Overnighter

Since my niece lives nearby now, I figure it's within my rights to exploit her. So I had her babysit my girls so Mykey and I could go away on an overnight trip. We haven't been alone in nearly 45 years. 

We didn't go far since we didn't have much time. We headed over the mountain to NC. We had a relaxing dinner without kids, we ate dessert without kids, we watched a movie without kids, and we had an entire conversation without any kids interrupting.

It was divine.

Especially the chocolate.

We stayed at a little hotel in the trees that had live music outside. It was packed with people and we had to wind through the crowds with our luggage to get to our room. It was a tad awkward but everyone was incredibly friendly as we pushed by and whacked their faces with our pillows. 

We ate at a local sandwich shop in Banner Elk that was delicious with a capital Delicious. And then we went to Grandfather Mountain. What a view!

It was incredibly rejuvenating to be alone with my favorite guy but I could've used another 15 days or so.

Maybe next time.

I'm sure grateful for my generous babysitting niece!

Suuummmmer!

We're soaking up the summertime vibes around here.

Sissy dyed her hair purple

We've been enjoying the condo pool

And the lawn pool my parents sent

We danced in the rain - (well...not Booney.  I observe from the safety of the porch)

We've hit up Storytime at the park

And enjoyed a new splash pad. (Why is my baby always nude?)

We've also been sitting on the porch everyday. We eat dinner out there, we drink soda out there, we watch the rainstorms out there, we wave at our neighbors out there, it's lovely.

I wish summer would last forever.

Freeedom!

 Our Independence Day was a delight.

We arose early in the morning to catch a parade. It was our first excursion to this particular parade so we didn't know how early we should arrive.

Turns out we overshot a little.

BUT - because of our promptness, we were able to score a bench along the parade route that was in the shade. As the sun rapidly became more intense, we nestled comfortably into our seat and enjoyed the splendor of a shady bench. It's accurate what they say about the Early Bird.

There were vendors set up all along the street and Baby scored a unicorn on wheels from her dear old Dad. She pushed that thing up and down and up and down again.

The parade was lovely even though there wasn't much in the way of candy. Don't worry...we grabbed a slice of pizza and a cold sodee from the church fundraiser nearby.

And Sissy found Yoda.

We intended to peruse the vendors but it was so hot and we had risen so early that morning that we cut it short and decided to board the shuttle bus back to our car instead. Baby found a tractor on the way.

At home we drew on the sidewalk.

And cooled off from the sunshine.

Then we sat in the chilly basement and played JackBox.

Then we ate hamburgers for din din.

And then we went to the fireworks. Well...Sissy and Mykey went to the fireworks. Baby and Booney went to bed.

Delightful.

Happy 4th of July!

Worrisome

I think my Baby might grow up to be a homeless person.

Should I be concerned?

Goings On

Update: We have not sold our condo.

Update: I don't appreciate you rubbing it in.

Conclusion: My niece will move here and live in it.

What?!

You heard me. 

My niece phoned and said she was going to move to our quaint town. I was overcome with excitement! She asked if she could live in our condo and I said no. 

True story. I wanted to sell it. We had 3 showings set up for the week that she called. After telling her no, my husband chastised me. He told me that we had an empty place and she needed a place and we should let her live in our place.

Always the good guy.

I prayed and told God that if none of the showings resulted in an offer, I would take that as a sign that the condo was meant for my niece to inhabit. 

Well, no offers...so my niece is here!

Look at all the fun we're already having.

Thank goodness our condo didn't sell!

Under the Sea

It's summertime so that means theatre camp! The show this year was The Little Mermaid. Sissy was one of the daughters of Triton and she did a great job. I always love watching her on stage. 

Practice was all day, everyday, for a week. Most mornings after we dropped Sissy off at the theatre, Baby and I would go on an adventure walk. She loved sitting in the big rocking chairs near the theatre and running wild through the park. It was a glorious way to begin each day.

I was slightly worried about how Baby would behave during the actual performance, but she was a superstar. We ate popcorn so that helped. 

It was another successful show for Sissy!

After 4 performances in a row, we celebrated with pizza and Bottle Caps.

Cuz that's just what you do.

Congrats to Sissy!

Papa

We had a marvelous day celebrating the father in our house. I always love Father's Day because I know there will be steak. Sure...I have to go out and purchase it, then I have to prepare it, but hey, it's still steak!

We ate the steak while sitting on the porch. We also had rolls with apple butter. It was delicious!

Baby and Sissy drew cards for their dad.

 

Baby also drew a little something extra for herself. 

And then the nerds got to work doing nerdy things. I don't ask questions.

This is what the nerdery produced! I must admit that it looks pretty cool.

It was a productive and lovely day. We sure love Mykey and we're blessed to have him.

Happy Father's Day!