~Day 2• 253: I want you to kill it....

Friday September 11:

Today at work was my coworker's last day.  Rina is moving on to another adventure so a bunch of us went out to lunch with her. We will sure miss her, but are very exited for what her future brings for her!

For dinner tonight, we went over to Alissa and John's house for dinner.  Nick and Alissa's parents are in town for the weekend to celebrate JJ's first birthday.  Yes, first!! Time goes fast!  Mike and Jocelyn's airplane was late getting in, so we headed over early to feed the kiddos.  After we ate, John led everyone on a scorpion hunt around their yard.  I had never been on one and it was fun!  The kids were nervous at first, but they pressed on!  Cailee was cute and asked uncle John if we could borrow his blacklight so we could go hunting in our yard... I was surprised she wanted to continue.  So we did.  She wanted to be with me and Nick while we killed the scorpions.  John won for the number of scorpions found... a few too many.  But Cailee had fun!

Jj was cute and all over the place.  He tried to get the dogs under the door with daddy.  Then he wanted in the fridge with mommy.  When grandma and grandpa finally got there, it was already past his bedtime.  Hopefully he will have a good night so he has a good day tomorrow.  Alissa and John are having a birthday party for him.  It will be fun.

Ashton was in the kitchen talking with grandma and grandpa while they ate their dinner.  I'm not sure what all was discussed, but a little bit about his grades and how good he can do on his studies if he applies himself.  I like seeing him talking with them.!

Tomorrow will be fun.  The kids are very excited to give JJ his presents :)

~Day 2• 252: breakfast and ice cream and yesterday's date

Thursday September 10:

This morning was a little lazy. We all slept in and so we didn't go riding our bikes. I took the kiddos to school and I enjoyed watching them walk to the building together. 

Tonight Brookie helped make pancakes for dinner. She said it was fun to help. I love it when the kids ask to help. 

Tonight at our relief society activity, we talked about different ways we can keep the Sabbath Day holy. There were a lot of good ideas. Then we had ice cream sundaes. Julie T. stopped to pick me up and it was nice to go with someone. It was an enjoyable evening. 

An interesting conversation with Cailee was had tonight. Nick asked her if she did her homework. She said yes. Then nick asked her what she did. She gave a couple of examples because she didn't seem to remember which activity she did.  Nick asked her to show him. She brought her book out and without missing a beat, she said, "I don't know why I wrote yesterday's date on the page." Haha smart girl! But mom and dad caught on. Dad sent her to do today's homework. Nice try smarty pants  haha 

~Day 2• 251: another first

Wednesday September 9:

Ashton's first 'big kid' community event. 'Fight the new drug' came and talked about addiction and the harm it does to you, the ones you love and the world. This organization is focused on pornography and the negative effects it has on you, and everything around you. It was very well done and I think it made an impact on Ashton, which is good.  And the auditorium was basically standing room only. They ushered the kids in first and the parents were lucky to get a seat after. Nick and I kind of pushed our way in because Ashton was alone and a little young still to let loose. I'm glad we went. I think the girls were glad we went too. They went over to Joslyn's house and had a good time. I'm grateful for Julie for keeping them so we could go!   

~Day 2• 250: lesson learned....

Tuesday September 8:

....stick with what you know.  I have this fabulous banana bread recipe that I use all the time. Tonight I tried (with a little helper who did great peeling dead bananas and throwing them into the mixer!) to make a different recipe to make the bread more 'healthy.' You know...Use applesauce and egg whites instead of good old butter and whole eggs? Mistake. I didn't like it. Hubby prefers the old recipe. The girls would only eat some if it had Nutella on it. Ashton told me it was ok, but that he liked my other recipe. It actually made me feel good! No more healthy banana bread. Butter here we come!

~Day 2• 249: Its a Magic Piano!

Monday September 7:

This morning we all went out together to ride bikes, while nick ran. It was another nice morning and the ride was very enjoyable.

After we got home, the kids worked hard in their rooms and practiced their instruments. We were headed over to the Murphy home, but the kids had to get their stuff done before they could go. They did well. 

