~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!

~Day 2• 225: just wait...

.... and I did!  I waited WAY too long.  Tonight we went to a restaurant called 'Lo-lo's.'  It serves the best chicken and waffles.  Well, I think they are the best since I've never had chicken and waffles before.  Long overdue!  Today was a major 'cheat' day.  I'm not even counting dinner toward my calorie count.

JJ was sure cute.  He is hilarious too!  I couldn't get enough of him sticking out his tongue.  While he was eating. Just wait until he starts to do raspberries with that tongue while his mouth is full of food... That will make for an interesting story.

And the sunset tonight was so beautiful!  But that sun... Today was so hot, that even thinking of going outside made your teeth sweat.  I read today that a the airport reached 117 degrees, which broke the record of 113 from 2012.  We are so looking forward to our cool and fabulous weather!  

At least we had great entertainment and great food tonight!

~Day 2• 224: just taking a stroll---and more!

This morning Brookie woke up feeling kind of sick.  So I stayed home from work to keep her home from school.  As the morning progressed, she looked more and more like a kiddo who needed to go to school.  So after her lunch hour ended at school, off she went.  I'm glad she was feeling better.  I wasn't going to let her just hang out at home when she was well enough to go to school.

Ashton had a doctor's appointment today after school, so of course everyone had to go.  Brookie found some little plastic lizard and I helped her accessorize it in her earring.  She was excited.

Cailee was very good at getting her homework done!  I was very proud of her.  And the girls ended up playing with their petshops and out of their mouths came 'They are just taking a stroll.' I guess you had to be there, but I had to smile when I heard it. It was cute!

Tonight our Relief Society had a fun 'getting to know you' activity.  Everyone filled out a paper with two truths and one lie about themselves.  It was so fun!  They also had a cute table set up with goodies to fill a bag with to eat during the activity.  I was proud of myself.  I didn't partake of any of it.  I guess that's saying something.... the activity was great!

After it ended, I had to go grocery shopping.  I hadn't been for about 2 weeks.  The kids were out of almost everything for school lunches.  They have been buying school lunch a lot lately, and that gets so pricey.  So we need to get back into packing their own lunches. I spent about an hour and a half in the store.  I take the time to price each item to make sure I'm getting the best deal.  Takes forever.  Oh, and it doesn't help if you are just about run over by a store employee pushing some huge metal cart that he just unloaded a few feet behind me.  He just took off with it,and apparently didn't bother to look where he was going.  Luckily it didn't do any damage to me and the employee felt bad.  He asked if I wanted to fill out a report, but I declined.  The guy was really shaken up, as was I lol It's not every day that you are run over at a grocery store.

And I received a very special gift in the mail today.  My youngest sister, Julie, sent me this bracelet she found.  She made it for herself when she was a lot younger, after I placed Abbie.  I had no idea she made this!  It looks like it was worn quite a bit, which I love!  The letter she sent along with it was so sweet and full of love, that I cried. Yes, I cried.  Her words were so heartfelt and genuine that it made my day.  I am so lucky to have such a sweet sister and appreciate her and love her so much! (and of course I'm going to keep it!)

~Day 2• 223: soooo exciting!! (Really?)

Wednesday, August 12th.

So, the top left picture is really from last night, and the top right picture is from today, and I totally hijacked it from my friend Andrea.  We had a huge storm come through last night.  Usually we get missed by all these fun monsoon storms, but we were right in the middle of it this time.  Alissa and I sat and texted throughout it.  I'm not saying we were scared.... I won't say it, but there were a few moments when I got a bit nervous.  The lightening, thunder and wind were amazing.  The picture I hijacked shows some of the damage (i didn't have one of my own to share).  There were trees down everywhere today.  It really was quite amazing.  Especially when Alissa shared a story of someone running down the street.  In the rain.  In their skivvies, chasing someone's trash can.

And the bottom exciting picture happens to be my project for getting a menu together for the week.  I have gone on a two week menu-creating hiatus, and we can tell.  We have eaten worse.  I don't like it, so i'm trying to be more diligent.  I have this cool program where you can load, share and find recipes.  Then you can create your meal planner by dragging and dropping the recipe or just adding it to the day you want.  It will also create your shopping list for you.  It really is slick, and I didn't start using it until a few weeks ago.  (i've had it for months)  what a waste!  Now I just have to get my butt to the store.  The motivation is gone for tonight.

~Day 2• 222: look mom!

The girls had their very first tumbling class today.  They were told they had to get their homework and jobs done before they could go. They get home from school at 330, and had to leave for tumbling at 410.  These two girls woke up early, got their leotards ready, hair in pony/pigtails so they will be ready, and got their jobs done!  Who were these kids!  I wish every day were tumbling day.  They did so awesome this morning!

