....then show pictures and videos of your amazing kids! :)
We went to see Lance's mother today. We haven't seen her since Bennett was a couple months old. We drove the two and a half hour drive with the kids plugged into a movie. Well, okay, just Morgan plugged in since Bennett kept taking his headphones off and unplugging his DVD player. It was nice to see her, but it was also a farewell since she's moving away to Washington. It's always a little strange to me to visit with relatives that you don't see very often. You are supposed to have this familiarity, but yet it's not there since you don't see them too often.
Fortunately, kids don't recognize social nuances such as these, and instead, had fun seeing their Nana. Since she is in the process of packing and someone else is moving in, we went out to lunch and then headed to this really amazing park for some play time after. This park had EVERYTHING! A little play town, a play structure, a rope web to climb on, sand, swings, water stuff, EVEN HORSES TO RIDE AND A TRAIN! I wish we had a reason to go back...
After lots of fun at the park, we loaded back into the car and dropped Lance's mom back off at her house. We said our goodbyes and then were off for our two and a half hour drive back. This one was with seriously deliriously tired children, so we got to see fun things such as this video.
This morning, though I tried, I could not muster up the energy it took to get showered, dressed and to church on time. Blame it on the week after week of activities, or blame it on the allergy-ridden dog who whined incessantly all night. Whatever the problem, I was unsuccessful in finding that energy. Rather than fight against it, I decided to spend the day enjoying the warm weather and my family. I grabbed a cup of coffee and my laptop and downloaded pictures while supervising the kids in their painting and play and supervised my husband in his trimming of bushes in our back yard.
Ever since Morgan built her bird house with Lance and my dad, she's been begging to paint it. I mean, we'll have like 10 minutes before bed and she'll ask if she can paint. Ummm, not quite that simple, my dear! So, we decided this morning was a good time to let her paint it. Of course, that meant allowing Bennett to paint something also since what is done for one must be done for the other. I want you to notice the levels of drop clothes I have going on for Bennett. Ha! And the paint is even washable. No, I'm not anal at all. Also, please note the reuse of the Easter egg dying cups for paint. Brilliant, right? Wish I could say it was my idea, but no, it was my husband searching for yet another reason to not throw something out.
While I was out there with such coverage over the deck, I decided that, heck, it wasn't messy enough. Let's pull out the moon sand! I try not to let the mess get to me too much, after all we ARE outside and the ARE kids. I remember being super stoked as a kid because on occasion, we would be allowed to finger paint. I didn't realize why we didn't get to do it ALL THE TIME before I became a mother. Now I understand. But, in keeping with recreating my own childhood for my own children, I want them to enjoy these special treats occasionally. I guess that's what makes them special??
When you have a messy situation, including some paint and moon sand, what is the perfect ingredient to add??
WATER!
Since I was too lazy to get ready for church, you know I was too lazy to actually fix lunch. This is where my wonderful hubby comes in. He offers to grill burgers for us to enjoy al fresco. Mmmmm. So the kids come over, dripping from the sprinkler and sit down to enjoy some juicy burgers fresh off the grill. Mmmmm. We can't wait for summer!
We went inside and the kids got baths and went down for naps while Lance and I enjoyed some down time before the mothers club Spring Party. When the kids were up, it was time to head to the party, where -- in keeping with the theme of laziness -- there was a dinner of pizza and veggies and fruit awaiting us. Not to mention, Morgan's all time favorite kids' performer, James K. Bennett even got into it this year, enjoying the songs and movements. :)
A good way to end a lazy spring day, because when we were done, it was time to go home and get the kids ready for bed. Doesn't get much better than that!
Today was busy, starting right away this morning when I got up with the kids so that Lance could gain some progress on the project that is now suitably referred to as The Great Ceiling Project '09. Poor guy had to repatch the area that needed repair and therefore had to re-puddy, re-sand, etc. So, no sleeping in for anyone. Before long, it was time for Morgan's second tennis lesson. Things went much better this time, in that I sat my freezing butt on the bench outside the court and chatted it up with a few of the other moms while she enjoyed her practice alone. Considering that she is not at all affected by the Tennis Wench, it's best that I don't hear the things coming out of TW's mouth.
After tennis, we rushed back home so that I could throw together a lunch for Morgan and I and head to the Girl Scout Thinking Day. It was a fun time with each Girl Scout troop in our association manning a booth that represented a country. Each table had a poster with facts about the country, an activity for the girls to do and one (or more) snack from that country. We started in Italy and literally ate our way around the world. So fun! Bruschetta and a gondolier race while in Italy, Swiss cheese and chocolate from Switzerland, dragon making in China, bookmarks from Sweden, and even lemon sorbet from France! The girls all had their passports and at each table, they got a stamp after they'd learned something about that country. Morgan really enjoyed seeing what kind of stamp each country used. I think Morgan's favorite country was Germany since they had built a big "castle" and the girls from the troop had decorated it with pictures of stories from Germany (like Hansel and Gretel) and animals that are indigenous of Germany. Guess her full bred German instincts are quite intact. :)
After Thinking Day, we headed home for a quick nap because Morgan was having her first official sleepover that night with her friend Kaitlyn. While naps were going on, I was busy chopping and simmering and preparing for our second "supper club" as Lance has coined it with the Alexanders. Last time we had dinner with them and it was so nice to come and just hang out and enjoy some good food and good company. This time it was our turn to host and I had to make my Dad's famous Cuban style black beans and rice.
While Morgan was having her first sleepover with her friend Kaitlyn, complete with McDonald's, High School Musical 3 and sleeping bags, we were having fun hanging out with a couple of crazy toddlers. They were so funny together! Here's a taste.
I've had people tell me what a great laugh Morgan has, and one of these days, I'll capture it for the world to hear. Because when you hear it? Oh, you just can't help but smile. It's something that just comes over you as you listen to the joyful sounds that come out of that little girl.
Well, I'm not sure if it's nature or nurture, but if you ask me, the little guy has the same glorious laugh. See for yourself. It really starts around 2:45, but there it is. That laugh. See if you can watch this and listen to this and not crack a smile. I dare you!
We went to see Lance's mother today. We haven't seen her since Bennett was a couple months old. We drove the two and a half hour drive with the kids plugged into a movie. Well, okay, just Morgan plugged in since Bennett kept taking his headphones off and unplugging his DVD player. It was nice to see her, but it was also a farewell since she's moving away to Washington. 
It's always a little strange to me to visit with relatives that you don't see very often. You are supposed to have this familiarity, but yet it's not there since you don't see them too often.