We were over there for most of the day! Linda helped me finish the blanket I have been meaning to complete for over a year. The kids did well for the most part. There were a few skirmishes, but overall they did great. Nick was able to run away  and do some golfing. We all kept busy on this Labor Day. 

Linda provided a good lunch for us! The kids had fun playing board games, wii games, and whatever else games they came up with. Cailee did escape for awhile to play by herself. She does that a lot and likes it. 

Brookie discovered Tom's electric   keyboard. She sat down and started playing it. She called it the 'magic piano,' because of all the cool things it can do. 

It was a very fun day today! Thanks to the Murphy's for having us over!

~Day 2• 248: energy energy

Sunday September 6:

At dinner tonight, we had baked potatoes. Cailee cut hers in half and proceeded to paint each side with her sour cream. It was a beautiful masterpiece. 

Tonight the girls had a lot of energy. They were playing a game on the computer and were pretty animated. Then Brookie got up and proceeded to do handstands in the middle of the room. 

It was a fight to get all three kids into bed. But they went out pretty quickly once they laid down. Well, the girls did. Ashton stayed up reading for awhile. And I don't mind at all. 

~Day 2• 247: outside!

Saturday September 5:

This morning when I got up I found the girls on the floor in the kitchen going through the stash of art supplies we picked up yesterday. They were so excited to go through them all and see what we have. I love that they love to create. They were pretty busy layer in making stuff too.

This morning was actually very nice outside. I think the extreme heat is gone and we can enjoy outside time now. Nick left early to go golfing. But before he left he and Austin went out for a run and a bike ride. Nick ran, Ashton rode his bike.

A little later I got up and wanted to go for a bike ride. I asked the kids if they wanted to go. All three of them did! It was a lot of fun. I went total of 9+ miles. And the kids went about seven with me! That is a lot for little legs. Ashton only went about six, but he also went 3 miles with Nick this morning. I hope to keep this trend going, because it is so nice to be outside and to be together. 

When I got home,  I got changed and  went over and help my friend Theresa with some family history stuff. I was at her house four hours! We found a lot of things and she got a lot of work done. I'm very excited for her! 

When I got home,  Nick and I were talking about where Alissa and John went last night for dinner. It sounded good, so we decided to go. Nick told Alissa and she and John decided to go with us again tonight. The food was very good snd there was a lot of it! JJ was very cute. Nick tried feeding him a lemon, but he was not so interests . He kept giving me kisses and loves and it was very sweet! After we had dinner, we went over to the local gelato shop.  We sat outside and it was a nice evening all around. 

When we got home, it was time to get the kids ready for bed. For some reason we all got pretty crazy, and ended up having some sort of weird pillow fight. It was fun and I got my camera out to try to take some pictures just for the fun of it. But most of them were blurry because I was trying to get out of the way being hit with the pillow. I sure love these monkeys. They make me smile all the time. But now I'm glad they're in bed and house is quiet. Tomorrow is another day.

~Day 2• 246: crazy goofies

Friday September 4:

Today was crazy socks day at school. These goofy girls each wore long socks. They also wore one of each other's socks so they both had different socks on. They looked cute. 

After school, Cailee asked me to make the salt dough so she could create another land form she could paint. She made one at school last week and was anxious to make more. Both our hands were sticky after I made it. She was entertained for quite awhile and can't wait for her creation to dry. 

Then tonight Ashton was snuggling while we watched Jeopardy. He loves that show. He loves it more when he gets answers correct. 

I almost forgot until Cailee came and showed me her mouth. Another tooth fell out during school today. She was excited and all smiles. A toothless smile at that. Bad time of year for corn on the cob season. 

~Day 2• 245: here it comes...

Thursday September 3:

Today while I was rummaging through my oh-so-clean purse, I came across a paper airplane. I forgot I had it in there. One of the kids asked me to hold on to it weeks ago when we were at the Science Center. That tells you the kind of deep abyss my purse becomes, and how often I check it. 

