Memorial Day Weekend

 My sweet momma can't stand being away from these girlies so she and dad made a trip out here for Memorial Day weekend. I tried to make our unfinished basement as cozy as possible so they could stay with us. Saturday Spencer came down to spend the day with us too. We went to Pizza Pie Cafe for lunch and then headed off to the zoo. The zoo was good fun as always. Sophie loves all the animals, but freaks out when she sees the snakes at first. After the zoo, we headed back to our house and had our own little picnic in our backyard. We cooked up hot dogs and all the usual picnic sides. Then we broke in our backyard fire pit and roasted marshmallows. It was windy so it was a little hard to cook mallows, but I love that fire pit. No smoke, no ash, no wood, no camping smell--just propane. It's like magic. I'm excited for more summer nights around the fire.

Sunday was made for relaxing and Daniel cooked up some authentic pozole for everyone. Monday was lunch at Olive Garden and ice cream at Reed's Dairy before my parents hit the road. After they left, we stopped by Freeman Park for the Veteran's Memorial and flag display. Sophie thought it was pretty cool. Then Sophie and Daniel went fishing at the fishing pond with the Enger cousins. Emery and I met them all back at their house for another deliciously grilled dinner, a trip up to Daniel's mom's grave, and more s'mores. A very busy, but very fun Memorial Day weekend.

May Wrap Up

 Baby Em is getting cuter and squishier every day. She's a perfect little companion. We all love playing with her lots. We are trying to make sure Emery loves Aunt Erin so some day I can actually leave her with her and major meltdowns won't happen. Erin is pretty good at just getting Emery to fall asleep rocking with her. Somehow though, Emery is just most comfortable at the most awkward angle. She also loves rubbing things against her face like my hair, her blankets, and her arm--which is causing her awesome baby pattern baldness on one side of her head.

 Sophie got to go vote twice as she went with dad on a walk to vote and just had so much fun that she drove with me later that evening.

Sophie & Kougar

Sophie officially has a best friend. She may be too young for a full-on crush, but man, she loves this little guy. Kougar lives next door and these two love each other. They do great playing together. They hardly fight (of course all three year olds do) and are always so excited to see each other. For a while Sophie would wake up and immediately ask to go play with Kougar. Thankfully she's toned down the incessant asking, but we do try to play often. They are a great family to have next door. They love to ride bikes, pretend to fill up their tires with the tire pump, and play in Koug's backyard. Whenever Sophie sees Kougar outside from our front window she nearly explodes in excitement. Last week he was sick and you would have thought he had died if you had seen Sophie's reaction. I talked her off the ledge by having her make him a get well card. As she colored she said, "I'm making this for Koug. I love him." And she was convinced if we gave him the card that he would feel better and then he could play right then. We are so excited for lots of summertime fun! 

When With Mom...

 When with mom, you:

wear clothes on your head. 

Make random art projects. 

Round up cousins for a park date.

Practice tummy time together as a family.

Go out for ice cream on the other side of town just so you can see farm animals too

& make cleaning fun. 

Thoughts on Mother's Day

I'm in love with my children. I love that when I look out my window I see a yellow windsock made with googly eyes and scribbles. I love that there are a pile of dead dandelions on my front step that are continuously brought to me by my enthusiastic three year old. I love that all throughout my house there are little (and big) signs that show that children live here. It's a fantastic part of life. I love watching Sophie create new things and articulate new sentences and feelings. I love how our conversations have expanded alongside her memory and vocabulary. Adding Emery to our family only makes me appreciate everyone that much more. I cherish every baby moment because before I know it she will be my three year old, but I look forward to the many milestones that we loved watching Sophie pass through. My heart nearly explodes as I think of these girls not being little anymore. I wish I could soak up every moment of quiet snuggles and silly games. I know I have room for improvement, but I hope these girls know that I would do anything for them and love them more than words can ever say. They are the highlight of each day.