Shoes & Gardens

We started off our weekend wanting to go to City Garden on Friday. But weird thing, being that is a July, it was only about 68 when we walked out of the house. And cloudy. And eventually raining. So I decided we would take care of a few indoor items that were needed before school starts. So off we went to Famous Footwear to look for tennis shoes. Now, I usually go to the Stride Rite store in the mall. I love them there. They measure feet, they council on growth, they have a movie playing, and balloons & cookies to give out. But Nate had seen a pair of shoes when he was at Famous with Scott, and we just had to go look at them. Is this what it feels like to have a pre-teen? 

So we went. The sales lady measured their feet. Gave me a round about size to look for (not accounting for growth) and off we went to find the electric blue shoes. He tried them on but I didn't think his toe was far enough back to allow for growth. But I'm no shoes saleswoman. He tried on a second one. Same problem. All while Lila was pulling sparkly Dora shoes off the wall and putting them on her feet. Another reason I love Stride Rite. No Dora shoes. I just can't deal. 

After about 20 minutes (and what seemed like hours), I quietly told Nate that we were going to the mall to the other shoe store. To which he replies loudly, "Lila, put your shoes on! We're going to ANOTHER STORE!" Nice. 

So we went to my happy place, where they reminded me of every reason that we are never trying anything new until they out grow the place. And we left happily with 2 new pairs of tennis shoes. Whew. Glad that's over for another year. 

On Saturday, I decided it was still a little cold for City Garden, where they are many get soaked water features, so we would try the Botanical Gardens. Something we can't do when it's sweltering. We loved it. Okay, maybe I loved it more than them. But I think they had a good time too. 

 

I was trying so hard to get a picture here. Even color coordinated them and everything.  Oh well.

I don't think Lila's been there since she was fully mobile, so she had fun figuring it all out.

This is my favorite spot in the gardens. Too bad they wouldn't look at me.

I got a lot of their backs. Although I kind of like it.

Soon to be a 2nd grader!

Sweet chillens' of mine.

It was a good weekend. I think the cooler temperatures help all of our attitudes. Especially mine.

Summer Float 2013

My mom graciously sent me these photos of the kids on the canoe trip. They had a great time, but it did rain most of Sunday, which made for cold, wet kiddos (and gear!) Scott told me they were such troopers, which makes me proud. 

Lila and her bandana. My Nana used to wear one of these and Scott said there was talk of Lila reminding everyone of her. Smiles! 

Nate has become quite the fisherman...even caught a trout with Myra's Barbie fishing pole!

Sweet Bluet...we were lucky to get to have her at our house this week after a botched visit due to plumbing last week. I'm glad they all enjoy playing together! Even if it's a little loud...

I don't know how many more times I'll be able to say No to my kids when they ask in their sweetest voices, "When are you going to canoe with us Mom?" Oh the things you do...

Last Week in iPhone Pics

Scott & the kids have been canoeing this weekend and I will be very glad to see them when they arrive home in a bit! I don't have any pictures because I stayed home, so here are a few iPhone pics from last week. 

Costume Party! Lila is finally into dressing up and I'm so excited!

The future gymnast!

The future multi-galactic star fighter:)

Before our plumbing adventures last Wednesday, we had dinner with my parents, Emily, Ben & Bluet at Bottleworks. Nate dressed up like a biker.

The kids were rightly upset when we arrived at the hotel and realized that Scott wouldn't be joining us. So I told them after their baths, they could cuddle up and have a snack on the bed. Lila thought it was the greatest.thing.ever.

Have a great week!

Plumbing Extravaganza

Many years ago, I aspired to be a home owner. Now, I think I'd just like to live in an apartment. 

I will never forget Richard Logan, a wise man from my hometown, telling a story that ended with, "The toilet in your house never backs up until it's 5:45 PM, your wife is throwing a party that starts at 6:00 and Hutcheson is out of town." {Mike Hutcheson is the town plumber]

For some reason, I've never forgot that story. In the 11 years that Scott & I have been homeowners, our plumbing has never backed up. And wouldn't you know it, it happened the day my sister and her family arrived in town to stay with us for 3 days. That Mr. Logan is a wise man. 