Today was actually not as hot as the surface of the sun. As I was driving home from work, I was watching the dust roll in. I really wanted a picture of it, but I also didn't want to die on the freeway.  I didn't get a good picture at all because by the time I parked, the storm was basically upon us. It was very cool to watch in my rear view mirror the dark ball roll across the valley. 

Because it was so 'cool' outside, the girls  convinced dad to go down to the park so they could practice hitting golf balls with their clubs. It was fun to watch them hit the balls, and just enjoy being outside. We are almost there. There being when they can go outside ALL the time. Soon. 

~Day 2• 244: Look Mom!

Wednesday September 2:

Where's Cailee? On her bed... She says. Haha I went to get her up for school and she was on the floor. But she said she was on her bed. Goofy. 

I got home a little bit early from work today. The kids had early release from school and were being good at entertaining themselves. They were playing minecraft and building some cool buildings. 

The girls convinced me to start sewing some stuff today. First it was doll clothes. And Cailee wanted to cut something.  Then Cailee wanted a shirt that I could whip out in two seconds. Then they decided on a blanket I have meant to sew for a year. I had them get the pieces ready and then dad came home with dinner and they ditched me. Cailee said on her way out, "will you start sewing that blanket now mom?" Basically 'thanks! Bye!' It was funny. I didn't get far and lost interest. So another day to sew is on the horizon. 

Look mom! I used my machine and the book you gave me :)

~Day 2• 243: A favorite day

Tuesday September 1st:

This morning the kids talked me into taking them to school as opposed to them riding the bus. I work from home today so I could take them. Both girls had to go to school with their sunglasses on. They thought they were pretty hot stuff. Ashton didn't care and he was pretty far ahead of the girls when I called them back to get a picture.

After school, The girls had tumbling. After tumbling, Brookie had activity days and Ashton had scouts at the same time. I think this is one of their favorite days of the week. 

After they got out of their activities, we went over to McDonald's for their elementary school's fund-raising night. A lot of the teachers were there and the kids were excited to go and possibly see their teachers. It was very exciting.  I think the whole school was there. Nick looks so excited to be there, but he's a good sport and went to be with the kids. It's hard to get good pictures that are not fuzzy when the kids are moving and jumping all over the place. They had fun, and I'm glad we are able to support the school.

~Day 2• 242: amazement!!

Monday August 31:

August is over? I can't believe it. Today was an amazing day. I got home from work and was presented with a letter from our youngest, Cailee. It was a little love letter she said. In the letter she spelled out what she would like for lunch. She also mentioned that all her friends' lunches were packed by their parents. And so Cailee would now like me to pack at least one of her lunches a week for her.  The letter was very cute, and very sweet. I think I can accommodate her request.

Tonight when I took the kids to their piano lessons, I looked at the sky and it was absolutely amazing. My picture does not do it justice. There were fluffy clouds coming out everywhere. There were also dark clouds mixed in. The colors were absolutely amazing. Nick's picture captured the west side of the valley. It was absolutely amazing! Mine was on the east side, but dumpy looking compared to his. I wish he had his large camera out to grab some of the shots. I made the kids look around when I picked them up. just amazing. Have I said Amazing yet?

Then the storm blew in. It was quite a storm. BrookLynn was a little nervous at the lightning and thunder and the wind. Nick and I liked to stand out in the front and look at it. It was interesting because the wind would pick up and stop. The rain would pick up and stop. Then it would suddenly change directions.  Cailee was intrigued, but she wouldn't go past the front door. She was just hanging out halfway for most of the time. She and I were smelling the rain or the wet dirt. It was very very pretty. We kept the front door open a little bit and the back door open a little so the breeze would go through the house. It was 84° but it's also nice to have the fresh air coming into the house. We are interested to see how many trees will be down tomorrow on our  way to work. We hope no one was hurt. It was quite an amazing storm. I love this time of year!

~Day 2• 241: consequences

Sunday August 30:

So, yesterday was very busy. Today, we are paying for it. Because BrookLynn had a sleepover and stayed up late, she was very tired today. She ended up falling asleep on nick's lap during church. After church I made everyone lay down for at least an hour. Cailer ended up falling asleep, but I'm not sure how long. But very busy days like yesterday makes it hard on us the following day.

