seven days a week. Even when I "get away" I am still a mama. It annoys me that I get irritated by little things they do because they are my everything and they make my day every single day! I know them well...I know when they are tired, frustrated, happy, or hurt. I don't always know how to fix it but I love that I am the person that can make it all better.

Cheers to being a mama! And thanks mom for being my mom for almost 33 years!

Loved this one today!

My favorite pictures for today- dirt on the face and baseball! Signs of spring!

Happy "REAL" Earth Day!

So last week we celebrated Earth day. Today we did our part by hitting up our first garage sale of 2009! We helped the environment by making someone else's "trash" into our treasures....this tent and the stroller! I know, I know, I have boys and the stroller is pink and girly...but you know what! Henry loves it and he might be a daddy someday.

Scrubbing floors and other ramblings...

So I hate washing kitchen floors...or any floors. I have never felt I can do this task justice so I have always asked Ed to do this. Henry has made one part of our kitchen my daily nightmare. Today we had a new friend over and where did she stand most of her time here....back by the sliding door so she could see her kids...right in Henry's blueberry applesauce corner. I of course apologized and she has an 18 month old and deals with the same issues. Still.....embarrassing.

So this afternoon I got Hank down for a nap and Charley resting in front of the TV. And went to town, swept with a broom, swept with dry swiffer, used the wet swiffer and the spray jet thingy...got down on my hands and knees and tried my best. But crumbs still surfaced and I still felt like I was moving around the mess. It sure looks better...all shiny. But I feel very inadequate about my floor cleaning skills.

Ed is super busy these days working and when he gets home he wants to enjoy the boys and the little bit of sunshine. Our outside to do list is massive and inside I have a honey do list that continues to get longer. So this time I did the floors. Does anyone out there have a tool, a cleaning product, a way they clean their kitchen floors. We have hardwood that needs major work and as I wash them and see up close how nicked, scratched, faded, and water damaged they are. I look forward to the day when we have a few extra dollars to get them fixed. But until that day, which should probably be after the boys are done driving their big digger, hot wheel cars, and other toys around on them, I will continue to try and make them look as good as I can.

Anyways, I am done. I am tired. They look fine.

I am also very, very tempted to put the highchair away and put Henry at the table with us. Is it time? My friend today just said they moved their little guy to the table. She said the crumbs are worse at the table but the highchair is no fun to clean either. I HATE the highchair! At least the booster doesn't have as many nooks and crannies to clean. At least it is summer soon and I can throw the thing outside and wipe it down, hose it down, or whatever needs to be done.

On a side note. We had a quick play date with a boy from Charley's preschool. It was spur of the moment. They are in Henry's class too so their kids match ours. It was super fun and everyone really clicked. It feels good to make a new friend, gain a new perspective, and be distracted for a few hours of the day with another mommy. She has four children and her husband travels international and is often gone for a week at a time...sometimes two. I can't imagine. It motivated me to look at the next few days as nothing compared to how some moms deal daily or more often as "single" moms. It is all relative to one's own experience...but still. I really find joy in hanging out with other moms and learning from their experiences. She mentioned a sandbox they built in their yard that is large and even has a bench along one side so she can sit there with the kids. I am putting this task on the top of the Honey-Do list and will hopefully get Ed to get to it next weekend! I am sure he will be full of energy after a weekend of golf with his buddies :)

Floor washing advice...got any?

Customer Service...

Lately I have been gifted great customer service at the well known store...Target! The last time I went shopping I was looking for large bags of lettuce to make a giant salad for my sister's shower. I was overwhelmed with packing, travel, etc so I didn't want to cut my own. As I stood there, the man who stocks the shelves stopped and asked if he could help me find something. I asked him if they had any larger bags. He answered, no and that they used to but not anymore. So he recommended a few smaller bags. I grabbed a few and then he handed me a handwritten note that told the check-out gal that each bag was 99cents instead of the 1.59! COOL!

Then tonight I went and had a handful of coupons. I didn't find a few items and accidentally gave the gal a coupon for something I didn't buy. I told her that I didn't get that item, as she scanned and it didn't work. But she pushed a few buttons and scanned it anyway! She did that for a few coupons that had two coupons mentioned on one piece of paper! I HATE how some check out ladies pay attention to expiration dates, others don't, and now some will scan coupons even if you don't buy the item! I am loving Target these days! I saved $16.40 with coupons tonight!

