Fan Fun

Daddy had the morning off, so we had a fun family day at the Discovery Museum. It's always amazing and wonderful to me how much the kids love their daddy. And they should- he's awesome! He always takes the time to listen to them, he jumps right into their games, and he loves to laugh and have fun. We both got a kick out of how much the kids loved this fan. They took turns putting their faces in front and watching their hair blow around- too funny:)

Playdate With Caroline

We love all of our cousins, but it's really special when Lizzy and Caroline get to spend time together. They really enjoy one another, and they always have the best time together! It's so fun to watch them, because the minute they get together, they just play and play and play. They have very similar personalities and though they can both be very strong natured girls, they seem to play off one another perfectly. We got to visit the Academy of Sciences, and we had the best day. The kids loved the aquarium and the animals, but I think Lizzy really loved the butterflies in the rain forest exhibit. We got to see so many, amazingly bright and colorful butterflies right up close! It was a very special day with a special cousin.

Parents' Night Out

Family time is wonderful, but sometimes it's very necessary to "get away" and have a little adult time. We were so fortunate that Grandma Susan could come over and watch Lizzy and Peter so we could go to a concert with our friends. Lizzy was so excited to see her Grandma! She loved getting to show her all her special things and play with her. Peter wasn't too thrilled we were leaving, but he got over it pretty quickly. We met all our friends and had a "tail-gate" in the parking lot of the concert. How fantastic to just sit back, laugh, and enjoy the company of wonderful friends. We had a great night and lots of fun- thanks Grandma!

Yin and Yang

One of the amazing things about parenting are the extreme highs and lows. Nothing ever stays the same, and kids can drive you totally crazy one minute, and the next you'll want to burst with joy just looking at them. Yesterday, we had to make a last minute stop at Safeway. Sure, it was the end of the day, sure she had had no nap, but Lizzy had a tantrum for the ages in the store! Screaming, red-faced, jumping up and down, it was a site to behold. Then, when we got home, she was surprised when I told her I was upset. She said, "I said I was sorry. Isn't it over now?" And that's the other amazing thing about kids- they live in the moment, and want you to too. For good or bad, they are completely involved in the now, and then they move on.

This morning we went to the park with some friends. Lizzy and Paige were having the best time. They rode scooters all around, then moved on to the play structure, where they became involved in all sorts of pretend games. By the time I checked in on them, a whole circle of little girls were surrounding Lizzy, as she led them in a game of making an apple pie by putting leaves into a bucket. There was turn-taking, lovely compliments, including everyone, and sharing. Wow! Is this the same girl as yesterday?! The one going completely crazy because she couldn't have a princess toy? And the answer is.....YES! Of course it is! Because she is all those things wrapped into one. She is joy and pain, lovely and awful, generous and selfish, kind and hurtful, just as we all are. She is transient and ever-changing, and she is the flash of the moment. She is what I strive to be like- my real, truthful, soul-bearing self, even when it's not pretty, it is revealed and present.

Explore

If there is one thing I just love, it is watching kids kids explore and learn. I love the wonder, the curiosity, and the joy of touching, getting grimy, and digging right in. The kids are both at such great ages now to really enjoy museums. They play and play, and have the best time! It's wonderful to see:)

Bubble Boy

Every night when it's bath time, Peter starts asking, "Bubbles? Bubbles?" Since Lizzy's not always a bubble fan, we have to compromise, and can't have a bubble bath every night. When it's finally Peter's turn......boy is that guy excited! He loves to pop the bubbles, put them in a cup, and just revel in the soapy fun.

For You!

Every day, I am the recipient of numerous "gifts." Lizzy is constantly drawing, and coloring, and creating........and the result is more often than not, "I'm making this for you, mama!" In fact, I was getting so many pictures and presents, they started gathering into a junk pile. Then, I had an epiphany! Don't take these treasures lightly, and certainly don't take them for granted! How often are you someone's inspiration, the recipient of the things they're most proud of? How often does someone love you so much, they take the time to make you something special? I noticed something else too- the things Lizzy was most proud of were all ending up on my nightstand or taped to my wall. So far I have several pictures, a crown, and a painted pine cone and rock. Now I'm taking the time to say, and feel, "thanks"- for the effort, for the love, and for the kindness! Thank you my dear girl!