~Day 2• 240: ALL Day.

Saturday August 29:

Today was a very busy day. It started out with a trip to the store to get a birthday present for the party Cailee was invited to. She was invited to Jumpstreet, which is an indoor trampoline place. She was very excited and had a great time!

After we dropped her off, it was just the three of us!  We were off to the music store to get Ashton's clarinet fixed. It had a few screws come loose. The place was great and just switched out the instrument with a different one that worked. 

After the music store, we hit Five Guys for lunch. The kids loved it. 

After lunch, we had to run to the store again. But this time it was to pick up a gift for the birthday party Brookie was invited to. After that, it was time to go back to get Cailee. On the way home, we went to the library. I think that among all of us, we brought home half the library. I even picked up four books for me to read pertaining to history. I love that these kids  of mine love books as much as I do. In fact, they can't wait to read them so as soon as they get in the car, the books are opened. 

That night, Brookie was at a birthday sleepover and Ashton was at his friend's house, so nick and I took Cailee to TopGolf because I had a coupon that needed to be used. It was a Saturday night so we had an hour wait. Cailee was really good and really patient. She entertained herself by going in and out of the automatic door. 

When we finally got a bay, she was so excited! She did really well! She even brought her new golf glove and she knew that helped her hit. She was cute! 

We had fun. Of course nick beat both of our scores, but we had a good time. Cailee brought her own clubs to use and was adamant about carrying them out all by herself. 

We all got home late, and crashed into bed pretty quickly. Long day. Fun day. 

~Day 2• 239: he looks like George Washington!

August 28th

This morning when I got up, I came into the living room and saw this. Ashton was lying on the couch and he appeared to be asleep, but I don't think he really was. I couldn't rouse him. He was a good faker. 

Tonight, Cailee came out and showed me the coins that she still had left over from the tooth fairy coming. She had to model them. She had different faces for pose she made. 

I had every intention of going to bed early tonight. My eyes were very heavy and I was very tired. But I happened to look on the TV schedule and saw 'Great Performances.' The Vienna Philharmonic was playing. So of course I turned it on to see what they were playing. They started with Edward Grieg's Piano Concerto, played some Strauss waltzes (naturally! They are in Vienna!), some Grieg peer gynt and Sibelius' Finlandia! I stayed up to watch the whole thing. I even have some kids come out to watch with me. Of course they got tickled to the sound of the piano music, in time with it. It was fun. 

The pianist was very good. And Cailee kept saying "he looks like George Washington!" I didn't  think so, but she can think that. It was cute. Then, she had to get up and start playing the piano just like the guy on tv was doing. She was getting into it and was very fluent in her movements.  Ashton came out and just snuggled a bit while we looked for clarinets. Brookie left and wanted nothing to do with the music after I quit tickling her.  Maybe she will come around when she's older and decide it's not too bad. We will see!

 

~Day 2• 238: 18??? Is that possible?

Thursday August 27th:

It's gotta be some kind of record.  See all those "L's" down the left side of the paper? I don't think I've ever seen anyone's score card look like that before!  I lost the first 13 games. Then I got paired with someone who was new to the group with a winning streak. She got 5 buncos already by that point... Of course we won that game and messed up my losing streak. 

As the night progressed, I got a few more wins, but in the end I ended up at the lowest table where I started out. It really was a fun night! I thought for sure I would win for the most losses, which ended up being 18 out of 24! BUT I won for the lowest score of 276 haha I was a loser all around. I loved it. It was a great night with some great company. 

Oh yeah... The top right picture was going to be the picture I used tonight. But Erin stuck her hand in front of my phone to grab a score card at just the right moment.  It was funny and I had to keep the picture.  Apparently I couldn't keep all the cards for myself. 

~Day 2• 237: rainbow ponies!

