Rainy Days and Thursdays Always Make Me Smile

As a full-time Mommy you've gotta love those days when you awake to the melodious tune of rain drops tapping at your window.  They are saying, "You don't need to do anything today.  In fact, there isn't even a need to get dressed."  We didn't want to offend Mother Nature, so we indeed stayed in our jams for most of the day anyway.  Hanna loves her Hello Kitty rain boots and princess umbrella so I knew she would jump at the chance to put them both to good use.  She always says, "Umbrella-ella-ella-ella." And I love the smell of rain so we stepped outside for a few minutes of fresh, earthy air.  What a glorious day of nothing!

Bathtub art

Bath toys become grungy and gross within a very short period of time.  That's why I only try to invest in cheap ones (or not at all;  measuring cups and spoons achieve the same amount of pleasure).  Hanna is not picky when it comes to these and will jump at the suggestion of throwing just about anything in there.  A few weeks ago I decided to get her a few new items instead of making her play with Haley's.  She loves to draw letters and is learning to write her name very well, so I thought bath crayons would be perfect.  So, we introduced them one evening in the big tub with little sis.  Fast forward to Haley rubbing them in her eyes (the crayons are made out of soap).

The (3+) mark on the box was probably accurate this time around.  She kept rubbing them into her eyes to get the soapy-ness out;  hence, getting more and more aggitated.  I would have loved to get that on camera but I do know how it feels to get soap in the eye.   I instead worked quickly on mending the situation.  Bath crayons are now on the "No Haley list" (for she also did a quick taste test).  I then discovered that they aren't only great for THEIR bath time......but for mine as well!  While I showered, Hanna decorated the outside of the tub.   

Surprise package!

Got a surprise package in the mail today and anxiously opened it to find that................

I had been delivered the wrong package.  That's going to be a hefty return fee!

Picnic on Friday

The weather was so fantastic on Friday that we had to be outside.  For the first time in a while you could walk outside and actually breathe and there was a nice breeze blowing.  We hit the Wendy's drive-thru (I was too lazy to pack a lunch) and took our eats to the park.  Apparently, we weren't the only ones with the idea.  The park of choice was packed with other lunchers.  I thought it might clear out by the time we finished but so such luck.  The girls weren't really interested in fighting through the mob of rude and obnoxious park monkeys and I can't say that I blame them.  They still had fun running in the grass and being silly.  I got some great pictures of them and had to share.

New hair do's

Before hair cut..........

And after

Before........

and after

Wrapping up our trip to TN

We left my parents' pad and drove to Knoxville to spend the week with Jason's family, sans the youngsters!  Mark and Cathy got a baby sitter so we could spend the day on the lake together.  We brought a change of clothes and went to dinner by boat.  It was sooooooooo much fun!  My parents drove the girls over the next day and our little vacation was over.  We really enjoyed our couple days without parenting responsibilities but we really did miss them and couldn't wait to see them.  Jason's Mom and sister Lisa and family drove in to visit as well.  We had a great time hanging out and swimming and eating.  The girls had a ball playing with all their cousins.  Hanna did great in the pool and started swimming by herself, with the help of a life jacket.  That is huge for her!!  She was so proud of herself and threw her hands up and said, "I know how I do it."  Not sure exactly what she meant but it sounded really cute.

On Sunday we loaded up the brood and started our long and arduous journey back to NW Arkansas.  Jason wasn't looking forward to the drive back.  Having already driven it alone, I was actually looking forward to this leg.  Just having another warm body in the car that wasn't pint sized was awesome!  I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.

Still in TN

Heather, Marco, Anthony and Dominic drove in from Pittsburgh the Thursday evening before the 4th.  Jason flew in to Nashville late Thursday night from Minnesota.  Uncle picked him up at the airport and they got in late to my parents house.  

Haley was absolutely enamored with Uncle whenever he was around.  So much so that I felt washed of my motherly duties. 

Anthony was generous enough to wear the girls' princess stickers without too much of a fight.  (Note the Snow White sticker on his upper right shoulder). 

Hanna was so excited to have somebody to play with and push around other than Haley when Anthony and Dominic arrived.  They are quite a bit older than her but were so sweet and accommodating.  We loved getting to meet them and look forward to having them in the family!

Haley needed to be "sandwiched" between her two favorite men Uncle Marco and Uncle Anthony (besides Daddy of course)

We went to the lake on the 4th and enjoyed an easy and spacious ride on a pontoon boat.  Here are the girls with their Mimi.

It didn't take long for Haley to sniff out her favorite person on the boat.

Hanna was getting restless so Papa let her drive the boat.

Hanna loved swimming in the lake and started floating on her own without the help of Daddy.

Haley loved sitting in the inter-tube and wanted to be in the water the whole time.

Haley shared a sucker with her favorite peep.

Hanna finally gave in and took a nap.

So did Haley after we went and got her car seat.  

Dominic sitting on top and enjoying the ride back.

Marco driving us back with the help of Anthony.

My sweet Mom and Dad.  Still in love after all these years.  For the most part anyway. ;-)