While Scott worked furiously on the plumbing, I took the kids to a hotel. And my sister took off for my parent's house. I would totally have done that too, but Nate is in Lego camp this week and I did not want to disappoint him.

Was I calling every 5 minutes asking if he had called a plumber?

Would y'all believe me if I said No?

Didn't think so.

In the end, he did fix it and cleaned up all the mess before we got home this morning. He's a plumber in training.

Weird But Good Week

So last week was weird. Good. But weird. You see, my kids and Scott left for Georgia to see the Boyle/Odoms on Saturday. And I was at home in my house for 4 whole days by myself. Let me repeat. By myself. For 4 whole days. That hasn't happened since, um, I don't know...some time prior to December 20, 2005? 

It was a little sad. And a little lonely. And a little blissful. I'll spare you the exact percentages of each emotion. 

On Tuesday, Scott got home and we got to have a dinner out all by ourselves and not worry about what time to get home to relieve the babysitter. It was really nice. 

Then on Wednesday, since Scott had to go back to work, I took off for Nashville to work since I was going to be meeting up with Mary & Kevin to get the kids back on Saturday. All was well until Friday night, when I'm sitting in my hotel room after returning from dinner...then I was 100% sad and ready to see some family. 

Thank goodness, Mimi & Paka brought these little ones to Nashville to meet me. I couldn't stand it one more minute! I was so glad to see all of them. Of course I had to bring them a surprise:)

We tried to eat at the Pharmacy (fitting right?) but it was already packed at 5:20 on Saturday night. The hamburgers are the best that you will ever put in your mouth. We didn't stay since we had the kids, so we went to a close second favorite, Mafiaoza's. Great pasta and atmosphere.

Nate and his Mimi! I am so lucky and grateful that my kids have such wonderful grandparents. They are truly a gift and we are so thankful that they want to spend time with our kids.

I missed my kids so badly. Especially after I finished cleaning. I admit I did need a little bit of silence to clear my head. And I got it. I feel rejuvenated enough to not get bothered by the fact there are baby dolls and Legos all over the living room.  It means they are here. And I'm super thankful for that.

I told the kids yesterday on the way home that it sure was quiet while they were gone. Nate replied, "But you didn't like it, did you Mom?"

No, sweet boy, I didn't:)

4th of July iPhone Pics

A few more pictures from the 4th of July...

I love this one! It was an impromptu pose and it totally worked. 

After the parade, we ate lunch at Sundecker's. Our fav. I told Nate that I appreciated his willingness to take a picture almost every time I get the phone/camera out. It hasn't always been like this I told him...

Little Miss ate her weight in steak fries. She comes by that honest:)

Riding home on the train...she was really tired but stayed awake until we got home.

After a monster nap (even me and I'm not a napper!), we headed out to St. Charles for a picnic with Scott's co-workers. They are very nice and it was a great way to end our day. Lila likes watermelon. A lot. She did not get that from me!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July! Especially the patriotic kid's clothes:) We woke up bright and early to head to the VP Parade downtown. We've been going since Nate was 2 years old and I love that we have a tradition on the 4th. We usually watch by Union Station but this year the parade route changed, so we took the train down to the Convention Center. It was a perfect spot! Before we left...

  Be still my heart...I think he's so handsome:)  

 And this one...she's into showing you her teeth when you ask for a real smile. I think she's just darling and I LOVED her outfit. I waited until a few weeks ago when the patriotic smocks went on sale and got a great deal! 

 They are sweet to each other sometimes. Maybe 1 hour total out of the 14 hours they are awake. No joke. 

 I guess this will be a tradition picture! Got one in this same spot last year too. 

 I do love them so. Since Scott started his new schedule, they are attached to my hips. But funny thing. I miss  them so when they aren't there. 

Celebrate your freedom today! 

Half Birthdays

I always feel a little bad for my kids since their birthdays are so near the holidays. We have Thanksgiving and Christmas covered up in birthdays around here. So, we have been doing a small 1/2 birthday celebration in the summer the past few years. Although we try to give their birthdays their proper pomp and circumstance during the holidays, sometimes we feel rushed and busy while doing it. Doing something in the summer is so much more laid back and enjoyable (in my opinion of course!)

Big 7.5 year old! 

 And Big 2.5 year old!

We celebrated with cupcakes from Jilly's - my fav! 