Wednesday, August 26: 

I got home a little early today from work. Cailee has been bugging me for awhile to make cupcakes with her. Today she convinced me. She and Brookie like to watch a YouTube show called 'nerdy nummies.' The girl on the show is funny and the girls watch her quite a bit. She is always baking something. One of the things they watched is 'My Little Pony.' So I watched the video to see how to make the cupcakes. 

We went to the store to buy a white cake mix (I didn't feel up to making one from scratch). The girls had fun helping mix the batter and color it. Then they each put the colors into the muffin tins. The rainbow cakes were on their way!

They really had a hard time waiting for them to be done. Then Cailee had a harder time waiting for them to cool so they could open one up as a tester to make sure they turned out. 

They did! Rainbow all the way through! Then we made some frosting and colored it, too. Ashton frosted a few, but he did the blue color. He left the girly colors for the girls. 

When they were frosted, the girls busted out the ponies they stuck in the fridge. I guess they needed to be cool so the ponies didn't sink into the frosting. 

It was really fun to do this today. I'm glad I got home early enough to have time to do this with them. 

Oh yeah, and they tasted really good! (They=two. Yup. I ate two. The end)

~Day 2• 236: love the grins

Tuesday, August 25:

This morning Ashton had to go early to school, so I let the girls have breakfast at the school. I planned on working from home today, so I let them talk me into staying and eating breakfast with them. It was fun. I enjoyed sitting with them and chatting about whatever. And I love their smiles!

Then tonight we had another monsoon storm. We didn't get hit too bad ... Not like the one from a couple weeks ago. I was a little disappointed. 

Cailee was found in her room singing to the music on the radio. It happened to be 'girls just want to have fun' and she was doing really well! She had the Xbox headset on (the one with the mic so you can talk to your gaming buddies) that we never use. She was performing and I wish I got a picture of it. Cutie. 

~Day 2• 235: Disaster

Monday August 24:

This morning we took Ashton to school early.  He had to be there at 7:30, but the girls couldn't be on campus until 7:45.  So we sat and talked in the car for a few minutes.  I let them eat breakfast at school when Ashton has to be there early.  They were excited.  That isn't the disaster.

Their rooms are the disaster.  I try to help them organize their rooms, but to no avail.  Unfortunately, they take after me.  I will show pictures of their rooms, but not mine.  Just imagine grown up clothes on the floor instead of kids clothes.  Oh wait, there are clean kids' clothes on my floor, too.  I can't win.

~Day 2• 234: More Family!

Sunday, August 23:

The start of the day was pretty rough.  Cailee slapped Brookie.  Brookie slammed the door on Cailee's nose.  So both girls were sent to their rooms.  They both fell asleep.  Brookie ended up sleeping for about 3 1/2 hours.  She really needed it.  She was really pleasant the rest of the day!

After church, we went over to Alissa and John's house for dinner.  Aunt Misty was in town to help Taylor and Jordan move to their new place.  Of course we all had to get together. As soon as we get to their house, the kids gravitate to JJ.  They sure love their cousin.  And JJ sure loves his Uncle Nick.  Especially when Nick was helping him run around the living room and getting in everyone's face.  He was laughing and smiling and it was cute.

Then Cailee had to show us how flexible she is.  That just looks painful.

When Misty got there, we had to get both babies on her lap for a picture, probably to make both of their grandma's jealous.  JJ liked to stick his finger in Sophie's ear... I don't think he was too sure about sharing Misty.

 Nathan and Erica, Stephanie and Bart, Taylor and Jordan were all there. We had good food, and good conversations. 

The kids got bored of just talking, so they gave Aunt Misty loves and went home.  It's nice that we live so close because they can go on their own for a bit and we are able to stay and visit.  It was fun to see everyone and to watch the babies play.  We are excited to have Taylor and Jordan living in the same valley!  We wonder how many more of the Wallace clan will end up down here... we can hope there are more!

Right before bed, Cailee came out and said her tooth was sticking out funny.  She could push it out pretty far.  She asked me to pull it out for her, which was very shocking.  I didn't think she would ask.  But it came out pretty easy and it didn't hurt much, she said.  She was all smiles, minus a tooth.  She was very excited to be able to have the tooth fairy visit, and also to tell her teacher the next day.  I love her toothless grin and can't wait for more teeth to fall out!

