Two little princesses ran out of gas.

Pizza

I posted this on Facebook a couple of weeks ago and wanted to be sure to get it onto the blog.  I could write a book with all of the hilarious Aubree-isms we encounter day to day. :)

Mommy Stay-cation

My family came home yesterday evening from a week-long trip to our cabin in Wisconsin. That's right. I've had the house to myself since last Friday afternoon. That's over eight whole days. The first time I've been alone for more than a few hours in almost six years. I re-did the playroom. I ate like I was in college. I slept in. I stayed in the shower for as long I wanted. I went to the bathroom without commentary on my underwear. I lounged on the couch. I watched tv DURING THE DAY. I shopped. I met friends for lunch. For day drinks. For happy hour. For dinner. I got my nails done. I got a massage. I spent time with my best friends. I ate ice cream. I drank wine. I enjoyed the silence. I enjoyed having my own thoughts. I came and went as I pleased. I was not on anyone else's schedule. All with no mommy-guilt. This. THIS was a vacation. I was ready to squeeze my family but I couldn't believe how fast my long awaited week flew by. I felt a little bummed as my last few minutes came to a close but as I sat outside and waited for them, I could hear my girls screaming "MAMA!!!!" as they pulled into the driveway. Instant overwhelming happy tears stung my eyes. I received two of the biggest hugs two little sets of arms could muster. Love. I needed this break. We all do. And I, for sure, will need it again at some point...but it's good to have my family back. :)

Exactly what I envisioned...using her new reading corner! :)

Playroom AFTER :)

Playroom BEFORE

Stylin' little chicky

They DO love each other! 😍

BEFORE and AFTER of my little project--a dress-up clothes hanger for the girls 👗👑👠

Positive thoughts and prayers for our sweet Kody. ❤️ I just had to drop him off at the vet in preparation for an early morning surgery tomorrow to remove a tumor. :( #saddoggiemommy

My loves ❤️

Cousin chalk-drawing :)

4th of July & Dean's birthday!

We had such a great long weekend!!  Thursday evening, we sat outside with our neighbors for a bit and let our kids play.  On Friday, we went to Marla's house for the Ralston parade and then to downtown Ralston to see the water fights between area firefighters.  We went home for dinner, put the girls to bed, and had a couple of drinks while watching the fireworks from our guest bedroom window.  I get so bit up by mosquitoes so I didn't want to sit outside. :)  On Saturday, we did stuff around the house to get ready to have people over that night for Dean's birthday and our neighborhood fireworks show.  In the afternoon, Ayla and I participated in our neighborhood kiddie parade.  It was HOT and sooo humid. She rode her scooter and about 50 feet in, she was tired so I pushed her a lot of the way.  Good thing it was a short course!  She received a goody bag and a popsicle and we headed back home.  On the way back to the car, she said, "I wish I would've picked something else to ride because I'm exhausted!"  Hilarious.  When we got home, we finished getting everything ready for our party.  It was such a fun night...I love being surrounded by great friends, family, and neighbors.  We let the girls stay up way later than they've ever stayed up--10:45! They both slept until 9:00 this morning.  Today, we filled up our new kiddie pool and had our neighbors over...another fun afternoon!  It was a fun-filled weekend...what a bummer that tomorrow is already Monday!

I asked them to put their arms around each other.  Aubree's hand accidentally landed in Ayla's armpit.  Ayla was not happy, as you can see here.  Drama.

She got over it pretty quickly...thank goodness.

So then I asked them to give each other kisses.  Aubree was all about it but Ayla was not.  She kept pushing Aubree's face out of the way.  Enter the giggles...

Giving our sweet Kody some love!

The Birthday Boy!! :)

Aubree got to sit in a 1942 Army Jeep!

Happy 4th of July!! 🇺🇸🎉

Impromptu visit to Lake Zorinsky!

Poor Joe trying to reason with Aubree during her swim lesson. She was a little better this week until he dunked her. This is her boycotting the rest of her lesson.