Roar!

 World's cutest lion.

 

 

Backyard Discovery

For over a month we have been watching our duck friends fly in and out of our pond, swim around and just hang-out. They seem to really like our backyard and they have made themselves at home.  Now we understand why they keep coming back. We found this discovery today right next to the pond. A freshly laid egg.

3 1/2

My big, beautiful, bright-eyed 3 1/2 year old.  You are an amazing gift. 

 

You have become quite particular in your 3 1/2 years.

No jelly, only peanut butter sandwiches will do.  No blueberries, only strawberries.

You still love, love, love purple, but pink is becoming a close second.

You spend your time drawing, painting and creating.  You love art.

You make up stories, role play and act out pretty much every TV show you love--

Sherriff Callie, Paw Patrol, Dora, Handy Manny and Doc (yes, you still love doc).

You still give check-ups but I have to say in the last year your bed-side manner hasn't improved too much.  You have a little growing to do in this department.

You are a nurturer.  You take good care of your animals and dolls and your brother too.

You certainly have leadership ability.  You like to be in charge and when things don't go your way, you certainly have something to say about it.

You're not shy to voice or enthusiastically express your opinion.

You are confident, but you can still be very shy. 

It takes a good while to warm up but when you do, look out. 

You have a lot to contribute and a lot to say.

You are curious and inventive and adventurous.

You love riding your bike, doing puzzles, creating mazes.

Cinderella is your favorite princess,

but you of course also love Queen Elsa (who doesn't).

You continue to push boundaries and test our patience.
You have ideas.

You are the perfect combination of sassy and sweet.

 When you want to be sweet, you are really sweet.  Well behaved, follow directions. 

When you want to be sassy, you are really sassy.  Tantrums and fussing. 

You liked things organized and just so. 

Lamby is still your favorite companion.

You like to tidy up, sweep and keep things clean (most of the time).

You do not like bedtime.  Still. 

You've been fighting bed time for 3 1/2 years now.  I'm ready for the fight to be over. 

Please embrace sleep.

You love your brother, are kind and gentle. 

 You play, you teach, you support.

All of this after only 3 1/2 years. 

We can't wait to see what life has in store for you next. 

We know it will be amazing, just like you.

 

Happy Father's Day!

World Cup

The World Cup is in full swing.  The TV is on a lot at our house.  Carmen and Max are quickly learning about a funny place called Brasil, getting to know where the coach sits, who the guy with the whistle is, and why most of the time penalties are bad.  They are mostly excited to watch with Daddy.  Sometimes Carmen says, "Can we watch my show now."  Treats and bribery often work to get them to sit still and watch just a little while longer.  Last night--popcorn!

 

 

 

Day at the Lake

This weekend we were invited for some fun in the sun with good friends at a nearby lake house.  It was the perfect way to kick-off what felt like summer.  70 + degrees, sun and just the right amount of wind for the many, many water activities: row boating, kayaking, sailing, paddle boarding and fun-island floating.  Carmen did them all. She was feeling quite adventurous that day.  There was also a walk to check out horses and collect treasures (rocks, sticks and a caterpillar were among the highlights), playing and splashing, blowing bubbles, consuming treats and toasting marshmallows rounded out the day.  I might add there was no napping which made for two tired kiddos and two happy parents.  It was truly a wonderful day at the lake.  Thank you.

Relay for Life

We...

walked

 put pennies in the special team bucket after each lap

spent time with cousins

were inspired

ate too many treats

stayed up way, way too late

had a wonderful time supporting the fight against cancer

 

 

 

(a funny)

Carmen: Mom, I have to go potty.

Me: Ok, lets go.  Hurry.

To the port-a-potty we go.  Confused, she followed me in. 

I lift up the seat.

Carmen: Yuck

I put the seat protector on.

Carmen: Mom, my body's not telling me it has to go anymore.

Ok, can't blame her.  Back to walking we go.