~Day 2• 233: Family fun

Saturday August 22

Today we went to the Arizona Science Center.  The kids love it here and we usually don't leave without staying 4-5 hours.  Even though they have been several times, they never seem to get tired of anything.  Each time they go, it's like the first time.  And that turny-thingy?  They would go around and around the entire time if they could.  I just get sick watching them...

Nick doesn't usually get to go with us, but today he did.  We went early to see a special viewing of an IMAX 3D movie about prehistoric giants, like Mammoths.  It was interesting.  But the kids couldn't wait to go do the activities.  They hit the bed of nails, the different pulley lifts and, of course, I had to go watch the iron dust dancing thingies.  They are my favorite.

More pictures of the goofy kids.  I love watching them learn and explore.  That part doesn't get old for me.

After we left, we decided to go somewhere for lunch.  We ended up at Cheddar's.  It was really good and I think the kids enjoyed it.

Tonight, Cailee was her same goofy self.  She came out with some socks that she got from a new stash from Bridget.  She came out and was doing some little dance.  Blurry pictures don't do this little dance justice.

~Day 2• 232: Wild monkeys!

Friday, August 22:

Tonight we had some friends over.  Ian and Conner's parents were celebrating their wedding anniversary so their boys came over for awhile.  All the kids played some video games until I kicked them off.  Then they went and made their own game.  I'm not sure exactly what they were doing, but they were throwing stuffed animals down the hall, like a keep-away game.  They were pretty loud, but it was great to hear them playing with NO electronics.  

They also played some board games, but they really got into the hallway game.  I'm sure they were worn out and hopefully sleep well tonight!  It didn't take long for my kids to fall asleep...

Cailee was not participating tonight.  She did not have a good attitude tonight, so she was basically banished to her room.  We are working on things w/ her, so hopefully stuff will 'click' with her soon.  I don't like banishing my kids :( 

Love my monkeys and I love that they have good friends! 

~Day 2• 231: What? There is work today?

Thursday August 20:

Today Nick and I took the day off work.  It was nice.  We saw the move 'Ant-Man' and ran some errands, which included the scout store.  We picked up Ashton a sash for the merit badges he is going to earn some day.  Then we picked up a couple of new fish for our tank: Cardinals.  Pretty fish.  Then we went to a late lunch at Red Robin.  After lunch we wandered around a couple of sports stores.  One of them was a golf shop.  We ended up getting golf gloves for the girls.  When we got home, the girls were in their tumbling clothes practicing. They were pretty excited for the gloves, but I don't think Ashton was as thrilled for the sash.

It was a nice day.  It was nice to just hang around with Nick today. 

~Dsy 2• 230: practice!

August 19th

The girls were excited to show me some more moves. We even face timed grandma Cindy to ask her questions about her experiences in gymnastics. The girls had fun showing her their tricks. They are doing well for only their second week. 

~Day 2• 229: Well done!

Tuesday, August 18th

Ashton had a court of honor tonight for scouts. He did well over the last few months. Since turning 11 in January, he has earned his Scout Rank, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. His scout leaders are so great and he has worked hard!  Well done, Ashton! 

~Day 2• 228: This girl...

August 17th

I'm not sure I need to explain much here. I'm reading spelling words from Cailee's flash cards. The pictures speak for themselves, I think. She just cannot sit still! I had a hard time not laughing during homework. Oh, Beans. Haha 

Scriptures. Yes, they were awake. I think??

~Day 2• 227: ups and down

Oh, this day. It started out ok. Got a little better. Experimented with the broiler on the oven (first time ever. I know, that's dumb. Should have used it long before now.) the chicken recipe turned out yummy. 

Then the day just got worse. Kids fighting. Cailee acting up. She got sent to her room for the night. 

Then it was closer to bedtime. We read scriptures early. Then the kids laid down with their school books until lights out. 

Silence. Now I'm emotional eating ice cream. 