BrookLynn's friend Bridget is also taking from the same place.  Brookie has been really been doing this on her own for ages.  She really is natural at it.  This was Cailee's first time and she did great!  All three girls were fun to watch!

When we got home, Cailee had to bring out her 'mat' so they could practice.  They had to show their skills.  They learned a lot!  It will be exciting to see what they can do this year!

~Day 2• 221: they finally get a chance

Slow picture day. We signed the girls up for a tumbling class and they start tomorrow. They are very excited because we haven't really been able to do it before now. 

BrookLynn's friend Bridget is also participating and those girls are pretty ecstatic.  Bridget's mom found the place and hears good things about it. I hope it works out! I'm excited to see how they do!

~Day 2• 220: the humor in it all!

Last night was pretty comical. It wasn't at the time.... But looking back, you have to laugh. 

Here's what happened: 

7:30 pm- JJ goes to bed. The girls are still over, waiting for Nick to get back from golfing with Ashton.

9:15 pm- I go to bed.  (early, right?)

12:09 pm- JJ wakes up.  I let him cry for a bit, but he starts to get frantic, so I couldn't leave him.  He wasn't going to go back to sleep.  I change his diaper, try a drink of water, then a bottle. Nothing worked.  He just wanted to be held.  So we sat and rocked for awhile.

oh yeah- and I ran into a scorpion in the kitchen when I was making his bottle.  The thing died pretty quickly.  Just something else to make the night fabulous!

THEN as I was going back to bed, the little puppies I shared a room with decided to go for a midnight walk outside.  Out the doggy door they went.  The schnauzer, Joey, came back in, but the little Yorkie, Edward, didn't.  I gave him a few minutes and was about to leave him, then I started to worry.  Alissa had told us once about a huge owl she saw outside and that she worried about Edward being picked up... so I couldn't let him stay out there.  Outside I went in my skivvies and flip-flops to look for the dog.  I didn't want to be the one who had to tell Alissa and John that an owl ate their dog.  

I went outsde and called for Edward.  He didn't come.  So I kept searching.  The little stink was sitting over on the other side of the yard, basically rolled over so I could rub his tummy.  Oh no.  We didn't give his tummy a rub. 

3:30 am-ish- the smoke detector started beeping and JJ was awake for a little bit.  The ceilings in our houses are pretty high.  Luckily, the one beeping was in the hallway, which is lower to the ground for us vertically challenged people.  I found a stool, was lucky enough to reach the the dumb thing, and barely able to pull out the battery.  Then I rummaged through my sister-in-law's house for a battery (that felt weird) and I found one (sorry 'Sa!).  I proceeded to put the battery in backward because I was too short to see the direction on the detector, so the thing kept beeping.  I couldn't get the battery out so just I disconnected it, tried to get the battery out again, gave up and went to find the other one that started beeping.  This one was in the vaulted ceiling.  I was lucky that it beeped a couple of times, and quit. Back to bed I went.

6:00 am- the little Bug wakes up.  He sits with me for a long time!  I loved it!  Then he had breakfast, played on the floor, and ate my shoes.  Uncle Nick came over for awhile and made JJ's day.

We put JJ in his walker and he proceeded to run into everything, including my shins and toes.  He was having a great time!  We sure enjoyed having him this weekend!  and just because last night was a series of weird happenings, doesn't mean we don't want to have him again.  He is so fun!

And those things pictured in the bottom right picture was our illustrious dinner.  After the long night, and long church meetings, I really didn't feel like cooking.  So we got creative.  Hot dogs and mashed potatoes and salad.  The kids didn't go hungry and I survived a night with a baby--something I haven't done for years.  My 'baby' is 7.  We will 'borrow' JJ anytime!

~Day 2• 219: a day with JJ!

Saturday, August 8: jj came to play! His mom and dad took a short staycation. He was more comfortable with Nick at first, because he sees nick almost every day. The rest of us took awhile longer. 

He enjoyed being 'flown,' seeing the fishies, taking selfies to taunt grandma, and of course playing with our fabulous, noisy kitchen utensils. 

After he took a nap, he was content to just sit with me. It was nice to just snuggle for a bit. 

This kid can move! It was fun to watch him crawl all over the place. Well, army crawl. So cute! Brookie loved helping him walk too. He is going to be running soon! 

Nick took Ashton golfing, so the girls came over with me to put jj to bed. 

Nick got a great shot of Ashton on the golf course. I got snuggles from my own monkeys and Brookie had fun playing with Edward. Night night!