August 7, 2014

We have a lot of new things around this house, including a new computer...but the new computer is not set up. To be fair, we've been very busy.

Last Friday, we hired our first babysitter that was not family or close friend. Her name is Jalisa and she is amazing. So qualified, I would have been crazy not to hire her. Plus, she lives in the neighborhood. After I fed the boys, Francis came home and took me out to a very nice dinner at Main Street Grille. It was good, and then we went to a see Guardians of the Galaxy. I can't remember the last movie I saw in a Theater with Francis, much less on opening weekend. It was so fun. While we were gone, my in-laws came in town and relieved the babysitter, so when we got home, the boys were in happily in bed and Francis's parents were all but asleep too. I realized afterwards that I was gone 5 hours: the longest I've ever been away from Robert. He didn't seem to mind though, as he was asleep for most of it!

Saturday, with the help of my in-laws and Dad, we built a play set in the backyard. It is so cute! It has a little restaurant with a bench on the bottom, and a window on the top deck with a rock climbing wall, slide and ladder all attached to the top deck of the fort. On the swing set portion is a swing, one set of handle bars and a back to back glider. The boys love it! The night we finished, our next door neighbor asked to come over and play (he's never done that before), and he and William had a blast. William has asked ever morning and evening since if he can go outside and play on it. I think it's a hit! Robert likes it too. He can climb up the slide all by himself, and squeals with glee when he can stand up there with the big  boys. Did I mention Saturday was our 6th anniversary? It might not have been "romantic" but it was so full of love!

Sunday, Francis parents joined us a church, and stayed till after dinner as we still had some tweaking to do in the backyard to level the ground. It was a glorious weekend and I would not have wanted to spend my anniversary any other way!

Another event of note is that the Browers (Dave, Tracy, Penelope and Forrest) are in town for the week. Tracy and I took all 4 kids to the Thinkery on Tuesday. Penelope and William have a special connection. It's been over a year since their last meeting, but they always start as if they've always been together. I was happy to meet baby Forrest, just as Tracy was glad to meet Robert. We hung out all morning and even had lunch together at Chick-fil-a before we parted ways for rest time. As soon as Dave finished work downtown, all 4 of them came up to our house. William woke up from his nap and asked every 30 seconds if Penelope was here yet. Apparently, Penelope did the same. When she did arrive, the kids were joined at the hip. They never fought or argued. Francis came home and we all had dinner together. William insisted on doing the prayer and included "thank you for Penelope" in it. The kid has never thanked God for anyone over the dinner table, no less someone present! It was so cute. A short while later, Penelope told William she loved him. Tracy and Dave assured us she never does that. She then proceeded to hug and kiss him when they finally parted ways. William hugged back and told her to come again soon. It's interesting that they have only met three times in their lives, but they always seem like they belong together. I guess it's genetic as their daddies get along so well too! Robert and Forrest were not to be outdone and had a rip-roaring time laughing and playing in a language only they could understand. Overall a day for the record books!

The rest of this week we have been taking advantage of all of the free birthday things you can do around town for William. We did Toys R Us where you get a crown, balloon and $5 to spend in the store. He chose a bath toy car. We've done Barnes and Noble where you get a free muffin (and story time). On Monday we will do the Disney Store where you get a hat and birthday surprise as they parade you around the store and sing. I can't believe William will be 3 in 4 days. How did this happen!? William is super excited, but I can't get over how fast this has gone.

Robert too is growing so fast. He has an opinion about everything and lets you know what he thinks. He can walk, cruise, or crawl everywhere. And he does most all of it with an ever present smile.

Before I get teary eyed (I'm already far too tired for this time of night), I will close this by saying this is has been a glorious summer. I will be sad to see it end. If summer's had a taste, this one would be of a sweet rich apple, both whetting the appetite and satisfying the spirit.

Why yes, I am currently reading Anne of Green Gables, why do you ask?