I kept thinking that I wanted to update the blog, but couldn't get around to it. The fact that the last update was from Spring Break and it's now July 31, that's a testament to how busy the Summer has been. I knew my work was going to pick up at a ridiculous pace once that Spring Break trip ended, but I guess I really had no idea. We are working on a big project at work and organized our supplier negotiations to be 7a-7p days a few times a week. Coupling that type of schedule with the normal craziness of our fast-paced, dynamic work environment and some personnel issues have taken a toll on me and family time.
Kai, you are well on your way to being potty trained completely. Of all three kids, you were the fastest and easiest to train. And you look adorable in your Thomas the Train underwear (tighty whitey style)! It is so funny the phrases that you have picked up on: "anyways", "maybe", "I think so". And the question of "why" is in full swing!! Ah, the life of a two year old. You adore Rylie and follow her around. You and Madelyn fight like cats and dogs, but she's the first you go to when you want to snuggle. What wonderful mommas you have...thanks girls. You love to have books read to you, love to ride your Radio Flyer tricycle, and you love to play in the sandbox. It is full of diggers, dump trucks and bulldozers: "Come dig with me, mommy. You be the digger and I be the bulldozer". Recently, Madelyn and Rylie got new backpacks from Mama and Boppa for school, you were desperate for one too. As luck would have it, Mad's wasn't big enough so you got your wish. You carried your new backpack around for two days straight, full of cars. Finally, you little rascal, you are starting to get into EVERYTHING. My potted plants are missing dirt, you've eaten something that made you throw up red, the alarm clock may blare a random radio station in the morning shocking us awake, and you put Nair on all over your hands: "I need wotion (lotion), mommy." Every night I sing you Jesus Loves Me (you make me change "me" to "Kai") and Beautiful Boy by John Lennon. Since I have been singing Beautiful Boy to you for 3 years, you know all the words now and will sing along--so sweet!
Dear Madelyn, I love you more than you can ever imagine. I love you past the moon and stars (you told me to write that, but it's true) and often one of my favorite moments of the day is to snuggle with you and Blankie. You really need to stop sucking that thumb though. We already now that Rylie will have to get braces because of how tight her teeth are packed in her mouth. Now you too? We decided to grow your bangs out, but who knows given your propensity to not wear anything in your hair for more than 5 minutes and then it's lost. It seems that I am constantly buying ponytail holders for you and your sister. Kindergarten starts soon--you are going to love all the new experiences in learning and friendship that come with Kindergarten! You love to play with Joey, your best friend, watch and learn about birds (a love developed from preschool lessions) and work on art projects. You are getting more confident on your scooter and bike. We laugh because when we are playing outside in the Summer heat, you will all of a sudden decide you've had enough and head inside without saying a word. We will find you in front of the TV, little couch potato.
Rylie turned the big 8 and we celebrated in Indiana with Rylie's Debutante Ball Revisited. See the pictures from the fancy event full of beautiful dresses, candles and music provided by Frank Sinatra. Rylie, you are growing up so fast and have such a wonderful heart. You have been reading up a storm this Summer and enjoy mysteries the most, it seems. For your birthday, you received an alarm clock and you love to listen to "soothing music" before bedtime now. I think having music in your room makes you feel very grown up. You also picked out a fancy chandelier-like bedside lamp as the Disney princess lamp was "too babyish", in your words. Friends are still your LIFE, but you also love to play with your American Girl Doll, Zoe, practice knitting (something you and I learned together), gymnastics, work on art projects, hunt for insects and enjoy nature, and watch TV shows like Good Luck Charlie, Wizards of Waverly Place and iCarly with Madelyn.
Our trip to Indiana was much needed. We needed to see our family as it had been 1 1/2 years. Eric and I went out one night to Broad Ripple with Susan, Leah, Emmy and Matt. We saw fireworks at the Edgewood Country Club, went to Brown's Pool, hung out lots with the sisters and mom (love to read magazines with my mom on the back porch), played tennis with Susan, got to see my old friend Julie who recently moved back, see my cousin, Jenny's, new baby Gannon and swam in her backyard, ate at Pizza King and Rally's (yum!). We'll be back again at Christmas and for Emmy's wedding in May. On the way home, we stopped to spend the night with my good friend, Tiffany, and her family (fun dance party) and visited the Cincinnati Zoo. There are so many fun stops along the way and it breaks up the trip!
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| Out on the town in Broad Ripple |
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| Mom's grandkids, except Cori, Gunner and Erik |
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| My Munchkin outfit from being in The Wizard of Oz |
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| Kai and his favorite buddy Matt |
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| Check out this girl! |
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| These boots caused quite the argument among my kids. They loved them! |
We received teacher assignments yesterday. Everyone is raving about Madelyn's teacher, Ms. Shaw, but we haven't heard much about Rylie's teacher. For 3rd grade, the kids have a separate Math and, maybe, Science teacher; that will be good for her. I look forward to the stories with both girls at the same school! I also look forward to a much calmer Fall...
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| Tiff's and my kids having Dance Party |
