Mama-

-is Siiiick.

[{(You're on your own.)}]

Toddler School Relish

I *had* to take pictures at Infant-Toddler Graduation and the field trip today. Yes indeed, so I had a job to do. So I wouldn't cry. Whew. I'm too pregnant for this. I kid (a little).

 Doesn't help that Danielle was around lovely, generous public school professionals (including a speech therapist, physical therapist, and early childhood specialist). They were happy with Allison there as well. So do you know what this means?

I do, it means this was the last benchmark of Danielle's recovery process. Done she is. Just in time to be a big sister. And grow up with more living to do.

Did I mention how lovely the teachers were? I mean really. So wise, steady and caring for all the students' moms too.

 I hope everyone, no matter age, grade, or accomplishment has a wonderful new phase of life.

 Starting right now. It's called "June-uary" here, I understand.

Then hike to the nearest lookout. And make plans.

Because Girls, That's Why

When I was pregnant for the first time I was a tad worried and indoctrinated about having all kinds of toys and exposure for my kids, without gender specificity. I didn't want to push only girl stuff on the girls and boy stuff on the boys.

Well, I've come to find that girls generally prefer, without any coaxing whatsoever, girlie things. And it would seem that even the sweetest of hearts I've noted for the great little boys around me are more "rough and tumble." A tad more inclined to get dirty.

It was time to get jazzed about tole painting. It's the prospect of having three girls, after all. And they took it very seriously.

--Don't get me wrong, we have wooden blocks, a couple of Bob the Builder & Thomas the Train books and  DVD's, a Handy Manny Action figure (it's not a doll, I'm guessing), and frequent run-a-muck quality time with Daddy. And they happily get dragged to some scouting activities by both parents.

But, it was time to take it to that level:
I'm referring to The Fairy Garden. With real flowers.
And we don't care who knows it!

Outfitted with the littlest of dolls in mind, they spent all afternoon painting and didn't even wait until they filled up the "beach pool" to start...

...playing in the mud.

Memorial Day 2012

Great sites, sounds, conversations. Thanks to those who keep us free...
We went to the cemetery (did I mention some of my inlaws work at Mountain View in Tacoma)? A special field. And watched a huge fireworks show on the eve of the holiday. Like rocking your rib cage. Experience included ice cream and jazz band. And golf cart rides.

Then we stayed the night and had some quality, silly billy family time.

Then we enjoy the typical and traditional, including for this family, the annual dutch oven bonanza. Two side notes for next year: 1) It is truthfully a little better when the weather was a bit cool, as was this year. I'm more apt to eat all the comfort food a la cast iron pots. 2) Ted had the best idea, muffin tins to keep the buffet selections orderly... plus like five other reasons for metal ware over paper plate. Seriously.

The whole experience made for a fun, safe, peaceful weekend. What more could I even dare ask for?