A few months ago I bought some Target brand croutons. They were supposed to be flavored but they weren't. It was like the batch hadn't been seasoned. I called the number on the back of the package and asked or informed them of the issue. Within 3 days I was sent a $6.00 voucher for Target. AWESOME! Now that is customer service.

I grew up on Mrs. Grass's Chicken noodle soup.....I know, I know...there isn't much nutritional value in it but it warms you on a cold day. It tastes great with a grilled cheese and it doesn't have anything scary in it for kids :) Well we had a box that didn't taste right. So I called and they sent me coupons for two free boxes and then 50cents off two more boxes!

Did you know that if you buy Pamper's diapers and as you are putting them on the sticky tag pulls completely off ...leaving you with a wasted diaper....they will reimburse you an entire box of diapers. They did this for me twice when Charley was tiny. We have not had the problem yet with Henry! So I am not sure if they still do this. But it is good to know!

In college I was known by a few of my college dorm friends as the girl to go to to call up the phone company or elsewhere to get business taken care of. I guess I still got it.

* Note I am not out to scam to get free stuff. I just expect to get what I paid for. I am always very nice and complimentary. Like my mom always said squeaky wheel gets the grease!

Sarah's Favorite Things...

The other day I made a recipe that called for this dressing. The recipe turned out only okay...but since that day I have been enjoying this dressing on my salads. I am eating more salads and I just think it tastes like a restaurant dressing. It is just a silly Kraft dressing...nothing fancy or unique. Which means...you can get coupons and get this at any store. I think it is great! Summertime is salad time...give it a try!

Raina's Baby Shower

This weekend we showered Raina and Andy with gifts and love. It was fun to see Raina's belly getting big....however, she doesn't know what big is! The next 8 weeks she will learn -Big! She is feeling good, looking great, and feeling pretty ready. She was so grateful for all the gifts that they received. They are set and ready when it comes to gear. I am so excited for them. They start their baby classes and this will get them prepped for the big arrival! Raina is anxious for baby to be here but getting nervous for the labor and delivery...all normal.

I know they are so excited to meet this little being who is going to turn them into a family but they should also relax and enjoy this little bit of time left as just husband and wife. Andy will never be Raina's only priority. Raina will never again be Andy's only priority. They will soon realize how much love they can give when they meet this little miracle. So go out to dinner, lay around in your pjs all day on Saturday, hop in the car and go somewhere spur of the moment with nothing but one suitcase of luggage. Because soon, everything will be a huge event, with lots of gear and preparation, you will live according to sleep schedules, eat according to nursing schedules, and sleep will be something you won't get enough of. It is all worth it, you will survive it, and it will make you a better person....but it is hard. So take time to enjoy just the two of you. Your life is about to change and it is so awesome! Can't wait!

So glad we could help celebrate with you this weekend! Love, Aunt Sarah!

Team Raina's Baby Shower

These past two months I have worked hard with these three amazing women to throw my sister a baby shower. This past weekend the big event occurred. My mom was a behind the scences secret helper...making food, getting prizes, and other little details. Peggy, Raina's good friend, hosted the party at her house. She opened her door and was so kind to let our massive group come and celebrate this little baby coming in June. Colleens, Raina's lifetime friend, helped with invites, pickles, games, and other little odds and ends. Each of us brought a little of ourselves to the day...trying to make it perfect for Raina...

adorable invitations- check
Pickles- check
Deviled eggs - check
cupcakes - check
fun games - check
ranch dressing - check
veggie tray - check
fruit platter - check
chex mix - check
family - check
friends - check
Two strong men to lug things up and down and in and out of the house - check
A nephew there to help open the mound of presents - check
Cozy house - check
Beautiful day - check
And all of the other little things -check

These types of events bring people together that you don't get to always see. I got to know Peggy better. I always enjoy hanging out with Colleen. If we lived closer I think the three of us would bug Raina to all hang out. And of course, mom you would be there too! Raina is welcome to host some get togethers so that we can all hang out again. hint hint! But we will be patient and let you relax these last 9 weeks of the pregnancy. Maybe I will run into you all visiting this new little miracle that is going to bust into this world and rock and roll like his or her's mom and dad!

