I like to pretend...

that I'm a photographer sometimes.  I pack my camera and scoop up my littler girl and take her to the park in her tutu.  Pretty soon...I realize I am not.  But it sure is fun.

So we say, F the park...let's go shopping.

So much more fun.  Maybe it was the tutu?  She pulled it up and down and around.  Not very natural for her.  Probably would have been better off in cowboy boots and her straw hat.  Next time.   Truth is...I would rather see her in a pink batting helmet than a pink tutu, but that is totally up to her.  If she wants to dance, I'll just consult with her Aunts.  No matter what, it will be awesome.  Tiny dancer...tiny player...whatever you want...my sweet Jesse girl.  

Just Float

There's something about those Beluga Whales.  So peaceful and magical.  When you watch them, an instant calmness comes over you.  It’s so beautiful.  I could close my eyes and imagine being there with no crowd and watching them glide through the water so effortlessly.  More relaxing than any spa experience.  If I could have erased the crowd and just stood there with my family, it would have been perfection last weekend.  Last weekend...our trip to the Aquarium.  Here they are on their way in.

What a hellacious crowd.  We managed though!   We managed to put our hands on the glass and imagine we were floating with the giant manta rays and whale sharks who swam up to us.  If I only had a recording of the Ewws and Ahhs taking place at this moment.  But hey, I will never forget it...and I'm guessing they will not either.

Where's the map?  I love how they needed to tell us where to go.  This way to the sharks.  This way to the penguins.

The patience award goes to Aunt Dana who waited in line for these two to pop up with the penguins.

While we watched.

And the Belugas.  See what I mean?  I think the eyes here tell the story very well.  Beauty.

Good times.  Good times.

And as most happy days do, we ended with Mexican.  I know.  It's a wonder my kids are not speaking the language fluently by now.  We were like sardines...all of us...cramed in this slinder booth.  But, we held our breath as the kids enjoyed the cheese and we downed a few pitchers.  

It's been a crazy week since last weekend.  A lot of stress trying to bring me down.  But as my love put it so eloquently, "Shit happens."  We are all healthy and look at all these good times we have had.  No need to talk about all the shit really.  We shouldn't sweat the small stuff.  I feel like a circus clown juggling full time work, what seems to be a full time teaching job at night, baseball practices, speech appointments, doctor appointments, all with my love out of town, etc.  I'm sure I have added wrinkles because of it.  But I'm listening to the sound of these sweet two children of mine sleeping along side of me, and all is good.  And I am reminded of a line from one of my favorite movies (Home for the Holidays)...."Remember the fish Mom.  Float...just float."    Oh, I get that.  Floating.  Good night.

Silly Sunday

They were babies when they first met, these two boys.  Yes, together nearly every day from three or so months through Pre-K.  Now they go to different schools and well, their Mamas will not let that keep them apart.  So, on Sunday, we planned yet another play date.  And Jonah literally moved a dining room chair to the front door and watched and waited till he arrived.  The arrival of Tyler and his sister, Erin….greater than a visit from the President for sure.

I planned a day full of getting things done while the kids played contently.  And well, I just couldn’t help but clear the camera and charge the battery.  I couldn’t help it because below my feet I kept hearing the sounds.  The sounds of happy children.  And I kept walking down to admire the view of them.  It was an amazing view.  A sea of blonde smiles.  The laughter and happiness coming from that area of our house was so contagious.  How did my love put it?  Euphoric…that’s what he said. 

We were silly.  Whoever came up with the notion that children shouldn’t play with their food must have been a really sad person.

I remember when Erin was born and suddenly Jonah spoke of Tyler’s “baby.”   And I remember when Jesse was born and Jonah had a “baby” too.  And I remember Tyler coming up to Jesse so sweetly and touching her little toes and saying “Hey Jesse” in the sweetest baby talk.  He understood because he had Erin.  It just melted my heart.

Now the girls are connecting as if there is no age difference.  The admiration Jesse has for Erin is quite amazing.

I don’t think I have ever witnessed children playing for this amount of time without some sort of argument.  Pure sweet proof right here.

So our weekend ended on a very happy note.  We work so hard all week between school and work and washing clothes and cleaning house.  It’s easy to get wrapped up and forget to slow down and enjoy it all if we are not careful. Everyone is going at such a fast pace.  It seems like the world is forcing our kids to grow up way too quickly.  So, at my house, kids will be kids.  They will be silly.  Every day will not be as perfect as this Sunday.  And when it is not, we will make it all better by making walrus faces with apples and French fries.  Thank you for reminding me of this sweet Tyler, Jonah, Erin and Jesse.