Memorial Day

I love me a good 4 day weekend.  Especially when the sun is out!  We spent our Memorial Day weekend exploring new adventures close to home.  We began with a trip to Enchanted Forest – a quaint theme park nestled in the trees.  Eva was incredibly excited for this adventure and rightly so.  It turned out to be a spectacular day! 

Bumper boats, a crooked house, face painting, princesses, a log ride – my, oh my!

We even watched a Hansel and Gretel play.  Eva was so inspired by the show that she put on her own version the next day.  She performed dual roles as both Gretel and the witch, with Michael starring as Hansel.  It was a good play and she even had costumes!

On Memorial Day we trekked south to Eugene since we never trek south to Eugene.  We visited a science center for kids and watched a star gazing show in the planetarium.  I was dizzy in approximately 0.22 seconds.  Then we had a picnic in a rose garden.  I was sneezing and itchy in approximately 0.22 seconds.  (I’ve developed allergies in my old age.  Allergies!  It’s terrible.)  I really am a joy to bring along on adventures.

We were slated to round out the day with a hike but our dear, sweet Eva threw a fit and shouted from the backseat, “Not another peep out of you two!  I want peace and quiet!” 

We headed home instead of hiking.

About 30 minutes into our drive home, Eva handed me a picture from the backseat.  She said it was a drawing of how she felt about not being able to go hiking.

I kinda felt the same way.  And then I felt that way when traffic came to a standstill on the Interstate for no apparent reason. 

We ended the day with Eva taking a long bath while Michael and I watched TV on our bed.  We even ate ice cream. 

Not a bad 4 day weekend.

So when can I get another?  

Spring Recital

Well, she did it.  My little ballerina walked the tightrope at her Spring recital and didn’t even plunge to her death.  Success!

I was a backstage helper for the Friday performance, which meant I had to corral a bunch of 5-year-olds for a few hours.  But – they were great and I brought chocolate chips so it all worked out.

Killing some time with her bestie:

Potty break:

(I accidentally had my phone in my back pocket and asked Eva to hold it for me so it wouldn’t fall in the toilet.  She was instantly taking selfies.)

Ready to go on stage:

Michael and I attended the Saturday performance but we weren’t allowed to take pictures during the show. 

After curtain call:

And, of course, Eva just had to sneak in a kitty kiss.  Right on the lips, I might add; not my favorite thing. I tried to avoid it but she still got me.

And, of course, mere moments later, a fit erupted because, “No more pictures!  You’re taking too many!”  Children really are a joy.

I earned myself a DVD of the performance by working backstage so I’m excited about that. 

Hey, look at me - I’m nailing this dance mom thing.   

Oh, Mama!

I had a most excellent Mother's Day this year.  Last year, I may have thrown a big fit on Mother’s Day.  Maybe.  You see, I told Michael that all I wanted was for him to make dinner and do the dishes. 

He didn’t do it.

I was upset.

And I threw a fit like an immature brat.

Fast forward to this year and I again told Michael that all I wanted was for him to make dinner and do the dishes.

The ol’boy listened.  I apparently really scarred him and Eva last year.  In fact, I scarred them so much that at prayers a few nights before Mother’s Day, Eva prayed for the following: “And please bless that Mama will have a good Mother’s Day.  Not like last year.”

Sorry I threw such a big fit.  (Or am I?  I got my way.)

I was invited to Eva’s school for a “Mom’s Rock” celebration where I ate donut holes and played Candyland with my sweet girl.  It was our last Preschool celebration.  (Cue sniffles.)

She had gifts for me: a painted jar with a candle in it and a shrinky-dink keychain with her hand print.

And of course, my favorite part…Eva answers questions about her dear old Mom.

On Mother’s Day proper, Myke and Eva gave me flowers, chocolate, and cards.  My obedient husband then made me a delicious dinner of steak, green beans, and twice baked potatoes.  I was impressed.  And we had 2 desserts so you know I was really impressed! 

What a day!  I sure love being a Mama.

Schooly School School

We went to Kindergarten orientation yesterday.  (For Eva, not Michael.)

I was surprisingly calm and receptive to the idea of my baby going off to school.  Eva was incredibly excited and wished that school would begin right this minute.  (I’m not that calm and receptive.  Gimme a few more months.)

The expectations for incoming Kindergartners are pretty low: being able to count to 10, identify the alphabet, dress themselves, hold a pencil…all things Eva has been doing since birth.

The teachers touted that by the end of Kindergarten, our children will be able to read, write sentences, and do simple addition and subtraction - Eva already does those things too.

Based on these expectations, I’m confident Eva is actually ready for 8th grade. 

Bring it on.

Southern Hospitality

One of my friends is turning 40 this month and wanted to celebrate the occasion with a girls’ trip.  She chose Hilton Head Island, South Carolina as our party destination.  She planned the entire trip; I just had to get a plane ticket and show up. 

Now that’s how you go on vacation.

We had such a good time together, laughing, telling secrets, and soaking up the sun.  We made day trips to Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, and ate like queens.

The weekend went too quickly.

The night we landed it was after midnight by the time we picked up the rental car.  We were starving and stopped at the only place we could find that was open.  It was a fast food joint called “Cook Out,” where everything was cheap and delicious.  In the drive-thru, we asked the cashier for a small Cheerwine.  In a slow, Southern drawl he replied, “I’m sorry, Ma’am.  We only have that in Large or Huge.”  Welcome to the South. 

The next day our adventures began.  On Hilton Head Island, we rented bicycles and road along the beach and around the island, we swam in the ocean, and laid out in the sunshine. 

In Savannah, we walked along the riverfront, took a ferry ride, visited Wormsloe plantation, enjoyed a sidewalk arts festival, and went on a ghost tour of the city.

On the drive to Charleston, we stopped by the Angel Oak Tree, then drove into Charleston, where we visited Boone Hall Plantation and walked through the historic sites of the city.  Boone Hall Plantation was my favorite part of the trip.  It was humbling to see the history of slavery in person.  I left with a deeper respect for the slaves who endured unthinkable conditions, yet didn’t allow the circumstances to break their spirits.  Truly amazing. 

And then our party was over and it was back to reality.  My sweet Eva and Michael had a card and gifts waiting for me when I arrived. 

 

I’m so glad I had the chance to get away with my girlfriends.  I’m also incredibly grateful that Mykey rearranged his work schedule so I could go, and didn’t even complain that I was gone over his birthday.  What a guy!

Hmmm…now where should I run away to next?