I'm writing it down because I want to remember it. The dishes were done, the counters were wiped (mostly) clean, and the laundry sorted. One load in the wash and one on deck. The dusting wasn't and the floors weren't. (But when are they?)
By 8:30am we were all dressed and ready for a stroller/bike ride (even mommy had showered)! Eighty something felt cool compared to recent disgustingly hot temperatures but I was still glad I had chosen a tank and shorts. Hannah led the way while mommy and AJ followed, all the way mommy pushing with one hand and holding her hot coffee in the other (It's a gift). We made it to our favorite pond and found a spot to sit for a water break while Hannah (aka Rapunzel) provided an interpretive dance and skipping show to random Disney on Pandora. After that it was time to go home. AJ was getting sleepy and ready for his morning nap. Hannah raced in the garage for a popsicle and when mommy said it was too early for popsicles there were no tears. AJ took a nice long nap and when he woke up it was time to leave the house for some fun at the library! We drove to the Urbandale library for a change of pace and checked out 20 books (little behind on the summer reading program anyone else?) The highlight for Hannah was the "self checkout." Luckily people piling up behind us were very patient. After she tore off the longest receipt we have received from a library as of yet, we headed outside to check out a little garden area we saw on the way in. We explored a little, counted 7 shoots of water squirting out of the fountain, and discovered a little creek and cute little butterfly garden (that unfortunately the heat had basically destroyed). The choices for lunch were Brueggers or Z'mariks and Hannah chose Brueggers (which I was hoping for)! One of the places I used to frequent weekly but don't get around to much anymore. After my usual Asiago Bagel with low fat Veggie cream cheese, BBQ chips, &
fountain Coke, I was in a happy place. Daddy called with super good news, so good that it demanded immediate attention and his favorite Heath bar blend of ice cream. We couldn't stay long, just made a couple loops around the block and told him goodbye to head home for naps. I was sure that since it was later than normal and we had a good thirty minute drive from downtown to Polk City; Mission: Arrive Home Before Sleeping would be a total failure, but I was spared by an iPhone and an extra blue straw. It's called using your resources people! And because of this, I got to use the computer and watch Friends in complete silence for an entire hour. When they awoke we got a start on our library book reading binge and then decided why not go outside and play with the water stuff! Stuff = our own version of a water table...a 5 gallon pail of water and various recycled scoops, funnels, barbies that can get wet, & recycling tubs. AJ especially loved this and really wasn't afraid to get himself (or his sister) wet. He also loved drinking the water from a little cup, which I discouraged at first but then his expressions after taking a drink were so funny that I couldn't help but let the nonsense continue. It was a clean bucket without too many sticks floating in it? And then, the most glorious thing of all happened. Rain clouds quickly hovered, the wind suddenly picked up, and it started to rain - when the kids were already wet! AJ was scared and just wanted to stay safe with mommy. I knew this would not be the case with Hannah. I quickly fetched her umbrella. And I watched. It wasn't time for anything.
It was just time to be. Have you ever watched a 4 year old in the rain? She danced and ran and jumped and twirled and splashed with "I can't believe my mom is letting me do this" smiles from ear to ear. Then daddy came home and encouraged even more jumping in the biggest puddles at the end of the driveway. We watched her for quite awhile and then in an unfortunate turn of events a tornadic wind gust literally knocked her on her knees and left her janky umbrella looking slightly more janky. Yes, this is what decided it was time for this good thing to come to an end. So we came inside for baths and ate supper in our jammies. Daddy played with the kids while I picked up the kitchen and made my first zuchinni bread, and not just of the season, but ever (which by the way turned out fantastic...watch for the recipe soon)! And...as if our day wasn't exciting enough, just before going to bed AJ took two steps to mommy!
AJ splashes Hannah
...What a glorious feeling...
Ahhhhh .... yesterday!
*Note: as I write this it is 1:03pm and I am still in my (Hello Kitty) pajama pants. Isn't it nice to know that in this crazy, unpredictable, and wonderful life...
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever - Hebrews 13:8