Tonight I toast to you - Team Raina's Baby Shower! Great work!

Rest In Peace Sizzles.

Oh - gosh - how long ago did I get this great idea to take Charley to the pet store to get a fish. We got him a Beta and we named him Sizzles. He lasted a super long time for the conditions he was gifted when we brought him home. He didn't eat everyday...I am ashamed to admit and his water ...well he liked his water unchanged for long periods of time...he told me. He did! Charley rarely gave the friend any attention. Today at library the topic for story hour was pets. And when the librarian asked Charley his pet ...he replied proudly a fish. However, when asked his fish's name...there was silence and then he eeked out..."Dorothy." Um! NO! That is Elmo's fish.

Sizzles passed away a week or so after our trip to Florida in February. I have been wrestling with how to tell Charley. Then time went by and he didn't notice so I decided to just wait until he noticed. And this afternoon it happened. Thank goodness it didn't turn into a big deal. Here is the conversation and as you can see it didn't last long.


Rian: Hey are you going to get a dog?

Charley: Maybe, really soon.

Rian: Hey, where's your fish?

Charley: Hey, I thought I had one! Mama, where is my fish.

Mama: Well, um.....he got sick and went away.

Charley: Well where did you put him.

Mama: Away.

Charley: Awwww, but I wanted a pet. Can I get a puppy?

Mama: Honey, your fish has been gone for over 2 months and you first noticed now. I think we will wait awhile to get a puppy. We need to be better about feeding and caring for a pet.

Charley: Okay.

Rian: good thing you feed me so I don't die.

Charley: yeah, good thing I feed you and me. Maybe we can go camping some day.

The end.

Recipes....

I was asked today for two of my recipes. It is such an honor to be asked for a recipe and I thank you for the compliments. So here ya go....




Lemon Cream Cheese Cupcakes

1 pkg. (2-layer size) white cake mix
1 pkg. (3.4 oz.) JELL-O Lemon Flavor Instant Pudding
1 cup water
4 egg whites
2 Tbsp. oil
1 pkg. (16 oz.) powdered sugar
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
Make It!

HEAT oven to 350ºF. Beat cake mix, pudding mix, water, egg whites and oil in large bowl with mixer on low speed until moistened. (Batter will be thick.) Beat on medium speed 2 min. Spoon batter evenly into 24 paper-lined 2-1/2-inch muffin cups.

BAKE 21 to 24 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 min.; remove to wire racks. Cool completely.

MEANWHILE, beat sugar, cream cheese, butter and juice with mixer on low speed until well blended. Frost cupcakes.
Kraft Kitchens Tips
Substitute
Prepare as directed, using PHILADELPHIA 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese.
Special Extra
Stir 1 tsp. lemon zest into frosting mixture.




Ravioli Lasagna (thanks to my good friend Sarah! This recipe is being enjoyed by many!)

Prep 7 min
Bake 40 min
Bake from frozen 1 hr 25 min
Serves 6

26 oz. jar marinara or pasta sauce
two 13 oz packages cheese ravioli
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1. spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a foil baking pan. Spread 1 package of ravioli in a single layer on sauce. Top with 1 c. of sauce and 1/2 c. mozzarella. Layer the second pkg of ravioli on top, then 1 c. sauce and 1 c. mozzarella. Cover pan with foil and freeze until ready to use or bake covered at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes.

To bake Frozen Lasagna: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake, covered, 1 hour. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is melted and starting to brown, and inside middle is hot (about 25 min. more)

Things are blooming

This week the weather has been beautiful. We have ended our days having been kissed by the sun...our pink cheeks prove it. Henry's obsession with the outdoors is much easier to deal with when the temps are warm and the sun is shining. He wants to go outside all the time, hangs onto the door frame when we come in, while screaming with unhappiness. Yesterday he wandered the driveway and our cul-de-sac with a jump rope caught on his foot. When it would fall off he would go back to get it. So simple yet totally made him happy. I realized at that moment that watching him explore the little things...a leaf, grass, or a stone reminds me that the world is an amazing place. It also made me realize that this summer I need to let go of the "to do" list and plop down and just let the boys play. I tried to do that last night but I have a to do list as long as can be and so it was hard to just relax.

