Alligator tears and splash

We went to Myakka state park today and went on a bike ride. Makili and Gabrielle went in the bike trailer. Gabrielle was happy as a clam until we stuck Makili in there too. She did not want to share that space and wailed for a little while until she fell asleep and sweat out the crying against the plastic window. We saw alligators and nice Florida vistas. And we did it before we died of heat. Remember when I lived in Hawaii and 85 degrees was the norm?







We also spent some time in the pool today. He really liked it once he got used to the temperature. We couldn't get him to stay in long enough for that yesterday. But he was psyched to splash, splash, splash. We all really enjoyed watching it.

30 Days of Photos: Day 25

Instead of napping.

A few more from yesterday.

Seriously the worst night of sleep ever. Last night was a testament to respecting the routines of your child. Put him/her to bed on time (or at least close). Follow other established routines, such as not nursing him every hour, not picking him up every time he cries. Worst night of sleep ever. I can’t even call it that because there wasn’t actually any sleep. Raph took him away outside this morning, since there is really no other retreat in the house, and just as I had fallen asleep the goddamn alarm went off on the phone.

Bare-footed Bliss

All this sun and bare skin and family we haven't seen in a while. It's all I can do not to walk around ALL day taking pictures.

30 Days of Photos: Day 24

First kiss...Makili took it like a man.

30 Days of Photos: Day 23

The airplane wasn't enough flying I guess.

A story.

Once upon a time, there was pretty young lady. All the guys were interested and fought to take her out on the town. Two gentlemen in particular sought her attentions. They tried all kinds of tactics to win her over, and get her into their car.

While they were arguing a dashingly handsome chap happened upon the scene.

While the gents duked it out for the ladies attention, the stranger made his move. He smooth talked his way right into her car after sharing stories of mashed bananas and Japanese toy cell-phones.

One of the gents tried to talk some reason into the stranger, making him realize what he was up against,

but the stranger was not deterred. He and the lady traveled many miles together, created a language of their own, and shared toys.

She even brought him his pacifier whether he wanted it or not. They both lived happily ever after.

30 Days of Photos: Day 22

No fancy composition here. Just plain cuteness.

FINAL REMINDER

Comment Contest Ends Tuesday April 15! Every comment enters your name into a drawing for a package of hand-made goods. (Not this quilt, but you never know...I thought it might get some attention.) Good luck.

New Boo-boo, Mud Boots, and Sugar

Makili and his buddy Sam had a little accident and Makili got a new wound - you can see it there on his lip. This one really wasn't my fault, for the record. He really likes tylenol and really thought by sucking on the end he'd get some. What a disappointment.


I brought the kids to our house today to go out in the wetland. I was hoping to put them to work watering our newly planted trees and adding mulch and what not, but Morgan wasn't a happy camper so we frolicked in the mud for a short while before heading back inside...


to make cookies. Morgan perked up for that.

30 Days of Photos: Day 21

Oh Yeah...

I never was able to scan that picture of Raph and I when we were younger, but my mom sent me this one of us in San Francisco several years ago. Our lives were simpler then.

30 Days of Photos: Day 20

First time using the quilting foot I bought three years ago.

A Full Day's Work

What a busy Saturday. So full, so fun. I started off the day searching for host families at the Family Resource Center's annual toy sale. I was early and so I also set out all the clothes for sale which was A LOT! It just so happened that in doing so however, I bought two grocery bags full of clothes for $10. I couldn't stop myself. Some for Makili, some for others, all fun. I got to chat with lots of other moms and also think I might have found a few host families. YES!

while I was there, Raph went on a hike in York with Makili and had some fun of his own. We came home and played with his new toys and books, and got a bath. Makili refused to get out even though he was slipping all over the place.


Nadine called to see if we were interested in going to Fort Foster with her and the kids, since her husband isn't feeling well. We were in the process of deciding what we were going to do outside since it was nice, so it was perfect. Raph packed up his bike, giving Jack a riding companion. Unfortunately, I had my camera on the wrong setting and missed some awesome shots, but there were still some cute ones...





After that we came home and planted five trees that we got from the Arbor Day Foundation. Five more to go tomorrow. We ate calzones and are finally catching our breath.

30 Days of Photos: Day 19

Pincher Grip.

30 Days of Photos: Day 18

Salt, Sesame Oil, Soy Sauce, EVOO, sugar, EVOO spray. The line-up.