Playdate/Maddie/Tires/Father's day.

What??? TWO posts in one week?  Yep! 
Yesterday Lauren had a playdate with her little friend Zachary.  It was so fun to see them pass toys back and forth, chatter, and burn off tons of energy following eachother around the house.  I guess she is finally at the age where she can actually play and interact with another kid instead of just play in the same room.  It was nice for me, too, to have Zachary's mom here and have conversation other than "Please don't throw your food on the floor" and "Let's not get that out until we put a few hundred other toys away."  It was comical when Z's mom and I sat down in the recliners--me with my glass of water and her with her Diet Pepsi sitting on the table between.  The kids immediately both sprang to their feet to bum a sip (or backwash into our drinks would perhaps be more appropriate!) while we both instinctively pushed the glasses to the back of the table.  I guess being a mom of a 14 month old will do that to you! 

Craig left last night to go get Maddie.  Can't wait to have that girl here which will make our family all be in one place.  I've missed her so much!  We've got some fun stuff planned, but my favorite is just "family time."  Every evening after dinner we make sure we do something together as a family...like a walk, a game, or an outing.  We have made an effort to do this ever since Maddie was little, and now if we get up to go our separate ways we are met with "Hey wait!  What about Family Time?!?!"  Love it.

As I write this, L is napping and Craig and Mads are actually at a tire store somewhere in Illinois getting a tire looked at.  It has had a slow leak for a while and I specifically asked a certain husband of mine to get it fixed before this trip, but, according to him anyway, he was "over tasked" with too many things by yours truly.  Baloney.  Anyway, hopefully they get it fixed soon and can get back on their way.  It's not nice to say "I told you so."  Especially not on the day before Father's day. 

I am on the ball for father's day this year!  I have corn on the cob shucked and ready to cook, burgers ready for the grill, and one of Craig's favorite desserts in the fridge.  Cards are bought, signed, and either mailed or in their hiding places until tomorrow.  Check.  I am that good.  However, this day is really very sad for me.  I REALLY miss my dad.  I'm trying to look at it from the standpoint of celebrating Craig and my father-in-law, but that doesn't stop the reminders that someone is missing.  I don't know if it will ever get easier.  ='(

Ok that is it for now.  Have a great weekend everyone...honor those special men in your lives tomorrow!
~M

Summer is here, and Lauren has discovered how much fun the lawn sprinklers can be.  Last night Craig and I were adjusting some of the sprinkler heads and turned to find little punkin giving herself a shower.  She was soaked, but having a great time!
I'm trying to figure out Lauren's personality.  She is social and loves to go up to new people, but then she tucks her chin in and won't say a word.  I don't know that I was every shy like that, but I'm sure it is normal for her age.  At home, she chatters non-stop.  She is really into animals and their sounds right now, especially goats and dogs.  They're cute, but my favorite is her snake sound.  So cute!
I always have intentions of writing thought provoking, meaningful posts, but in the midst of even this short one, a little girl has helped herself into the Lazy Susan and dumped Cheerios all over the floor, brought me a container of oatmeal, and now smells a little funky, so I best be wrapping this up.  Things are busy busy busy here but oh so much fun!