I got a new camera this week and I need time to figure it out. My brother says to snap as many shots as I can, go for it, try new things...and I am excited to take the time to do this. He gave me the assignment to post my favorite picture of the day on here. I have seen people do this on their blogs and I think I might give this a try. This week has been a little nuts prepping for my sister's shower. YES! She is nearing the end stretch and we are heading down there to celebrate this weekend. We will once again devout some good family time in the car. Worth it- for sure!

So today while the kids were playing outside I took the camera out and just played around. Lots to learn but here are a few signs of spring.

My rhubarb plant- it grows an inch or two every night!


Last fall I transplanted some of our front walk flowers...and I did something right because they are coming up!


This was the mood of my son most of the day...some days it is good they go fast. It could make for an interesting car ride tonight...hopefully he was cranky because he is tired and he conks out immediately!

2 Boys...

I have one son who can count to 59 all by himself!

And yesterday he read his first early reader book.

I have a second child who has his own way of enjoying a book.

Updated: Earth Day is everyday!

So I stand corrected by an anonymous comment! Today is not officially "Earth Day", but honestly, isn't every day Earth Day if we are living right. So, this afternoon we continued "Saving our planety" (which is what Charley said) and picked up a bag of garbage on our way back from the park. I think he realized what he was doing and why. So it wasn't officially Earth day...which means next week we can do it all again...and if it is rainy and yucky and cold...then heck, in our house we had a beautiful Earth Day!

Today the sun shines in Minnesota and we are taking full advantage. After a busy morning, Hank went down for an early afternoon nap. Charley got down and dirty in the garden exploring and finding things like old pumpkin stumps. We decorated pots and planted grass. Charley will watch it sprout and keep everyone's "hair" trimmed...if it grows. Later today we will walk to the park and pick up garbage along the way. But first lunch at the picnic table, squinting into the sun, letting our bodies heat in the 65 degree temps!

But the best part of the day is to come...dinner out with the hubby. We will toast to you, Ms. Mother Earth! Happy Wednesday! And we will still toast to you Ms. Mother Earth because it was a glorious day!

"The Fanny Pack Pants" emerge!

Those that knew Charley will remember these pants because he wore them almost every day. Amazingly they aren't worn out...yet (Grandma Charlie -they could probably use some new elastic around the waistband). Henry fit into them today...well they are a tad big but they are my absolute favorites and those of you who see Henry will probably see him in these pants at east twice a week until it is too hot because I can't get enough of the built in fanny pocket in the back. I love when I come across an oldie but a goodie! Hand me downs are the best when they make you smile so big your cheeks hurt.

In his Glory...

Charley had been telling people for the last week or so about his upcoming "vacation". He was getting to go to his Aunt Katy's to see his cousins. These cousins are actually his second cousins but I love that he thinks of them as his cousins and he holds them so close to his heart. He talks about them periodically. He thinks he sees them at the park. Certain things remind him of them. They are older than him but they give him attention that makes him feel so special.

Charley was in his glory! He got to dye Easter eggs with his "cousins", play outside (Nine Lives), hangout inside, sit at the kid table to eat Easter dinner, hunt for Easter baskets and eggs, and get his "cousin fix" so he can make it another handful of months until they meet again. We are so lucky to be apart of their Easter, and Thanksgiving, holiday traditions.

Henry's cousin Landen is only 3 months older but what a difference three months makes. Henry found Landen very intriguing and kept an eye on him throughout the visit. Landen was friendly and pushed Henry in the swing and car, gave hugs, and even shared Henry's banana. It was really cute to see them together. It was a great time at Aunt Katy's. On Sunday we drove 5 hours home.

17 hours in the car was totally worth it! And oh. how. lucky. we. are. to have boys that travel well.


Dying Easter Eggs with the cousins he looks up to!






An Afternoon Egg Hunt

Eating at the kids table!

Henry and his grandma and great grandma. He is loved!

Playmates!




Easter Baskets!


Hunting for Eggs on Easter Morning!