Hopefully it's better tomorrow. 

~Day 2• 226: I don't want a kid's menu mom

Saturday, August 16:

Another eventful day.  The kids started out at the driving range with Nick this morning.  I stayed home.  In bed.  It was too hot and early.  The girls just got their own small golf clubs (thank you craigslist!) and Cailee was really itching to go use them.  She doesn't care that it's 1000 degrees outside.  She keeps asking to go down the street and practice at the park.  Wait a month sweetheart and you can go all you want!

After they got home, I took them to a library that was having a Renaissance Fair today.  I wanted to go more than the kids did.  So I basically dragged them to it.  I think they had fun seeing the different things that were going on.  The girls started out by doing a rubbing of some 'copper' plates.  Then we looked at replicas of battle gear.  Brookie looked pretty good in the metal helmet.  

Next room contained musical instruments and a spinning wheel.  I have never seen how the wheels actually work, so I was the one enthralled!  They had a display showing the different plants that were used to dye the fabric.  Interesting!  The poor kids had to wait for me, but they ended up being entertained by the musical instruments. 

The last room was for the weapons of war.  The group of people that were there are in some kind of society that meets regularly and has real tournaments.  Today they were showing everyone some of the sword fights they do.  The kids also got to pick up some replica weapons and pretend to be fierce.

The two older monkeys decided to fist-bump with the gauntlets on.  It was quite entertaining!

After the fair, we headed in to the main part of the library.  There was a 'doll house' display of the house from Harry Potter.  It was very detailed!  I loved the grand piano in the attic...pretty neat!  And next to that display was the thingy from Dr. Who.  We don't watch it, but Brookie has some friends who do.  So she got all excited and had to pose for a picture to send to a friend.  

We needed to find a few books for Beans on different subjects.  While we looked for those, the other two were busy finding their own books.  I think Ashton has most of the library in his hands.  I love it!  Once back in the car, Brooks and Ashton proceeded to read one of those books.  Cailee and I were discussing something, and I can't remember what.  But I love the fact that these monkeys all love books as much as I do!

When we got home, dad was working on something with the fish tank.  He has to check the chemical levels from time to time.  He had Cailee helping him and she was so interested that she kept calling BrookLynn to come in and watch.  Brookie wasn't very excited, so she left, but Cailee watched for a long time!  I wonder what her future holds... scientist maybe?

I ended up going to the grocery store today, which was so fun.  Ashton's friend Ian was over playing while I was gone and I forgot to get pictures when I got back home.  These boys sure love getting together.  I'm so glad Ashton has a good friend in Ian!

BrookLynn and Cailee were invited to go play at Bridget's house.  Well, B was invited and Cailee really wanted to go, so we asked if she could come too.  She was able to go and they all had so much fun!  The girls had to do a fashion show for us and they were all little kitties. Too fun!  Then they busted out the 'American Girl' dolls.  Fun little posers!

They all went to Peter Piper Pizza and had a blast!  (of course I stole this picture from Lorelai!)  What a great night for the two girls.  They got home pretty late (for them) and didn't want to stop playing with Bridget.  They all have so much fun together!

Since I was losing two kids, I really didn't want to make dinner.  Nick wanted to stay home to watch a soccer game (which ended up very disappointing in the end).  So I asked Ashton where he wanted to go.  He ended up choosing 'Blue 32,' which is a sports bar and grill, but they have fabulous food.  We went there once before with the kids when Nick's mom was in town.  Ashton must have remembered!  When asked if I needed a kids menu, he promptly said, "No thanks."  What?  When did my 'baby' decide he was too old for the kiddy menu!  I have to remind myself the kids are growing up.  Too quickly.

It was fun to just be me and him.  I enjoyed talking with him and learning more about what he likes and does not like.  We got into history a little bit and it was great!  It was some good one-on-one time.

When we got home, I had to cook about five pounds of hamburger before I went bad.  Fun!  Now I'm sitting here doing my blog so I don't fall behind again.  I'm glad I get to sleep in tomorrow, if the kiddos let me.  We shall see!