Aristocats

Sissy joined the theater once again to perform in the show Aristocats Kids. Unfortunately, she was sick during auditions so she didn't get a speaking part. Wah-wah-waaaah.

Sissy didn't mind. She was happy to be in the ensemble, singing and dancing with no responsibility. Plus, she declared that she had decided to retire and this would be her last show. So who really needs a speaking role anyway? Amen, sister.

But then...someone dropped out. Who would fill the role? Dun, dun, duuuun.

How about Sissy?

She was recast as one of the alley cats named Hep. Her catchphrase was, "Crazy, man - crazy."

Sissy said she felt ridiculous in her costume of giant cat paw mittens and clip-on tail, but Booney loved it. 

Baby also loved it. She was captivated by the songs and had a great time. And! The people sitting next to us didn't show up so Baby had her very own seat with plenty of room to kick and squirm with impunity.

And! My nephew-in-law and great nephew were able to join us for the performance. I wonder if the barfing is his review of the show. Kids can be cruel. 

And! The requisite Bottle Caps were waiting for Sissy after the show. I threw in some Junior Mints to soothe the embarrassment of wearing giant cat paw mittens.

It was a fun evening for all.

Congratulations to Sissy on her final show!

St. Patty's

It was St. Patrick's Day and this happened.

I don't know who's running the weather show up in the clouds, but I find this unacceptable! Baby did not agree. Thankfully, it was melting by afternoon. Whew.

Other than the excitement of the snow, our St. Patty's Day was pretty lowkey. I recall when Sissy was younger that St. Patrick's Day was a lively event at our house. She would sketch out and set up elaborate leprechaun traps and I would plan elaborate leprechaun responses and top it off with a themed dinner.

That was then. 

Sissy is older now and doesn't want a leprechaun. Booney is also older now and doesn't remember to plan for holidays. Or perhaps she remembers but is tired and slightly lazy so she doesn't do it...you can decide.

I did manage to rummage through the closet and find our St. Patrick's Day dress-up garb. And I did actually plan a green dinner. (Twas the night before mind you, but let's not split hairs.)

Baby went nuts for the green Jello and Mykey went nuts for the green shepherd's pie. You're welcome.

We had a marvelous day and no one was pinched. 

Sissy did admit that she's excited to build a leprechaun trap with Baby next year.

That makes my heart happy. 

We're coming back for you, Molly McGee!

About Baby

A few tidbits about my baby:

She recently dug her little hands into the Vaseline tub and rubbed it on her face. I caught her in the nick of time before she petroleum-jellied her entire body. Flashback to January 2015 when her older sister did EXACTLY THE SAME THING.

Baby loves the rain. With or without an umbrella, she wants to be in it. She really just loves the outdoors in general. 

Baby treats her little cousin with tenderness. Of course, she instantly wants any toy that he has and sometimes feels jealous when I hold him, but she talks to him sweetly and often gently rubs his head.

Baby loves to wear pretty dresses. And she loves to be showered with compliments about just how pretty her dress is. 

Baby is a showman and her impersonation of Booney is impeccable. 

Baby tells me my hair is pretty or that she likes my shirt, she pats my back and tells me she loves me, and she still lets me hug and kiss her to my heart's content.

She is a joy.

Nerds Unite

It was time for Ye Olde Lego Convention. 

The nerds were a flutter with excitement. 

They arose early to stand in line.

They took a selfie in the piercing sun.

They geeked out with the geeks.

It was sublime.

Meanwhile...

Baby and I went to the park. In pajamas. She is currently on a regular-clothing strike.

I drank a soda in the piercing sun.

It was sublime.

Let's hear it for the nerds!

Happy Feet

Look at my beautiful girl off to the 7th grade spring dance.

Look at the beautiful dress that we found at JCPenney for 10 dollars. The clearance tag said $35 but when the cashier scanned it...10 bucks! That crap gets me excited. 

And look at my beautiful photobombing toddler. Unfortunately, I paid full price for her jammies and rain boots.

Sissy rode to the dance with her friend with money in her pocket and excitement in her heart.

When I picked them up later, they were abuzz with glee. I was happy for her. That's what childhood is meant to be.

Sissy also met up with her boyfriend. (Say it in an immature, sing-song voice. It's better that way.)

I'm trying to be cool about it, but it's hard to watch my baby growing up.

If I could turn back time. (Sing it like Cher. It's better that way.)

What a fun evening for my girl!

Fancy Footwork

Months! That's how long I've been waiting to attend Riverdance. 

Well, actually I've been waiting for years. But it's been months since I purchased the tickets. 

I saw Riverdance years ago in Portland with my friends. I've been mildly obsessed with seeing it again ever since. Imagine my elation when I discovered that the good folks of Riverdance were coming to my town. 

It's about time, guys. 

I decided to take Sissy out on a date with me. She was lukewarm on the idea. Not about dating me, just about seeing Riverdance. Or maybe about dating me. Who knows.

ANYWAY - Riverdance, people!

Sissy and I brushed our hair and put on our nice clothes. We went to dinner. We held hands as we crossed the street to the venue. It was a proper date.

And then....magic!

Sissy quickly fell into the Riverdance trance and we had a marvelous time. We weren't allowed to take pictures until the end but I soaked it all up and hollered like a madwoman.

As we were leaving, the man sitting in front of me turned around and said, "I don't know which one of you was hollering..."

I thought, "Oh, no. He's going to yell at me for my loud mouth."

And then he finished, "...but you have the perfect cheering voice. I loved it."

Huzzah!

It was a wonderful night and I can't wait to start obsessing about when I can see the show again.

Thank you for coming to my town, Riverdance!

Ohh La La

It was Valentine's Day. I love Valentine's Day for the kids. I personally don't long for Valentine's Day for myself - I don't like being bossed around. How dare you tell me to be romantic just because it's February 14th!

But I am tickled to let the kids know I love them.

And love them I do.

I decorated their bedroom doors.

And left surprises for them.  

Baby drew cards for her sister and Papa, and I left a little treasure for Mykey - chocolate and some Thieves essential oil to replace the one Baby misplaced months ago. 

Mykey wrote me a love note. Don't ask to read it. That's rude. And weird.

Since it was Saturday, we headed out for our usual date night. We went to lunch to avoid the romance seekers. We hit up a local restaurant that everyone raves about. It was alright but didn't make my heart sing.  And then we hit up a new local ice cream spot. That DID make my heart sing. 

We went for a walk and explored a covered bridge, then headed home to the rascals.

Perfect Valentine's Day for all.

And guess what else? Sissy has a boy Valentine this year.

Oooh, lah, lah indeed.