Hello Sunshine

We've had several weeks of rain and grey skies. You don't realize how much you miss the sun until the weather clears and sunshine comes pouring through the windows.

It's so much more enjoyable getting the boys out when the weather is nice. We hit the sand park this afternoon, and I made the mistake of finding a little dinosaur in the sand. The boys ended up fighting over possession of it until we left.

Later on before bedtime Zach surprised us with his first official pee in the potty. I'd go into the details, but I don't want him looking back on this 1o years from now all embarrassed. Let's just say it was as adorable as peeing can possibly get. He was very pleased with himself. I won't hold my breath, but maybe we'll be getting him out of diapers sooner than we thought.

Can't win 'em all

My favorite ball player on my favorite team, I had thought, was supposed to pitch in yesterday's game against Texas. Of course I had expected a win to follow that too. As soon as I saw the wrong pitcher on the mound, I knew someone else got their birthday wish in ahead of mine. As painful of a game as it was to watch, I couldn't help but feel good for Texas winning their way into their first World Series playoff.

Hugs and kisses always make it better, and there's always next year.

Happy Birthday Dylan! Hope you have a great day!

Robot Zach

We didn't think Zach was going to be able to dress up as a robot for Halloween. The costume we ordered over a month ago for him didn't look like it would show up. Yesterday, a few hours after ordering him something different, I got a tracking update on the costume. It made it here and was waiting at the Post Office.

You think he likes it just a little? I don't think it's coming off any time soon.

Shell

I haven't been back to my parent's old house here for a couple of weeks now. I think subconsciously I've been avoiding it because it makes me sad. I took the boys over today to let them run around and see it empty. It was sad, but strangely enough the only thing that got me a little choked up was the work/utility room...go figure. There used to be so much stuff in that space and now it's just an empty shell. I guess it's just the type of room you never expect to see completely empty.

I set the boys up with a little picnic in the living room, and then we went outside to play. The boys played around the house and then hit all their favorite puddles along the street on their way to the park and again on the way back. After that we went for an unexpected walk around town.

I don't think I've mentioned the huge staircase that's close to the house. We call it the "cheese grater staircase," and it is very long and very steep. It's the type that you can't help but visualize yourself beefing it on, or hoping like hell that you never do, every time you climb or descend it. I know my boys are growing up on me because they've managed this very long staircase several times now without incident.

The stairs drop you down to the street the elementary school is on. There's been construction going on with it since last summer, and it's almost finished. The boys love checking out all the construction trucks and machinery parked along the street.

We took our time wandering around town for a little while and enjoyed the break from the rain. Sundays are good for walking around because a lot of businesses are closed. All the places the boys wanted to wreak havoc on were locked up tight, which makes for a much more enjoyable stroll, or at least for me anyway. I did, however, brave the grocery store for a few minutes. Ben promptly picked up a package of cupcakes. The boys had been so good for me, so I couldn't refuse. I also used the treat as bait to get them out of the store.

Until next time....

We said goodbye to Mom/Grandma last month and to Dad/Grandpa yesterday. We had Dad over for one last meat and potatoes dinner before Joy took him to the airport. We've been a little sad today now that it is sinking in that they're both really gone. We're so happy for them, but we'll really miss having them nearby. I know there's a part of them that is sad to leave such a beautiful place. I'm sure we'll have some of the same feelings when our turn comes to go. I'm not Irish but I've always loved this old Irish blessing:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Thanks for the great experience over the past couple of years, for all the great memories. We were happy to be able to share them with you. We love you Mom & Dad.