2017: Week 29

Sunday, July 16
After the whirlwind of Ellie's birthday party, we took today to recuperate from the festivities. We did our normal weekend errands, including a run to get groceries. On the way home, Elaina entertained herself by turning one of our lawn chair bags into a mermaid tail, and Ellie soon followed suit.

Monday, July 17
On our way home this afternoon, Elaina asked when we could go to the library again, so Josh put the blinker on and off we went. The girls each picked out a few books, while I decided it was time to reacquaint myself with Harry Potter. When we got home, they submersed themselves in their new treasures; Elaina with a Zelda comic book that Josh had found for her, and Ellie, with a Narwhal book.

Tuesday, July 18
Tonight the girls had some fun with the cherries we were finishing off.

Wednesday, July 19
The girls continue to advance their reading streak. (We are so thankful they love to read--hopefully it will help smooth the transition back to school!) They were especially sweet as they read together this afternoon.

Thursday, July 20
Today was the second day of the excessive heat warning, which is the meteorological way of saying it was freaking hot outside. I think when I got up, the temperature was already in the mid-70s; some rain blew through later in the morning, but instead of cooling things down, it just pumped the humidity up. Josh snapped this picture right before he picked me up after work. Hotttttttt.

Friday, July 21
Today was my birthday, and it was a very nice birthday, indeed. I was serenaded by all three of my loves first thing in the morning and was able to scoot out of work early (thanks, excessive overtime!). I picked up the girls early, and when Josh got home, we went to Pearce. A few weeks ago, we were approached to "model" for their latest catalog; Josh and I thought it would be a fun experience for the girls, so we said sure. The only drawback was that the pictures are for the January catalog, so we had to dress like we were coming in during the colder months. In July. When the temperature was like 900 degrees outside. I looked like I'd been working out by just standing there : ) It went well, though, and Elaina and Ellie had a great time. Afterwards, we surprised them with a trip to the pool, which I decided was one of the most genius ideas I've had all summer. It was hotter than Hades, so the water wasn't bone-chilling cold, and it was 4:00 on a Friday afternoon, so it wasn't busy. We had a great time swimming together, and Elaina braved the slide without her lifejacket, and she was thrilled to discover she could handle the new adventure. We stayed for about an hour and a half, and then grabbed a quick dinner and headed home. Josh created a churro cake for me (he's seriously so sweet), and then I opened the gifts that everyone had picked out. It was a really, really great day--a wonderful start to my next trip around the sun.

On the way to the pool post-photo shoot. In long sleeves.

My two best gifts

Josh got me a Hamilton t-shirt that hadn't been delivered yet, but the girls and I decided to celebrate with our own Schuyler Sisters pose.

Saturday, July 22
Today was a great Saturday. We got to sleep in a bit, and then Josh and I had good workout at the gym. When we got home, I set out to pick blackberries because I was already sweaty and because the humidity hadn't quite cranked up to ridiculous levels. Our sweet neighbor Jo came out with a birthday gift for Ellie (and big sister gift for Elaina): a piggybank they could personalize, and a roll of quarters to fill it up. (She and Hans are one of the reasons the thought of moving away from here an unhappy thought.) They had a great time working on their crafts, and when I left for my hair appointment, they settled in to watch a movie, only to return to their piggy banks after the movie ended. They met me at Sugar for dinner, and after the girls went to bed, Josh and I watched Fantastic Beasts. It was a wholly good day.

2017: Week 28

Sunday, July 9
Today we crossed off two summer bucket list items: we took a trip to the zoo and followed it up with lunch at Osaka, one of Elaina's favorite sushi restaurants. We got to the zoo right as it opened, and before it got too hot. The girls seemed to enjoy all of the exhibits, particularly the Australia walk-about and the giraffes and lionesses at the Africa section. By the time we finished up, the humidity was building, and sushi and air-conditioning seemed like just the right combination. Elaina chowed contentedly, practically purring with every bite. When we got home, we relaxed and I made a pie. I am trying to perfect it for Gramma; even though the top and bottom came apart at a couple places, I think she'd still be proud.

Chasing meerkats 

Monday, July 10
Tonight was a bit...interesting :) After dinner, I got a curious text from my aunt, asking if we were okay. I assumed she was asking about the storms, so I responded that we were fine, just a few rumbles of thunder. About ten minutes later, the tornado sirens started going off. Elaina fa-reeked out: tears, shouting, increased heart rate. We moved from their bathroom to the stairwell and counted down the minutes together until the warning expired. As the storms passed, we enjoyed a respite from the heat and some beautiful skies.

Tuesday, July 11
One of the privileges of working with an international company is all of the exposure to a variety of cultures. One of the drawbacks is having to be creative with work hours to accommodate international time zones. Tonight was one of those nights for me. After a long day in the office, a trip to the gym, and precious time home with the girls, I headed back in for a conference call that started at 8pm. I got out about 45 minutes later and was greeted by my poor sick husband, in the throes of a summer cold, and Yuna, who happily curled up on my lap.

Before they shut the lights off on me....

Wednesday, July 12
Josh bought a keyboard a few weeks ago and tonight he let the girls play with it.  After her turn on the keyboard, Ellie decided to channel her inner ballerina while Elaina played.

Thursday, July 13
Today started super early for me. I had a magical dream that involved Gramma Beck, and woke up with a start to get to work at 5:45 for a 6am call (see: international business problems). Soon enough the busy day was behind me, and I went to get the girls. Ellie had taken a tumble while at the pool, and Arcadia had made her a get-well card that Elaina had decorated. So sweet. The day got perceptibly brighter around 5:00 when Josh called to tell me he was on his way home, and even brighter still when I found out he'd gone outside to take a few pictures of the stargazer lilies for me.

Friday, July 14
Tonight we took Ellie out for her pre-birthday dinner to Chilis, where she was indulged with her own personal pizza and table side games. Mario and Rita met us as well, so she was surrounded by love (as was her sister). We had a really great time, and it was a good set up for her birthday the next day.

Pre-dinner selfie

"Mama! We're a snowman!"

Saturday, July 15
Today we celebrated our sweet Elysia Jane's sixth birthday. We woke up to her cuddles and then headed out as a family to pick out birthday donuts. After breakfast, we surprised Ellie with her birthday present: a new bicycle. It'd become quite obvious during our last few bike outings that she had outgrown the My Little Pony bike that had been handed down to her two years ago. She was surprised and thrilled and embarked on her maiden voyage as soon as she could get settled on the seat. It was a great start to what was a very, very good day. Her party guests arrived around 2:00, and we had some snacks, the birthday girl opened her presents, and she was then serenaded with birthday wishes. After cake, Josh blew up the pool so the girls could play with their cousins for awhile. They had a wonderful time. She is such a special little girl, and she beamed the entire day. Six is off to a pretty great start!