 4 cupcakes will feed a family of 4 for at least a week:)

 We love celebrating these kiddos and are proud of their accomplishments every day! Happy 1/2 Birthday Nate & Lila! 

Confession

I confess that I have a whole new outlook on my kids getting water on the floor at bath time. Now, I welcome it instead of throwing a hissy fit each time a drop of water hits the floor. It's the little things. 

7 Random Kid Funnies

Y'all know how your 2 year old gets up at 5:15 AM some days? Oh you don't have one of those? I'll lend you mine.

I'm turning into my mother. If I had a nickel for every time I said "Keep your hands, feet, words, and eyes to yourself," I'd be rich. Paybacks are hell.

Lila wants to have Hello Kitty on her birthday cake this year. Guess we'd better work on her not calling it Hell Kitty between now and then.

Sometimes my kids make me want to say not so nice words. So I've been saying "For the love of all good things" instead. It helps release some steam. And will make a funny story for them later. Remember all those times mom said FOR THE LOVE OF ALL GOOD THINGS??

There was a silence during the Monsters University movie after one of the characters had said something embarrassing. In the silence of the movie theater packed with kids and their parents, my child said "AWKward" really loud. Yes, it was awkward. Thanks for that.

I'm not really a germ-a-phobe but I do use my foot to flush public toilets. I don't even think about it. Apparently, this made an impression on Lila who stands on her stool and flushes our home toilet with her foot. I assure her it's clean, but flushing with your hand wouldn't be nearly as fun, Mom.

You have not lived until your 2-year old announces to all the mothers in earshot at the pool that she has just pottied in the pool. Uh-huh. Fun times. I might have been guilty of also telling my other child not to put the pool water in his mouth because his sister JUST PEED IN IT. Oh the humility of motherhood.

Kids do say and do the darndest things!

Hamburger University

This post will seem relatively unimportant to most of you. But I have to put it down in our record books! Last week I had the opportunity to visit McDonalds headquarters in Oak Brook, IL. I was actually at the training facility - Hamburger University. Even though it was for work, I was excited to go and very intrigued. 

My boss emailed while I was there and asked if I had met Ronald yet. For a minute, I thought, "Was I supposed to meet a Ronald at this meeting? What is she talking about?" Then I remembered. Ronald McDonald. DUH. I took this picture for my kids. 

I did not see any hamburgers while I was there. The food was actually quite healthy. And the meeting I went to didn't have anything to do with happy meals or Big Macs. But the BEST part about the visit was the ever flowing Diet Coke every where you looked. For those of you that know me, you know it was like a dream. Better than a dream...to have fresh diet coke, McDonalds ice, cups and lids any time I wanted it? Oh my.

I think we are going there on vacation. 

June Birthdays!

Wasn't the weather this weekend beautiful? Although I like 90s in the summer, it is nice to get a breather every once in a while. We were in Southeast MO to celebrate Thane's 1st birthday. It's hard to believe all the June babies are now a year old. Our sweet nephew Levi turned 1 also last week (and big brother Noah turned 6!) Where does the time go!?! We are thankful for all of these boys and hope the next year is filled with lots of joy!

My parents got this little kid sized gator for all the grandkids. My kids loved it! Nate was a pro after a while (and even took to driving the golf cart by himself), and Lila caught on too. She's funny about things that make a lot of noise. 

My birthday buddy!

I love the look on Thane's face. The rest of us would make it but it might be rude:)

The party goers...it was great to get to see my aunts, uncle, and cousins!

See the white window in the background - Sarah & Hamil had this replaced last week and it is GORGEOUS. So so thankful for them and all they are doing to preserve the house. My grandparents would be so pleased at the family functions taking place there!

Lila does love Sarah so much. She told me before we went last week that she was going to give Sarah a big hug!

He wouldn't be a typical 1 year old if he didn't like the paper better than the presents!

He got distracted by Nate...so sweet.

Thane also liked getting in the bags...bag #1

Bag #2

Getting ready to eat cake!

 Sweet family!

And the after of the cake...

He loved this so much:)

Playing with friends in his new water table.

And one of Lila in Wayne's hat:)

Happy Birthday to Noah, Levi and Thane! Happy to share my birthday month with you!