Project Life: Week 17

Monday, April 25
Our little garden is coming along nicely. I've been telling one of my co-workers about it and gave her some onion starts for her garden, so tonight I took pictures to show her how we're coming.

The broad view. Raspberries and chives are super happy!

Little baby peas

Chives, onions, and a lone potato plant

Tuesday, April 26
Today Josh left for a 3 day work trip (waaaaahhh), but the girls and I were determined to make the best of our time with the change up in our routine. We had a nice evening together and enjoyed a little outside time before the weather turned. Elaina took this opportunity to plant a "flower" for Daddy to enjoy upon his return.

After dinner, Ellie decided she'd like to take another crack at riding her bicycle, and with much effort and with much cheerleading from her sister, she did an amazing job. We made it all the way to the end of the street and back.

Go, Ellie, go!

Afterwards, we took a walk around the neighborhood, where the girls raced to each mailbox along the way holding hands.

Precious

And when we got home, they took turns pushing one another on the swing.

Really, the night couldn't have gone better.

Wednesday, April 27
Day Two without Daddy. The morning started off well, with a dance party in car as we waited for the school bus.

My boss let me work from home, which was also nice because the weather was crappy and the interruptions were fewer and farther between since I wasn't at my desk. Elaina got out of school early, and after we picked up Ellie, she and Elaina disappeared into their room to play a few games of Sneaky Snacky Squirrel while I made dinner.

The girls ate a good dinner and we played a few games of Chutes and Ladders before their bath. Everything was going relatively well until it was time for them to go to bed, when I heard sniffles coming from the top bunk. Poor Elaina was not handling her daddy being gone well. I got her calmed down and both of them to sleep and retreated out to the living room to relax.

Then, pitter patter pitter patter. Out came Elaina. Poor sweetheart was crying, telling me she missed Daddy and couldn't sleep because he wasn't home. So we talked for awhile, and I told her sometimes when I miss Daddy, I wear one of his shirts, and would she like to pick out a t-shirt from Daddy's drawer to sleep with? She quite emphatically agreed with that suggestion and, after some debate, settled on one of his Nintendo shirts. I tucked her back into bed.

Two minutes later, pitter patter pitter patter. This time, she came out with a Daddy's t-shirt, Wolfie, and a smile. We dressed Wolfie in Daddy's t-shirt and I took a picture to send Josh, just as my phone rang. So Elaina got to talk to Daddy, and then happily scampered off to bed where she slept soundly the rest of the night.

Thursday, April 28
Josh finally returned home today. I knew he'd be close to home by the time Elaina got off the bus, and when I found out he'd be there two minutes after she was dropped off, I decided to stretch out our time and walk back to the car rather than park it at the end of the street like I typically do. She bounded off the bus in typical Elaina fashion and asked me immediately if Daddy was home yet. I said, not yet, but he'll be here soon. And then his car came around the corner. I said, "Elaina, look! Who is that?" She took off running, shouting "Daddy? Daddy? Daddy? Daddy!!! Daddy!!!" When they were back together, my heart melted into a huge puddle. Such a sweet reunion.

Daddy!!!!

Together again and it feels so good

Friday, April 29

Before Josh left for Nebraska, I floated the idea that we surprise Elaina at school for lunch. And to sweeten the deal, we would bring Ellie, who will be joining her sister in school next year. Josh packed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for Elaina's lunch (which was actually for Ellie), and when it was time, he picked up some sushi while I picked up Ellie. She was quite, quite happy to go on this adventure.

When Elaina's class entered the cafeteria, she spotted Ellie sitting on my lap. Her sweet little face got red with excitement, and she came rushing over. She devoured her sushi, eating nearly as much as I did, and told Ellie all about how it would be for her next year.

Saturday, April 30
Today was gross, rainy, and cold, but the girls still found a way to have some fun at Target :)

Sunday, May 1

Another gross, cold, rainy day. (Seriously, the high barely hit 50. On MAY FIRST.) We made the best of it and, after running a few errands, introduced the girls to some classic cinema. Considering they have spent the subsequent weeks quoting this movie, I think it was a solid parenting decision.